Indigenous Patient Navigator - NEO Navigation
Temporary (April 2026- February 2027)
KEY FUNCTION:
Provide support and advocacy to Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis-FNIM) patients and their families to facilitate and coordinate access to culturally safe care and plan for improving health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. The primary focus of work will be with NEO Kids & Family programs and services to ensure integration and development of program/service delivery of culturally relevant and safe services.
REPORTING:
Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager, Northern Outreach Team.
DUTIES:
1. Receive referrals from patients/families who self-identify as Indigenous and from the NEO Kids & Family inpatient unit, including the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program and outpatient programs that seek support;work directly with the patients/families to identify their need for support.
2. Assist FNIM patients and families in navigating the pediatric healthcare system, provide access to translation, traditional wholistic practices, non-insured benefits and transportation to improve their care experience at HSN and their health outcomes.
3. Work collaboratively with HSN’s health care providers to facilitate access to community-based traditional care services and resources for Indigenous pediatric patients and their families.
4. Promote culturally safe care, voluntary self-identification for First Nation, Inuit, and Metis patients, and raise the capacity of the HSN team regarding cultural safety, and protect patient privacy.
5. Provide psychosocial support to Indigenous patients and their families by incorporating culturally safe services, connecting patients to their families and communities, using technology where required.
6. Promote the use of the Medicine Lodge for patients and families who wish to and are able to gather for traditional ceremonies.
7. Maintain an up-to-date regional inventory of Indigenous related programs and services for patients and families.
8. Promote traditional cultural practices in health and healing by facilitating access to cultural, spiritual, and linguistic resources.
9. Foster strong relationships and communications with Indigenous-led organizations and Health centres with First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities to support effective care transitions at discharge.
10. Navigate non-insured health benefit programs (NIHB) for Indigenous patients and problem-solve with the interdisciplinary team, other Indigenous organizations and the patient, to coordinate access to needed supports.
11. Consult and assist with the development of policies and procedures to enhance NEO Kids & Family Program support services.
12. Assist in the development and distribution of culturally sensitive patient education materials for NEO Kids & Family Program.
13. Work collaboratively with HSN and Aboriginal Health Access Center (AHAC’s) Indigenous Navigators to facilitate access to care throughout the hospital system.
14. Maintain client documentation in accordance with professional college guidelines and the policies of HSN.
15. Organize and participate in conferences, workshops, and in-services within NEO Kids & Family Program and community.
16. Complete daily and monthly statistical workload measurement requirements.
17. Promote quality patient care and satisfaction on an ongoing basis and work with HSN’s program leaders and the Patient Relations department to formulate solutions for improvement.
18. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN’s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
19. Contribute to learner development by providing academic support, mentorship, preceptorship and supervision as required.
20. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
21. Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place.
22. Represent HSN’s Indigenous Health Program on various committees and in meetings as required.
23. Perform other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
1. Minimum of a post-secondary Diploma in Health Sciences, Social Sciences, or Indigenous specialization in a related field, from an accredited community college.
2. Current Certificate of Registration with a regulatory college of the applicable professional discipline.
3. Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.
EXPERIENCE:
1. Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working within an Indigenous health care or social services environment.
2. Experience working with FNIM people’s language, culture, customs, and traditions is required.
3. Experience working with children and their families and community is required.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
1. Demonstrated skills in the area of assessment and therapeutic intervention with individuals, groups, and families.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of health equity gaps and issues related to the Indigenous population, and the impact of colonization on health outcomes.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous knowledge, culture, language and practices supporting healing, health and wellness for individuals, families and communities.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of Medical Terminology.
5. Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
6. Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of quality improvement methodology for process improvement.
7. Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, work within a team, measure success and continue improvement.
8. Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software, e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook and patient information systems.
9. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
10. Demonstrated ability to manage routine correspondence and documentation, multiple tasks/projects, diversified workload.
11. Demonstrated effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to organize and prioritize as required.
12. Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information.
13. Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.
PERSONAL SUITABILITY:
1. Successful criminal reference check is required for vulnerable sector.
2. Ability to use tact and discretion in dealing with health care providers and patients.
3. Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.
4. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
5. Ability to prioritize duties and daily workload.
6. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
7. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
8. Demonstrated positive work record and good attendance record.
9. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job.
10. Ability to travel between local sites.
11. Valid driver’s license with access to reliable vehicle.
12. Willingness to travel occasionally within Northern Ontario.
Selection Process: Candidates will be selected for this position on the basis of their skill, ability, experience and qualifications as identified in the resume and completed Application Form submitted. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview where required. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Health Sciences North is committed to providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities to enable their participation in the recruitment, assessment, selection and hiring stages of employment.
HSN THANKS ALL APPLICANTS.
ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME.
