Indigenous Health Care Navigator

***:
Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) is committed to the delivery of high quality and equitable care for all patients and to addressing gaps in the health care continuum by advocating for culturally safe, high quality, and trauma-informed care that is free of racism and discrimination.

The Indigenous Health Care Navigator will work in collaboration with our District Services Board (DSB) community paramedicine program and MHC, to create pathways to support Indigenous patients transitioning from the emergency department (ED) and In-patient units safely to community. The Navigator’s work will help to build, strengthen, and
sustain relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations to ensure successful transitions back to community and to reduce the need for emergency room presentations and to prevent as possible Alternative Level of Care (ALC) utilization/designation.

**This position recognizes MHC’s commitment to health equity, and to creating a culturally safe organization and is aligned with the National Truth &**
**Reconciliations **_**Calls to Action**_ **in Health Care (23 i.). MHC values diversity and**
**is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference will be given to**
**qualified Indigenous applicants.**

**JOB DUTIES**:

- Provide direct 1:1 support to patients at MHC sites through provision of information, resources, advocacy, and coordination of services.
- Provide continuity through patients’ care journeys and help facilitate safe, supportive, care planning and discharge with community supports and resources.
- Participate in patient rounds, case discussions, and debriefs.
- Participate in transitional case management practices to support patients when appropriate.
- Facilitate requests for access to Indigenous ceremonies and medicines.
- Facilitate connections with family, Elders, Traditional Healers, and other community supports.
- Facilitate/coordinate access to spiritual and/or religious care to support patients and families experiencing grief and/or anticipatory grief and loss.
- Build, strengthen, and sustain relationships with local Indigenous communities and organizations.
- Act as a resource for employees, department managers, and the Senior Team regarding the needs of Indigenous patients, their families, and communities.
- Identify gaps or barriers to care for Indigenous patients within existing programs and policies.
- Support the development or revision of policies, procedures and/or best practices targeted to improve the wellbeing and safety of Indigenous patients in the hospital setting.

**Patient Safety**: It is recognized that the processes employed by this staff position impact upon the safety and efficacy of MHC’s patient care activities. All incumbents are directed to therefore utilize processes that contribute to the overall safe culture environment of our hospital. This is a direct responsibility of each and every staff member of this organization.

**COMPETENCIES/BEHAVIOURAL**:

- Service and quality orientation.
- Ability to plan and execute work independently.
- Teamwork and collaboration**.**:

- Leadership presence.

**COMPETENCIES/TECHINICAL**:

- Knowledge of Indigenous Nations, community engagement and cultural protocols required.
- Experience building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous communities, Leaders, Elders, Healers, Language Speakers, Oral Historians, and Knowledge Keepers.
- Awareness of Indigenous cultural safety training, anti-racist practice, and trauma-informed care.
- Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and judgement skills, required.
- Good interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team and/or independently.
- Fluency in Anishinaabemowin, an asset.

**QUALIFICATIONS **(Education, Certifications, Experience, Licensure):

- Minimum of a diploma in Health Sciences, Social Sciences, or in a related field, from a college Current Certificate of Registration with a regulatory college of the applicable professional discipline.
- Knowledge of Indigenous Nations, community engagement and cultural protocols.
- Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and judgement skills.
- Experience building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous communities, Leaders, Elders, Healers, Language Speakers, Oral Historians, and Knowledge Keepers.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively within multi-disciplinary team and/or independently.
- Good interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Awareness of Indigenous cultural safety training, anti-racist practice, and trauma informed care
- Vaccines (COVID-19 and others) are a requirement of the job unless you have an exemption on a medical ground pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code
- Fluency in Anishinaabemowin, an asset
- Training in Palliative, end of life care, an asset

**OTHER QUALIFICATIONS**:
Ability to provide regular attendance.

**WAGES AND BENEFITS**:

- Starting wage of $38.