Diabetes Educator

Internal Job Posting

Position: Diabetes Educator

Department: Eskasoni Health Reports to: Manager of Integrated Health Services

Status: Full-Time (37.5 hours per week) Unionized

About the Opportunity

Eskasoni Health Centre is committed to providing high-quality, culturally respectful, community-based, and community-led health services that support wellness across the lifespan.

Reporting to the Manager of Integrated Health Services, the Diabetes Educator is a key member of the multidisciplinary primary care team, providing diabetes prevention, education, counselling, and chronic disease management services to individuals and families in Eskasoni.

The Diabetes Educator works collaboratively with clients, families, physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and community partners to support self-management, improve health outcomes, and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. Through culturally safe, trauma-informed, and person- and family-centred care, the Diabetes Educator empowers clients to make informed decisions while promoting healthy living and wellness within the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide individual and family diabetes education, counselling, and self-management support using culturally safe and trauma-informed approaches.
• Assess client learning needs, readiness to learn, and barriers to diabetes self-management.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate individualized care plans in collaboration with clients, families, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Provide education on diabetes prevention, nutrition, physical activity, medications, blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, complication prevention, and healthy lifestyle choices.
• Monitor blood glucose trends and collaborate with physicians and nurse practitioners regarding medication adjustments and ongoing diabetes management.
• Complete diabetic foot assessments, provide education on foot care, and coordinate referrals for specialized care when required.
• Facilitate individual education sessions, group programs, community workshops, and health promotion initiatives related to diabetes prevention and healthy living.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, dietitians, pharmacists, home care, maternal child health, laboratory services, mental health, and other community programs to provide coordinated, holistic care.
• Support clients in accessing community resources, specialist services, and Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) when appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in accordance with professional standards and Eskasoni Health Centre policies.
• Promote evidence-informed practice by following current diabetes clinical practice guidelines.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, program evaluation, and data collection to support ongoing service development.
• Provide education and support to staff to promote best practices in diabetes prevention and management.
• Build collaborative relationships with provincial and community partners, including Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia, Indigenous Services Canada programs, Diabetes Canada, and other relevant organizations.
• Participate in team meetings, continuing education, and professional development activities.
• Carry out additional duties as required by leadership.

Qualifications

• Current registration in good standing with the applicable professional regulatory body (Nova Scotia College of Nursing, Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists, or another recognized regulatory body authorized to provide diabetes education services).
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), or another recognized health professional degree appropriate to diabetes education.
• Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES/CDE) designation is preferred or willingness to obtain within two years.
• Current BLS certification is required.
• Strong assessment, communication, counselling, organizational, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
• Demonstrated commitment to client-centred, culturally respectful care.
• Valid Nova Scotia driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Ability to speak and/or understand Mi'kmaq is considered an asset.

Experience

• Experience providing diabetes education, chronic disease management, or primary healthcare services is preferred.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities is considered an asset.
• Experience facilitating health education programs, community workshops, or wellness initiatives is considered an asset.
• Experience working within interdisciplinary healthcare teams is preferred.

Cultural Knowledge & Skills

• Understanding of culturally safe, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approaches to care.
• Knowledge of Mi'kmaq culture, traditions, values, and community wellness approaches.
• Understanding of the social determinants of health and their impact on chronic disease management.
• Ability to build respectful, trusting, and collaborative relationships with clients, families, and community partners.
• Commitment to supporting holistic wellness and community-led healthcare.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check, or ability to obtain prior to employment.
• Knowledge of the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program is considered an asset.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records and Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness to participate in continuing education, quality improvement initiatives, and ongoing professional development.
• Flexibility to participate in occasional community events, outreach activities, or educational sessions outside regular working hours as required.

Application Process

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter and updated resume outlining their qualifications and interest in the position through BambooHR.

This posting will remain open until the position is filled.