Research Associate 1

CAMH; Young's Point; Hybrid; CAD 48,000 - 61,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in Ontario is seeking a part-time Research Associate 1 to support community-based research initiatives for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. This role involves collecting data, facilitating participatory research, and collaborating with community members. Candidates should have a background in mental wellness and strong organizational skills. The position offers variable hours and opportunities for professional development within a supportive environment that values diversity.

Benefits

HOOPP defined benefit pension plan

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Must be First Nations, Inuit or Métis.
• Experience in mental wellness in Indigenous communities.
• Familiarity with research principles.

Responsibilities

• Support community-based research in First Nations communities.
• Conduct interviews and obtain informed consent.
• Attend team meetings and assist with administrative tasks.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Indigenous engagement

Self-directed learning

Education

3 years of community college and/or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

CAMH is implementing its Strategic Plan: Connected CAMH, to transform lives, ignite innovation and discovery, revolutionize education and drive social change. CAMH aims to change the way society thinks about and responds to mental illness, eliminate prejudice and discrimination, and shape a world where Mental Health is Health.

Shkaabe Makwa at CAMH is the first hospital-based Centre in Canada designed to drive culturally-responsive systems initiatives to achieve health justice and wellness for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities through research, workforce development and innovative healing models.

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 is seeking a part-time contract (12 months), Research Associate 1. This individual will support a research project funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the First Nations Wellness Initiative, which involves the collection of local data and the development of community wellness strategies using participatory action research in First Nations communities. The research program engages all community members, including consumers/patients, families and informal caregivers, service providers and community leaders and Elders. The Research Associate 1 will work collaboratively as part of a team of researchers to implement community-based research, involving both quantitative and qualitative methods.

This position is specific to Saugeen First Nation, reporting to the Manager of the First Nations Wellness Initiative and working closely with the local Research Coordinator to support community meetings and administrative tasks, such as processing honorarium, scheduling meeting venues, attending team meetings, and tasks related to technology. The Research Associate 1 will support various research activities alongside the Research Coordinator in youth-led Participatory Action Research in Saugeen First Nation, including recruiting and screening eligible study participants, obtaining informed consent, scheduling appointments, conducting interviews, and completing other research duties as required. Adherence to strict data privacy and confidentiality protocols is required. As a member of the research team, the Research Associate 1 will join and support a healthy workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork, and complies with applicable regulatory and legislative requirements. This position is located offsite and may involve travel within Ontario.

This part-time contract (12 months) position will have varying hours for one year, and will occasionally include work on evenings and weekends. You will support a healthy workplace that embraces diversity and encourages teamwork while complying with regulatory requirements. Hours of work are variable. This position will be based in Saugeen First Nation with training in Toronto at the start.

Job Requirements

This position requires the incumbent to be First Nations, Inuit or Métis. The successful candidate will have 3 years of community college and/or equivalent experience. Candidate must have at least 1 year of relevant experience involving mental wellness in Indigenous communities; experience in research is an asset. The candidate must be familiar with principles of research and engagement with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis populations. The individual will have excellent communication (verbal/written) and organizational skills. Candidates must be conscientious, reliable, mature, enthusiastic, and motivated. This position requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively while closely following detailed instructions. Candidates require the ability to work effectively in a wide range of settings with individuals from diverse backgrounds. The successful candidate will be able to work independently and possess the capacity for self-directed learning but will also excel in a team environment.

Bilingualism (French/English) and/or proficiency in an Indigenous language would be an asset.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hiring Salary Range: $48,611.88 – $60,764.85 per year (based on qualifications and experience)
• Full Salary Range: $48,611.88 – $72,917.82 per year (reflecting potential growth within the role)
• CAMH Benefits Package: HOOPP defined benefit pension plan, and professional development opportunities.

This role offers job stability, career development, and the chance to contribute to meaningful healthcare initiatives that improve patient and community well-being.