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Call for Applications

2008/2009 Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC)
Aboriginal Health Strategy Internship Program

About the Internship Program

The internship program is open to new university graduates, graduate students, researchers, and/or representatives of Aboriginal organizations who will be hosted by the ministry to undertake a special policy or research project focused on Aboriginal health strategy and/or Aboriginal health information.

The scope of internship projects will be aligned with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's (MOHLTC) strategic priorities for Aboriginal health, including improving the health of Aboriginal people in Ontario.

The internship will :

• Support the ministry's overall goal of improved health for Aboriginal peoples in Ontario, and contribute to the development, refinement, and implementation of a future provincial Aboriginal Health Strategy;
• Strengthen the ministry's role in stewardship for Aboriginal health through the development of new knowledge within targeted priority areas of research and/or policy development;
• Align with the establishment of the Aboriginal Health Council and Local Aboriginal Health Planning Entities, potentially supporting ongoing functions of the Council through research and/or policy development;
• Work to strengthen ministry relations with Aboriginal organizations;
• Provide skills and knowledge development opportunities for interns with an interest in Aboriginal health; and,
• Facilitate increased interaction and knowledge transfer between MOHLTC and the broader Aboriginal health community, including Aboriginal organizations/communities, First Nations, researchers, Local Health Integration Networks, practitioners/health service providers, academic institutions, and the federal government.

Potential subject matter areas are outlined below, although the final focus will be determined in partnership by the ministry and the selected candidate(s). Priority research and policy areas for the internship include :

• Improving measurement of Aboriginal health status and system outcomes;
• Provincial reporting on Aboriginal health status through epidemiological analysis utilizing ministry and other available health databases;
• New provincial strategies to support improved access to health care for Aboriginal peoples;
• Chronic disease prevention and management approaches for the Aboriginal population;
• Linking determinants of health and health system outcomes for Aboriginal communities; and,
• Governance in Aboriginal community health.

Internship Outcomes

In collaboration with the ministry, the intern will review and analyze his/her original project plan for research and/or policy development. The project plan will be further refined and developed to include goals, targets, and outcomes that fit with current ministry research priorities in Aboriginal health.

Examples of outcomes may include :

• Strengthened research expertise;
• First hand experience in government decision making processes related to health policy;
• Opportunities to link with other research and policy areas; and,
• Ability to translate knowledge learned in other professional and academic settings as well as in the Aboriginal community.

Important Details

• Remuneration is up to $80,000 per year depending on experience.
• Moving and/or accommodation expenditures will not be covered.
• Employer/institution must agree to engage in a sponsorship agreement with MOHLTC.
• The intern will not be engaged as an employee, servant or agent of the Government of Ontario.

How to Apply

Application packages must follow the required template and format, including the following elements :

• Cover letter and curriculum vitae (CV);
• Proposal that outlines the candidate's plan for research and/or strategic policy development :
  • Scope of research/policy project
  • Rationale and evidence of need for project
  • Work plan and timelines
  • Required resources (e.g. access to provincial administrative health databases)
  • Deliverables and outcomes
  • Linkage to external partner organizations
  • Knowledge transfer plan explaining how the new knowledge developed will be transferred to the candidate's home organization as well as the broader research and Aboriginal communities
  • Cultural appropriateness and sensitivity of project plan
• One endorsement/recommendation letter from current employer/academic or research supervisor, including a statement of willingness to sponsor;
• Three professional references (excluding current employer/academic or research supervisor); and,
• At least two samples of written policy and/or research work.

Applications should be sent to the attention of :

Aboriginal Health Strategy Internship Program
Health System Strategy Division
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
80 Grosvenor Street, 8^th floor
Hepburn Block, Queen's Park
Toronto, Ontario M7A 1R3

Emailed or faxed applications will not be accepted.

Aboriginal persons are encouraged to apply.

Recruitment Process and Timelines

Applicants are required to complete the attached application template. Only one application per candidate is accepted. Note that only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Applications will be reviewed and assessed against a number of evaluative criteria, including :

• Strong individual achievement and excellent written skills;
• Policy relevance;
• Demonstrated knowledge of health research and/or policy processes;
• Knowledge of Ontario's health system and the health status/needs of Ontario's Aboriginal population;
• Project plan draws linkages with MOHLTC strategic priorities for Aboriginal health; and,
• Cultural appropriateness and sensitivity of project plan.

Applications will be reviewed by a panel to include representatives from MOHLTC and the Aboriginal community.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to take part in the interview stage of the recruitment process.

Forms

• Call for Applications: Instructions   [PDF]
• Internship Application Form