Community Council Advisor

Oxford Ontario Health Team

Community Council Advisor

Role Description - Updated August 2026

Background:

The Oxford Ontario Health Team (Oxford OHT) is a team of local health professionals, organizations, and community members. We are working together to build a stronger, healthier community for all.

As part of our commitment to a meaningful partnership with community members, we are recruiting individuals to join the Oxford OHT Community Council as Community Advisors. Community Advisors can be patients, advocates, clients, families, caregivers, people with lived experience, and other citizens who are passionate about improving health and social service delivery in Oxford. Community Advisors will serve in an advisory and decision-making capacity to make recommendations on matters that impact the experience of patients, clients, caregivers and families receiving care within Oxford. Community Advisors work within the OHT’s scope of work.

The primary purpose of this role is to gain patient and public insights into health and social services and delivery through a system-level lens. Community Council members serve in volunteer positions. In recognition of their contributions, members are eligible to receive an annual honorarium (provided as a gift card) and expense reimbursement in accordance with OHT policies.

Qualifications:

• Over the age of 18;
• Resides, receives care, or is a caregiver/family member to an individual who has received health care in Oxford within the last 2 years;
• Committed to the Oxford OHT’s mission and values (collaborative, accountable, respectful, adaptable and person-centred); and
• A desire to help improve health and social services and delivery in Oxford.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Regularly participate as an active member of the Oxford OHT’s Community Council.

Attend monthly meetings either in-person or virtually.

• Share your lived experience and perspectives, if comfortable
• Advocate for community needs from a system-level perspective
• Respectfully listen to and appreciate the views of others
• Members are encouraged to participate in additional Oxford OHT committees, working groups if possible.

Adapted from GHHN Engagement Toolkit and AOHT Community Partnership Toolkit.

Member Expectations:

• Community Advisors are encouraged to make a longer-term commitment to the Council, ideally up to three years, while recognizing that individual circumstances and availability may change over time.
• Participate actively when possible. The Oxford OHT’s Community Council meets monthly for 1.5 hours. (Approximate 3-5 hour commitment each month. You may choose to be involved in additional working groups and committees.)
• Read meeting materials in advance of the meeting. Come to the meeting prepared to contribute and discuss agenda items
• Respect the collaborative process and understand that final decision-making related to process improvements is the responsibility of the Oxford OHT’s Leadership and Strategy Council
• Sign a confidentiality agreement to maintain confidentiality of patient and organizational sensitive material.

Our Commitment: We Will

• Explain internal processes and terminology as needed for clarification and understanding.

Onboarding includes an acronym and terminology document.

• Assist with any technical issues with attending meetings.
• Provide a safe space for you to contribute and be respected for your insight.
• Work with you to address any questions or concerns related to involvement.
• Provide initial orientation and training, as well as ongoing training (where required) to ensure you are ready and comfortable to actively participate. Characteristics of a Successful Member
• Respectful of others and their perspectives
• Ability to see the big picture beyond their own experience
• Non-judgmental with a positive attitude
• Team player
• Desire to learn
• Desire to help create meaningful change
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patient and organizational information

Application Process

Fill out the Oxford OHT Community Advisor application survey online

(https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/eb914e6a86a84469b466a3cc861d20cd) or complete the recruitment form and submit to info@oxfordoht.ca. We will contact potential candidates to participate in an informal interview process.

The Oxford OHT is committed to providing accessible and barrier-free engagement opportunities for partners from all backgrounds. Please forward accommodation requests, questions, or concerns to info@oxfordoht.ca

Adapted from GHHN Engagement Toolkit and AOHT Community Partnership Toolkit.