Health Navigator

Do you have a background in care coordination, patient/service navigation, or community health and an interest in supporting Indigenous community members to access timely, culturally safe care?

The Songhees Nation, whose 600 members we serve are Ləkʷəŋən People identified as Coast Salish, delivers holistic services including education, health, child and family support, counseling, housing, and cultural connections. Our vision is a healthy, self-reliant, progressive community that honours tradition and culture and invests in future generations. If you’d like to join a committed team doing meaningful work in an Indigenous community, we want to hear from you

**Who you are**

You’re a relationship-builder who wants to make a difference. You communicate clearly, practice cultural humility, and build trust quickly with clients, families, and providers. You are organized, persistent, and calm under pressure. You understand how to navigate health and social systems, reduce barriers, and advocate respectfully for client needs while maintaining confidentiality.

**What you’ll be doing**

Reporting to the Director of Clinical Services, the Health Navigator provides one-on-one service navigation, advocacy, and care coordination so clients can access the right services at the right time. You will coordinate referrals and logistics, support home
- and community-based care, and integrate Songhees values and cultural safety into every step of the journey.

**Duties include, but aren’t limited to**:

- Service Navigation and Referral Coordination
- Provide one-on-one assistance to clients and families to navigate healthcare systems, including arranging and tracking medical referrals, diagnostics, specialist appointments, and follow-up care.
- Coordinate access to medical transportation, accommodation, and other logístical support through FNHA Health Benefits or equivalent programs.
- Act as a primary contact for connecting clients with public health programs, chronic disease supports, mental wellness services, and social supports.
- Maintain accurate records of all referrals and service coordination activities in the electronic health record.
- Care Coordination and Advocacy
- Work collaboratively with internal clinic staff (nurses, MOAs, physicians, etc.) and external partners (hospitals, specialists, FNHA, Child & Family Services, community organizations) to ensure seamless, integrated care.
- Advocate for clients within healthcare and social systems to uphold cultural safety and patient rights, including supporting communication with other providers.
- Coordinate care transitions such as hospital discharges, ensuring follow-up care is arranged and barriers addressed (e.g. transportation, medication access, home care).
- Attend care planning meetings, case conferences, and community wellness gatherings as required.
- Community Health Support and Outreach
- Conduct home visits and outreach to support clients who face barriers to clinic-based services.
- Provide plain-language education to help clients understand health information, medications, and care plans.
- Encourage self-management and empowerment, aligning with strengths-based, culturally safe care.
- Home and Community Care Navigation
- Collaborate with the Home and Community Care Nurse, Home Care Aides, and other providers to support Elders and adults with complex care needs in maintaining wellness at home.
- Identify and address gaps in home support services by liaising with allied health services, FNHA programs, and local community programs to coordinate necessary care (e.g. medical equipment, rehabilitation).
- Monitor ongoing needs and assist with care planning related to home safety, mobility, and chronic disease management.
- Health Promotion and Cultural Safety Integration
- Support community wellness initiatives such as events, screenings, or educational workshops.
- Incorporate Indigenous knowledge and traditions into wellness planning, including connections to Elders and traditional healing.
- Foster trust and respectful relationships with community members.
- Documentation and Administration
- Keep clear records of referrals, supports provided, and outcomes in the electronic health record.
- Maintain up-to-date resource lists and tools to help clients and staff connect with services.

**Qualifications**
- Bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Health, Social Work, Nursing, or related human services field (or equivalent combination of training and experience)
- 2-3 years’ related experience in healthcare, community services, case management, or navigation
- Experience working with Indigenous communities; strong grounding in cultural safety and trauma-informed practice
- Knowledge of local/regional programs, FNHA systems, and community resources
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport.
- Excellent organizational skills; able to manage multiple cases and priorities simultaneously.
- A clean Criminal Record C