PFN Health Services - Careers
Indigenous Health Community Navigator
POSITION SUMMARY
The IHCN is a key source to the Indigenous people, caregivers, and their families within Paul First Nation and Alexis Nakota Sioux First Nation. This position will assist community members with navigating the health care system, ensuring access to and provision of culturally appropriate health services, and link clients with the health and community support required.
​The Navigator position combines knowledge of clinical care with Indigenous traditions to deliver excellence in health care while respecting cultural differences. This role supports the connection between Indigenous People's communities, and their culture with their respective health professionals.
​Support includes assessment, collaboration with the Alberta Health Services Indigenous Wellness Coordinator on discharge planning, prevention of (re)admissions, referrals to appropriate community health and social services (e.g., housing) access to healthcare appointments, and other duties as assigned. The goal is for patients to experience a seamless and timely flow through the continuum of care.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
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60% Navigational Support to Indigenous Patients and Families Along the Care Continuum
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Establish a therapeutic relationship with patients and families, providing a contact to link the patient, health team, hospital, and community services to support care.
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Facilitate a collaborative approach between the patients, families, communities, healthcare team, and community supports.
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· Advocate for and help guide patients through the healthcare system and address issues as able; develop relationships with patients and families.
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Use Indigenous cultural knowledge and culturally appropriate processes.
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Assist with the creation of discharge plans when patients leave the hospital or care program and ensure coordination with community supports as required
15% Identify and Address Indigenous Patients' Barriers to Accessing Care
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Facilitate orientation of patients and families on the navigator role and the various supports that are available to the patients and families.
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Engage with patients to determine medical and nonmedical barriers to care and provide information to improve access to components of the health system outside acute care.
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Access patient support systems, addressing patient-specific needs and assisting with logistical issues.
15% Local Community Connection
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Develop and maintain cultural awareness and competency to effectively engage and collaborate with Indigenous populations and other stakeholders.
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Develop relationships and connections with Indigenous communities, including urban and rural services for Indigenous peoples.
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Provide referral, advocacy, and support to Indigenous patients to support access to the most appropriate healthcare and community services.
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Act as a conduit, as appropriate, between community-based primary care providers and programs (e.g., home care, palliative care) to support linkages and connections to appropriate educational resources, care pathways, and other resources.
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Promote and support culturally safe services and education for public, healthcare professionals, and community organizations.
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10 % Data and Workload Management
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Complete data collection as required.
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Participate in quality improvement initiatives as required.
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Appropriate reporting of workload to stakeholders as directed / required.
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Education
Required: Grade 12 or equivalent PLUS additional study
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Experience, Skills and Competencies
Required:
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A minimum of three years’ direct experience working with Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit (FNMI)) in hospital or community-based case management, health promotion, public health, or social work setting.
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Knowledge of case management / system navigation models and principles.
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Understanding of trauma-informed care, and an understanding of the intergenerational trauma that impacts Indigenous Peoples in Alberta.
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Experience with and supportive of Indigenous healing practices.
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Familiarity with Indigenous communities, organizations, and history in Alberta.
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Indigenous cultural competency skills.
Willingness to participate in ongoing cultural learning and traditional teachings.
Preferred:
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Demonstrated relationships with FNMI communities and / or organizations in the WestView Primary Care Network catchment area is considered an asset.
Fluency in an FNMI language is an asset
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Work Requirements
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These positions will work directly with the Paul First and Alexis Sioux First Nation communities and may be required to join clients in appointments as needed.
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To Apply
Please visit https://www.westviewpcn.ca/careers.