Le Centre universitaire de santé McGill (CUSM) est un centre hospitalier universitaire intégré, reconnu à l’échelle internationale pour l’excellence de ses programmes cliniques, de sa recherche et de son enseignement. Le CUSM a pour objectif d’assurer aux patients des soins fondés sur les connaissances les plus avancées dans le domaine de la santé et de contribuer au progrès des connaissances.
Job Description
RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF THE MUHC
The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) is a world-renowned biomedical and hospital research centre. Located in Montreal, Quebec, the Institute is the research arm of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University. The RI-MUHC is supported in part by the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQS).
Position summary
The Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network (CADeN) is a national health promotion and research organization working to reduce harm by improving the safety and appropriateness of medication use. A small, dynamic team with a big mission, our work and achievements span provinces and range from public awareness campaigns to healthcare professional education, from province-wide research trials to influencing national drug policy.
As Research Assistant (public engagement), you will contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of CADeN’s public-facing and engagement activities. As part of this work, you will proactively build relationships with a network of community organizations, patient partners with diverse backgrounds and life experiences, and with Indigenous communities across Canada.
You will report directly to the Scientific Director (Dr. Emily McDonald), with direction also provided by the Assistant Director (Camille Gagnon).
General Duties
• Plan and coordinate activities (e.g., public presentations and webinars: the distribution of tools and resources) in support of a nationwide public awareness campaign promoting the appropriate use of medications (30%),
• Build and foster relationships with community organizations, members of the public, patients and healthcare professionals representing diverse abilities, cultures, gender identities, languages, and geographies (20%),
• Contribute to the development, translation, and continuous improvement of public awareness tools (i.e., website, plain language articles, educational brochures and handouts, patient testimonials, presentation slides, webinars, newsletter) (20%),
• Participate in outreach efforts with Indigenous communities and representatives of Indigenous health organizations, to identify what is needed to support medication appropriateness in different communities (15%),
• Participate in the planning and coordination of in-person network events in collaboration with Indigenous communities, taking the lead in advocating for and ensuring the needs and perspectives of Indigenous partners are included (15%).
Specific Responsibilities
Under the direction of the immediate supervisor, the incumbent will:
Develop, implement and evaluate a public awareness campaign
• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of activities in support of the network’s public awareness campaign to promote medication appropriateness and deprescribing, engaging diverse community organizations and patient partners across the country through this work. Modify campaign based on evaluation outcomes. Activities include organizing public presentations, disseminating an educational toolkit (paper and virtual), as well as sharing of online information (website and social media).
• Adapt the network’s public awareness tools to a variety of languages and cultures, in collaboration with communities and organizations.
• Contribute to the development and continual improvement of public awareness tools, including web pages, newsletter, communications toolkits, presentation slides, webinars, plain language articles, educational brochures.
Relationship-building with community organizations, patients, and public representatives
• Identify, partner, and engage with community organizations, public representatives, and patients with diverse lived experiences, including members of underrepresented and underserved communities (this may involve, for example, disseminating information and communications materials to partners and contacts, collaboratively organizing presentations, regularly following up with emails and phone calls).
• Inform the development and rollout of network research and knowledge transfer activities by seeking perspectives and experiences from patient and public partners.
• Provide support to community partners in the public awareness activities they lead, increasing the reach of these activities.
Relationship-building with Indigenous communities
• Build relationships and hold meetings with Indigenous peoples (Elders, Traditional Knowledge Keepers, Band Councillors, Health Directors, etc.) and representatives of Indigenous health organizations both to discuss community priorities concerning medication appropriateness as well as to seek individuals and communities interested in engaging with the network.
Planning and coordination of in-person Network community engagement events with Indigenous communities
• Participate in the planning of in-person talking circles in collaboration with Indigenous communities on community experiences relating to polypharmacy, deprescribing, and safe and appropriate medication use.
• Collate and analyze the results (key themes) from the talking circles, informing the subsequent development of a tool or process to support appropriate medication use.
Education / Experience
Education: Master's Degree
Field of Study: University degree with a background in the field of community engagement, health, social sciences, communications or education (or other related fields)
Work Experience: 2 to 3 years
Required Skills
• English/French bilingualism (written and spoken),
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills,
• Ability to work independently or with teams with minimum supervision,
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills, attention to detail, ability to manage a complex agendas,
• Excellent computer skills with knowledge of a variety of software (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.),
• Good project coordination skills,
• Ability to handle multiple programs and/or priorities simultaneously,
• Good knowledge of the principles and best practices of equity, diversity and engagement,
• Prior experience in community or public engagement an asset,
• Experience building respectful relationships and collaborating with Indigenous communities an asset,
• Knowledge of Indigenous history, worldviews, protocols, and principles of data sovereignty (e.g., OCAP® ) an asset,
• IAP2 (international association for public participation) certification an asset.
Additional information
Status: Temporary, full time
Pay Scale: $48,503.00 - $90,090.00 Commensurate with education and experience
Work Shift: Daytime, Monday to Friday, with some flexibility in work hours
Work Site: Hybrid - candidates requiring a fully remote work environment will be considered, in compliance with the Remote Work Policy in place.
Why work with us?
• 4-week vacation, 5th week after 5 years,
• Bank of 12 paid days (personal days and days for sickness or family obligations),
• 13 paid statutory holidays,
• Modular group insurance plan (including gender affirmation coverage),
•Telemedicine,
• RREGOP (defined benefit government pension plan),
• Training and professional development opportunities,
• Child Care Centres,
• Corporate Discounts (OPUS + Perkopolis),
• Competitive monthly parking rate,
• Employee Assistance Program,
• Recognition Program,
• Flex work options and much more!
https://rimuhc.ca/careers
To learn more about our benefits, please visit http://rimuhc.ca/en/compensation-and-benefits
THIS IS NOT A HOSPITAL POSITION.
Equal Opportunity Employment Program
The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity, diversity and inclusion within its community. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates who self-identify as members of racialized groups/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons. We also welcome candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may confidentially contact, research.talent@muhc.mcgill.ca
