Hospice Navigator

We’re looking for people with unique experience, skills and talents to join our amazing team that is dedicated to _creating a community where the best possible end-of-life care and grief support are available_.

**Chatham-Kent Hospice**

The Chatham-Kent Hospice opened its doors in April 2016, and we continue to serve people with life-threatening illnesses and those they call family and friends. Hospice provides a home-like atmosphere for residents and their families as they journey through death and loss. The Chatham-Kent Hospice has developed a wellness program serving residents and families as well as those in our community who are in need of support services while facing the challenges of a life-limiting illness, impending end-of-life and the death of a loved one, and/or when experiencing spiritual distress, anticipatory grief, grief and mourning.

**New Navigator Role**

We created a new Hospice Navigator position to help people access coordinated, specialized palliative and supportive care. It isn’t always easy for patients, families and their health care team to know about the services available and how to access them. Our Navigator will be a compassionate guide, coach and coordinator through the journeys of people who wish to receive end-of-life care at the Chatham-Kent Hospice.

Here’s more about what the Hospice Navigator will do:

- Implement best practice, quality palliative care by helping guide people with life-limiting/life-threatening illnesses and their caregivers through their journeys
- Develop care pathways
- Meet in-person (whenever possible) to understand needs, concerns and priorities, and then:

- Identify service gaps
- Provide education and information about care options and resources
- Coordinate referrals to specialized treatments for physical, emotional and mental well-being
- Perform comprehensive assessments, determining eligibility for palliative care services, Hospice services and preparing documentation for admission to Hospice for end-of-life care (as appropriate)
- Monitor and reassess
- Discuss goals of care and advanced care planning
- Support the transition from home or hospital to Hospice by completing the Hospice intake process and liaising with the Manager of Clinical Operations
- Participate in team rounds and care conferences to provide continuity of care
- Liaise with physicians
- Provide practical, expert support to team members (e.g. complex health or life situations)
- Ensure caregivers are aware of support available to them during their grief and bereavement.
- In addition, to supporting people with life-limiting illnesses and their caregivers, the Hospice Navigator will liaise with primary care providers, health care teams, cancer centres, home and community care and referral sources to:

- Enhance understanding of appropriate referrals (health status and timing) to community resources, Hospice and Supportive Care Services.
- Streamline the referral to Hospice and Supportive Care Services process.
- Raise awareness of palliative care best practices and learning opportunities available.
- Promote Hospice and actively seek referrals to residential Hospice and Supportive Care.
- They will actively seek opportunities to improve Hospice processes, programs and services; enhance support (for example by exploring options for volunteer roles); and represent C-K Hospice at designated committees and support special projects.

If you don’t have all the qualifications listed below and this is a role that intrigues you, we’d like to hear from you.
- Current Registered Nurse in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
- CAPCE and LEAP certifications; Canadian Nursing Association Hospice Palliative Care Nurse Certificate (CHPCN(C)), or commitment to attain
- In-depth knowledge and clinical experience in working with palliative care clients and their families.
- Strong computer skills in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- Valid Driver’s License, use of reliable vehicle, and willingness to travel
- Experience supporting people with life limiting illnesses and their care partners preferably in community settings
- Committed to inclusivity, health equity and smooth care transitions.
- A “people” person with excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to ask good questions, listen well, identify what’s most important to individuals, and build trust relationships with patients, families and many partners.
- A good problem solver who has an “always improving” mindset.
- A quick learner with a solid understanding of the health and social services.
- Well organized and able to work remotely, independently and in the Hospice.

**Requirements**:

- A vulnerable sector Police Background Check
- Negative 2 step TB test
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination (Minimum 2 doses)

**To join our dynamic team, pleas**e **send your cover letter and resume in PDF or.docx format, or any questions or requests for support for accessibility to Sarah Bau