Indigenous Cultural Wellness Coordinator, HART Hub - Peterborough Community Health Centre

Compensation: Annual Salary of $65,920 plus generous paid time off, group benefits, and HOOPP pension

Terms: Full-time 1.0 FTE, permanent

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours/Week

Start Date: November 2026

Location: Peterborough HART Hub

Link to Job Posting: www.ptbochc.ca/careers

Peterborough Community Health Centre (PCHC) is pleased to partner with various Peterborough agencies, to offer services through the new Peterborough Homelessness Addiction and Recovery Team (HART) Hub. The Peterborough HART Hub is designed as a low-barrier, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, health care model that integrates primary care, mental health, substance use treatment, housing with supports, and health systems navigation.

Organizational Commitment

PCHC and the HART Hub (HH) is committed to being a culturally safe, inclusive, and equity-driven organization that recognizes the inherent rights, knowledge systems, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. We understand that Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and healing are essential to the health and wellbeing of all communities, not only Indigenous clients. All staff share responsibility for embedding culturally appropriate and trauma-informed practices into every aspect of our work, guided by the principles of reconciliation, anti-racism, and respect for diverse worldviews.

JOB SUMMARY The Indigenous Cultural Wellness Coordinator plays a critical role within the Peterborough HART Hub (HH), working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary Health Team and Housing Teams to bring Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and cultural practices into the delivery of care and support services.

Working in respectful partnership with Indigenous individuals, families, communities, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community partners, the Coordinator advances wellness, cultural safety, and equitable access to culturally safe and responsive services. The role supports the integration of Indigenous approaches to wellness with Western health and social service practices, while honouring Indigenous knowledge systems, cultural traditions, community priorities, and the principles of self-determination.

The Coordinator contributes to the co-creation and implementation of initiatives that celebrate Indigenous strengths, promote connection and belonging, address systemic barriers, and support wholistic well-being. Through relationship-building, cultural guidance, advocacy, and collaboration, the Coordinator helps strengthen culturally grounded supports across the Peterborough HART Hub and fosters an environment where Indigenous individuals feel respected, heard, safe, and connected to culture and community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES

- Work alongside the HH team to identify and advance community-defined Indigenous wellness goals and priorities
- Support the HH teams in strengthening culturally safe, trauma-informed, and equitable approaches to care and service delivery
- Support the meaningful integration of Indigenous knowledge systems, traditional healing, and land-based practices within HH
- Build robust relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and service providers that are rooted in trust, reciprocity, and mutual respect.
- Support Indigenous clients within the HH, connect to traditional healing, housing, addiction recovery, and health care
- Support clients in accessing housing, addiction and mental health supports, and culturally meaningful resources in collaboration with HH partners
- Ensure culturally safe care, and supporting connections to traditional healing practices, as desired
- Utilize the HH model to ensure comprehensive Indigenous case management and service delivery,



coordinating multiple services that address homelessness, addiction, and mental health needs
- Work closely with HH team members, including addictions workers, income support roles, and housing specialists, to create individualized service plans that reflect the unique needs of Indigenous clients
- Work with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community organizations and help clients strengthen connection to their Indigenous community and cultural resources
- Work within the HH teams to identify and achieve substance related goals as it relates to their individual support needs and recovery
- Support clients in issues related to maintaining their health and housing
- Develop and facilitate relevant group programming to meet the needs of clients
- Make connections and build trusting relationships
- Collaborate with other formal and informal leaders in Indigenous health to address systemic racism within the health care system and provide input and advice on Indigenous care issues
- Working as a contributor in the HH teams support service users to development appropriate care plans, connect with local services and engage in proactive crisis intervention
- Support clients and their families on their journey toward wholistic wellness
- Assist Indigenous clients and families through barriers and challenges in the system, connecting to resources and collaborating with established justice supports for people involved with the criminal justice system (pre-release support, probation or bail)
- Provide accessible options for communication for clients with varying needs and literacy levels (AODA, sign language, audio translation)
- Support and coordinate integrated care plans that encompasses access to cultural and traditional teachings, language speakers, acute and primary care, mental health, addictions, income, transportation and safety
- other duties as assigned

