Research Associate 3 - Shkaabe Makwa

Through its core values of Courage, Respect and Excellence, CAMH is implementing its Strategic Plan:Connected CAMH, to transform lives, ignite innovation and discovery, revolutionize education and drive social change. CAMH is more than a hospital, it is a cause. CAMH is on a mission to change the way society thinks about and responds to mental illness.

They aim to eliminate prejudice and discrimination and shape a world where mental illness is central to our healthcare system – a world where Mental HealthisHealth.

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Shkaabe Makwa at CAMH is the first Indigenous-led hospital-based Centre in Canada established to improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across Ontario by advancing wholistic models of mental health and wellness care that are rooted in traditional healing practices. We deliver care, co-design research, and mobilize knowledge and tools to transform health systems. We action community-identified solutions to foster health justice.

The Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (IMHPR) is home to leading scientific experts dedicated to informing policy and practice on mental illness and substance use disorders. IMHPR scientists conduct collaborative research on communities, populations, health systems and global health, and develop and evaluate prevention and intervention initiatives to reduce mental health and substance use challenges. IMHPR is committed to equity, informed by the social determinants of health.

Position Description

Shkaabe Makwa and the Institute for Mental Health Policy Research (IMHPR) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) are seeking a Research Associate 3 for a part-time, contract (12 months) position. Reporting to the Manager for the First Nations Wellness Initiative, Shkaabe Makwa. The Research Associate 3 will support a research project funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research entitled, the First Nations Wellness Initiative.

The Research Associate 3 will assist with coordinating various stages of research using Indigenous research methodologies including the gathering of data and knowledge translation activities. More specifically, the Research Associate 3 will be responsible for coordinating and attending meetings of the Community Advisory Circles for participating communities; supporting community engagement; recruiting participants in various stages of research including, focus groups, one-to-one interviews and Participatory Action Research (PAR); organizing and carrying out required tasks in the community and data gathering activities, including facilitating PAR workshops/focus groups, conducting qualitative interviews, obtaining informed consent from participating community members; ensuring culturally safe and ethical processes associated with the storage of data are being adhered to; compiling and organizing large volumes of information; conducting qualitative data analyses; preparing visual graphics; assisting with the development of community reports and other knowledge mobilization products; connecting with the larger research team on a regular basis; and any other duties associated with the research, as determined throughout the duration of the project. Duties include preparing research study protocols and Research Ethics Board (REB) submissions to ensure that all study activities are monitored and comply institutional requirements.

The Research

Associate 3 will also prepare data for presentations and assist with knowledge translation initiatives. Knowledge of Indigenous data governance and research ethics, principles and protocols contained in the First Nations principles of ownership, control, access and possession OCAP®; the National Inuit Strategy on Research; and Principles of Ethical Métis Research Canada are required. The individual will make it their priority that all research conducted is culturally sensitive and acknowledges and addresses the impacts of colonization, historical loss, historical trauma, historical unresolved grief, and the intergenerational transmission of loss and trauma. Adherence to strict CAMH protocols for the protection of data privacy and confidentiality is required.

As a member of the research team, the Research Associate 3 will join and support a healthy workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork, and complies with all applicable regulatory and legislative requirements.

This is a part-time, contract (12-months) position. This position may have varying hours. This position is located outside of the GTA and will require travel within Ontario throughout the project.

The successful candidate will have a Master’s degree in health or social sciences or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. The candidat