In this dynamic new role, the Temporary Full- time Diversity Specialist, will focus on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Belonging & Reconciliation (IDEA-R) within our People and Culture portfolio will be responsible for the development, design and implementation of hospital-wide programming, policies and initiatives aimed at advancing DEI priorities at Headwaters Health Care Center.

Reporting to the Director, People & Culture, the Diversity Specialist will support strategy development and collaborate with internal and external partners to ensure Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and reconciliation principles are embedded within our day-to-day operations as well as the organization’s core practice and procedure.

Through the implementation of Headwaters strategies this role will support the organization in building a program to achieve a culture rooted in our values of Kindness, Accountability, Respect and Teamwork free of discrimination for staff, professional staff, and volunteers.

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, and Reconciliation Specialist will work closely with leadership, frontline staff, professional staff, volunteers and patient and family advisors to identify, diagnose, measure, and dismantle systemic barriers to equity and inclusion.

Aligned to our Strategic Priorities, this role will be instrumental in supporting all levels of the organization’s IDEA-R governance model as well as working closely with the Diversity Committee. 

• Contribute to the development and implementation of an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging & Reconciliation strategy in alignment with the organization’s strategic plan.
• Work collaboratively with the IDEA Committee and other key internal and external partners to lead, develop, and integrate IDEA-R strategic goals into Headwaters processes and practices.
• Take the lead on policy development and revision where applicable.
• Provide the knowledge and skills needed to work closely with People and Culture to design and deliver training that builds capacity and understanding of priorities such as diversity, inclusion, equity, and cultural competency.
• Serve as an internal subject matter expert and advisor to internal groups on matters of equity, diversity, inclusion and social accountability opportunities and issues.
• Create and rollout an annual corporate calendar of recognition in support of key dates of significance and initiatives throughout the year.
• Support the development and engagement of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) across the organization or other groups as appropriate.
• Manage and maintain analytics and evaluation tools in collaboration with others as appropriate to continuously evolve and improve programs and opportunities.
• Develop partnerships within the communities we serve to further the organization’s work.
• Other related duties, as required.  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Equity Studies, Social Sciences or equivalent
• Certification or completion of an EDI program with an accredited organization, e.g., Canadian Centre for Diversity and/or Inclusion preferred.
• Thorough understanding and working knowledge of the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Anti-Racism Act
• Demonstrated experience in group facilitation, facilitating organizational change and transition, team or group dynamics, and organizational assessments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with an ability to write briefing notes, reports, organizational communications, presentations and create learning materials to support programs.
• Demonstrated experience influencing positive change in the field of inclusion, diversity, equity, and social responsibility.
• Takes initiative, works proactively, coordinates, and manages projects with multiple stakeholders in a complex environment.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in developing and / or implementing EDI programs, policies and initiatives preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage leadership and build consensus at all levels as well as navigate through a large and complex organization is an asset.
• Experience in working with outcome metrics as a means of evaluation and performance management.
• Skilled at attending to matters that require sensitivity and empathy across a diverse population.
• Experience working in a healthcare environment preferred.