Nova Scotia Community Health Board - Northern Zone...

Volunteer Role Description

A Community Health Board (CHB) is a group of volunteers from your community who work together to improve health and wellness. They provide advice to the Nova Scotia Health Authority and share information about local health and wellness priorities.

What Does a CHB Do?

• Gather ideas and share information about improving health and wellness in your community.
• Advocate for actions to promote and improve health and wellness based on community input.
• Develop partnerships with local community groups and award Wellness Fund grants to local projects.

What Does a CHB NOT Do?

• Do not govern or manage the delivery of health services, hire or supervise staff, hold funds in their own right, or resolve individual patient care concerns.

Benefits of Being a CHB Member

• Support the vision of the NSHA: “Healthy people, healthy communities - for generations”.
• Develop a broad knowledge and understanding of community and organizations within it.
• Work with partners to support improvements to the Social Determinants of Health in your community.
• Learn more about health processes such as community health planning and public engagement.
• Develop new skills and learn about current health and wellness issues affecting the community.

Qualifications

• Must be a resident of the area served by the CHB and have an active interest in the health and wellness of your community.
• Demonstrate clear knowledge of community health and wellness issues or willingness to learn and an interest in health promotion.
• Awareness and consideration of the Social Determinants of Health.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member to achieve shared goals as identified by the CHB plan(s).
• Willingness and ability to commit the time necessary for the work of the board.

Time Commitment

• Typically, members are expected to attend one meeting per month, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours in length, 10 months of the year (September to June).
• Additional sub-committee work and meetings may be requested periodically.
• CHB members are appointed for a term of up to three years, with a maximum of two three-year terms of service.

Training and Support

• Participate in the established volunteer development and engagement process and receive an orientation binder at their first meeting with a formal orientation to the board in the first year.
• Specific training for future roles is provided as they are assumed.
• Ongoing support will be provided by the CHB Coordinator and the Executive committee.

Expectations of CHB Members

• A willingness to come prepared to meetings having read review materials, background information, etc.
• Attend and actively participate in the meetings and affairs of the CHB and give due notice of non-attendance.
• Maintain a positive and collaborative working relationship both within the CHB and with the NSHA and other organizations and groups. Observe proper decorum and show respect toward fellow CHB members, NSHA staff and community partners.
• Capacity to look at all sides of an issue and render wise decisions.
• Disclosure of any real or perceived conflict of interest and follow the CHB Process for Conflict of Interest.
• Support and abide by decisions passed by the CHB.
• Adhere to all CHB and NSHA policies and guidelines.
• Recognize the Chair as the spokesperson for the CHB.
• Participation in annual self and board evaluation process.
• Acknowledge that complaints will be reported at the CHB level investigated and appropriate action taken. This may involve creating an “agreement for improvement” plan, disciplinary action, sanctions or legal action.

Who Are the CHBs and Their Members Accountable To?

• The Nova Scotia Health Authority (via the CHB coordinator and PECHBS team).
• The communities served by the CHB.
• The other members of the CHB.