Indigenous Patient Navigator II - Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health

An exciting opportunity as an Indigenous Patient Navigator II reporting to the Manager, Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health

Type: Temporary Full-Time

New Position

The Indigenous Patient Navigator will provide in clinic support and advocacy for First Nations, Inuit and Métis (FNIM) patients and families who are attending WCH programs and services. The Indigenous Patient Navigator will develop wholistic plans of care which may include coordinating access to services, advocacy within the hospital, short term case management, short term supportive counselling and education as required. The Indigenous Patient Navigator will work closely alongside the Traditional Healer acting as a cultural helper during traditional ceremonies as required.

This role will also involve supporting and advocating for culturally safe and responsive care within the hospital. This may include providing education and support for the hospital’s Smudging Policy as well as events and initiatives designed to address anti-Indigenous racism within the healthcare system.

What You’ll Do:

Patient Care

• Serve as a first point of contact for Indigenous patients seeking support from Ganawishkadawe Centre for Wise Practices in Indigenous Health (GCWP-IH)
• Develop and follow a clinical pathway of wholistic intake, assessment, care plan and discharge
• Coordinate patient appointments with the Traditional Healer as required
• Provide short term case management as part of care planning as required
• Provide supportive counselling and education as required
• Provide current and relevant information, resources, programs and services in the community that may be relevant to patients and families
• Coordinate access to culturally relevant and appropriate services both internally and externally of WCH as required
• Collaborate with patients to promote, encourage and support self-advocacy
• Use tact and discretion to advocate on behalf of patients as requested for culturally safe care and service based on the principles of Indigenous rights and self-determination

• Respond to sensitive and complex situations with discretion and care while maintaining strictest confidence of information and materials in accordance with PHIPA

Anti-Indigenous Racism Education and Engagement

• Establish strong working relationships with hospitals, physicians, emergency departments, community health centres and other community agencies and resources
• Promote knowledge and understanding of WCH’s Smudging Policy across departments

• Promote knowledge and understanding of the past, present, and ongoing harms of colonialism experienced by Indigenous Peoples

• Practice the principles of anti-racism and anti-oppression 
• Promote First Nations, Inuit and Métis beliefs, values and cultural practices that enhance health and wellness
• Engage in systemic advocacy to address issues of anti-Indigenous racism, inequality and injustice across the hospital

• With the support of the broader GCWP-IH team, collaborate with WCH service providers to identify methods for incorporating culturally safe and responsive care for Indigenous patients
• Participate in events and initiatives designed to address anti-Indigenous racism within the healthcare system or which promote GCWP-IH

Administration

• Complete required documentation in the electronic medical record as required and according to professional standards
• Complete necessary workload measurement data and metrics as required
• Engage in self-reflective practice, continuing education and professional development to maintain competencies and skills

The responsibilities described above are representative and are not to be construed as all-inclusive.

What You’ll need:

• Demonstrated lived experience as an Indigenous person in Canada (ie. First Nations, Inuit or Métis)
• Undergraduate degree in a health related field                                                                                 

• Minimum 4 years of experience of established practice working with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and/or within an Indigenous community
• 3-5 years of work experience in a healthcare environment working with patients, families and healthcare teams
• Prior knowledge and experience in ceremony within Indigenous community contexts
• Experience working with extensive knowledge of First Nations, Inuit and Metis (FNIM) languages, cultures, customs and traditions
• Understanding of anti-racism and anti-oppression frameworks within healthcare
• Acts as first point of contact for WCH programs, services, patients and families. Independently provides short term case management, recommendations, referrals, advocacy and supportive counselling and education to patients and family. 
• Works closely with the Traditional Healer, assisting in scheduling appointments and assisting Traditional Healer with traditional ceremony or supportive visits
• Interpretation of the Smudging Policy and providing required education, workshops, and in-services as required throughout WCH.
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated experience in de-escalation, conflict resolution and non-violent crisis intervention skills
• Strong engagement, relationship building and patient centred communication skills
• Understanding of maintaining professional and clinical boundaries
• Current knowledge of Indigenous and community social services, supports and resources within the GTA
• Ability to manage demanding interpersonal situations with good judgement, understanding and communication
• Proven attendance and punctuality.
• Professional behaviour and communication that meets the standards of the professional regulatory college or association, as applicable, and the standards of Women’s College Hospital

• This position plays a critical role in acting as an advocate for safety and will demonstrate principles, practices and processes that will optimize a safe environment for all