Research and Evaluation Specialist, Indigenous Cultural Safety

Supporting the Vision, Values, Purpose and Commitments of Fraser Health including service delivery that is centered around patients/clients/residents and families:

The Research and Evaluation Specialist, Indigenous Cultural Safety (ICS), provides guidance and consultation in the evaluation of program design and delivery of Aboriginal Health (AH) and ICS services in Fraser Health (FH), in addition to providing support in research activities and research capacity development. The Specialist employs a mixture of Indigenous and Western methods for the identification, collection, analysis and interpretation of outcome measures and research data. The position also carries out reviews of related research and links evidence to the evaluation process; reviews and assesses impact on services and staff resources; prepares reports and provides evidence-based recommendations related to FH AH program and service delivery models. The Specialist prepares research grant applications for approval, manages designated research project activities, budgets and resources, including subsequent knowledge translation activities. The Specialist also supports training and capacity development initiatives in the area of Indigenous health research.

1. Provides guidance and consultation to program leadership in Indigenous health research and evaluation of program design and delivery of AH and ICS services in Fraser Health.
2. Leads planning, research, evaluation, and outcome measurement of FH AH and ICS services and initiatives. Works collaboratively with program Managers and teams to assess, determine and/or define required information to satisfy specific business requirements. Works with existing and external data sources, and develops new collection processes.
3. Designs a practical evaluation model that integrates monitoring, self-assessment, planning and evaluation of program or health services (process and outcome measures).
4. Develops evaluation plans by reviewing evidence-based literature, identifying key stakeholders, developing logic models, identifying meaningful key performance indicators for structure, process and outcomes, developing the design and data collection methods, specifying data collection instruments, developing data analysis plans for both qualitative and quantitative data, recommending budget, resourcing and timelines for implementation.
5. Serves as a consultant to FH colleagues and works in collaboration with other departments to make evidence-based recommendations regarding potential changes to programs, delivery of care and impacts on services and staff resources.
6. Works collaboratively with FH programs to support the identification and development of meaningful ICS performance and outcome measures.
7. Coordinates and/or conducts evaluation and research projects through methods such as reviewing literature, designing methodology and tools, recruiting study participants, collecting, compiling, analyzing, interpreting and reporting data, using a blend of Indigenous and Western approaches as needed.
8. Facilitates the development, implementation and maintenance of an ongoing evaluation process for AH and ICS programs and initiatives.
9. Provides clearly written interpretive reports based on quantitative and qualitative evaluation analysis to AH leadership.
10. Attends meetings on behalf of the Manager, Aboriginal Health Strategic Initiatives to offer support, guidance and expertise to others undertaking evaluation and research processes.
11. Develops and prepares research proposals and associated grant applications; interacts with funding agencies to identify and secure grant funding. Acts as Principal Investigator for sponsored research awards; manages designated research budgets and activities.
12. Prepares and submits applications for ethical review to the FH Research Ethics Board (REB) and other REB's, as required, and ensures that all applicable approvals for conducting research in FH and other sites are obtained.
13. Serves as a subject matter expert on best practices related to program evaluation, assessment, monitoring, study design, and research methodologies. Provides guidance to designated program research staff as required.
14. Participates in and advises on knowledge translation activities to ensure optimal spread and uptake of new knowledge arising from evaluation and research projects.
15. Plans and conducts workshops and other training activities and supports capacity development for Indigenous health research, in collaboration with the Department of Evaluation and Research Services education program.
16. Collaborates with research support staff from other FH areas on research and evaluation projects, including the Department of Evaluation and Research Services.
17. Represents FH on internal and external industry and provincial committees as required.

Professional/Technical Capabilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge of health research methodology, principles and procedures.
• Demonstrated knowledge of performance outcome measurement tools, techniques and program evaluation (e.g., program logic models, impact analysis).
• Demonstrated ability in grant writing.
• Ability to use advanced microcomputer software such as database (e.g., Access) or spreadsheets.
• Ability to use quantitative and qualitative data analysis software.
• Ability to manage multiple research and evaluation projects.
• Superior writing and verbal communication abilities and independent problem-solving and decision making skills.
• Competence and knowledge of evaluation processes, including Logic Models, Performance Monitoring frameworks, and data analyses.
• Superior interpersonal skills are required, as well as the ability to interact effectively with a variety of internal and external parties.
• Ability to plan and conduct training and capacity development.
• In depth knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures and histories in BC and Canada.
• Ability to work with the Indigenous communities to build effective relationships and partnerships.
• Understanding of Indigenous Cultural Safety principles