Contribution to team and organization activities:

- Communicate clearly, listen accurately, is open to feedback, handle conflict appropriately, and displays sensitivity to others.
- Maintain the reputation and confidentiality of the HART Hub and its clients at all times.
- Work in a manner that respects and values the diversity of communities and individuals.
- Work in a manner that reflects our mission, values, and service delivery approach.
- Adhere to all applicable Peterborough CHC policies and procedures and those related to the HART Hub host organization

JOB REQUIREMENTS

- All employees of PCHC are required to submit a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Screening upon hire and every 3-5 years thereafter.
- Comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), its regulations and all CHC occupational health and safety policies and procedures.
- Standard First Aid and CPR (or willingness to obtain upon hire)
- Due to the requirements of this position, a valid Ontario driver’s license, use of own vehicle and proof of valid insurance is required.
- Applicants must include a reference letter from an Elder or Traditional Knowledge Holder outlining their experience in Indigenous Cultural Wellness.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Work Experience:

- Degree or diploma in Public Health, Indigenous Studies, Social Work, Health Promotion, or a related field or an equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and lived and/or professional experience.




- Experience working with local Indigenous communities and an understanding of traditional protocols.
- Lived experience as an Indigenous person is recognized as a valued form of expertise, contributing to culturally safe client relationships and to the organization’s integration of Indigenous-informed approaches across all services.

Skills and Abilities:

- Knowledge of Indigenous health issues, traditional healing practices, and wellness frameworks.
- Strong communication, facilitation, and community engagement skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders in culturally appropriate ways.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic data analysis tools.

WORKING CONDITIONS

- Company culture – Social setting promoting communication, helping, healing and education between employees. Creative environment encouraging innovation and experimentation as well as personal expression. Investigative environment built on critical thinking, experimentation and problem-solving, where you are encouraged to be curious and learn.
- Physical Demands – Long periods of sitting and in front of a computer, typing and some walking. Lifting of some objects up to five pounds.
- Environment – Work is performed in office, community, housing, and outdoor settings, including travel, outreach, and community events. The role may involve exposure to infectious diseases, uncontrolled substances, potential physical or verbal violence, working alone, slips, trips and falls, inclement weather, and other environmental hazards. The employee must be able to identify and respond appropriately to hazards, follow health and safety protocols, and have the required training to work safely in diverse community and outreach settings. Minimal exposure to hazardous materials, such as cleaning supplies, may occur.
- Mental Effort – Quick thinking for frequent handling of difficult situations that some may find stressful and / or upsetting. A HART Hub is a busy environment that can be noisy and subject to frequent interruptions. The incumbent will need excellent organizational, time and stress management skills to complete the required tasks.
- Travel to various Indigenous communities and partner locations may be required.
- Flexible working hours, including some evenings or weekends for community events.
- Combination of office-based work and field/community engagement.

Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) candidates under the Ontario Human Rights Code, Section 24(1), and the organization’s approved Special Program (Section 14) to address systemic barriers. This role has been designated to support services for Indigenous communities in culturally grounded ways. Applicants who wish to self-identify as Indigenous are invited to do so in their cover letter or application.

Applicants must include a reference letter from an Elder, Traditional Knowledge Holder or other recognized Indigenous community representative outlining their relevant experience.

Send your cover letter and resume and Elder/Knowledge Keeper reference letter to [email protected]

Please indicate position applied for in the subject line of the email

DEADLINE October 23, 2026

Peterborough CHC and HART Hub are equal opportunity employer who seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact us at (phone hidden) to communicate their needs. We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for interview will be conacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,920.00 per year

Benefits

- Company pension
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 Indigenous Cultural Wellness Coordinator, HART Hub (Peterborough)
🏢 Peterborough Community Health Centre
📍 Peterborough