Indigenous Liaison, Northern Lights Health Center

**Athabasca Tribal Council**

Athabasca Tribal Council (ATC) serves our Nations by providing relevant and innovative programs and services that enrich the well-being, health, and prosperity of our people. We are committed to ensuring the protection of our Inherent rights, our Treaty Rights, and our Traditional Territories.

**Job Summary**

In collaboration with the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre (NLRHC), Willow Square Long term care facility, and the ATC Health Director the Indigenous Liaison position develops connections with Indigenous clients entering the hospital and continuing care and works with them advocating and supporting them throughout their stay.

**RESPONSABILITIES**:

- To act as liaison for all Indigenous patients/families and NLRHC-AHS staff.
- To act as liaison for all indigenous patients/families and NLRHC-AHS staff.
- To collaborate with social work and the discharge coordinator to ensure all needs, cultural, social, and physical, are considered for the indigenous patient/family, involving other members of the AHS and ATC team as necessary.
- To act as an advocate with indigenous patients to interpret their cultural and language differences, and this may include providing direct guidance.
- To act as a resource to NLRHC staff on matters relating to indigenous issues.
- To support the indigenous patient throughout their health care journey and ensure their cultural beliefs and values are incorporated in the development of their health care plan, in collaboration with the health care team.
- To provide support to indigenous patients separated from their family and community.
- To provide services throughout their hospital stay which may include the assessment of the indigenous patient and family needs and available resources; and the Indigenous Liaison shall document all assessments and interactions in the patient health record. This will include return appointments and follow-up with health stations and Continuing Care Centers in the community via fax to outlying areas.
- To support health education to indigenous patients in conjunction with HC Team; To identify problems, concerns and unmet needs of indigenous patients and consult with appropriate team members in resolution of same.
- To work with the multi-disciplinary teams addressing indigenous patients concerns and assisting in problem solving and identifying discharge barriers including attending daily rapid rounds.
- To improve the linkages to members of health professions and health centre staff of the cultural values of the indigenous person as they relate to health care delivery.
- To act as a liaison between the indigenous patient and external community support services.
- To advise indigenous patients of all services available to them under Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).
- The employee shall provide a timely monthly status report to NLRHC-AHS and ATC.
- Other duties as assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS**
- High School Diploma or G.E.D.
- 3-5 years of experience in similar field
- Certification or demonstrated abilities in facilitating
- Must have a working awareness of Indigenous Culture and history
- Knowledge about the effects of colonization and residential schools, including intergenerational trauma
- Have a strong proficiency of the English language and basic medical terminology
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate the development of trust and respect among Indigenous clients and AHS teams
- Professional/mature demeanour under stressful situations
- Demonstrates strong oral and written communication abilities
- Exceptional organizational skills with task prioritization, multi-tasking, use of timelines and time management techniques
- Ability to work in a confidential and fast-paced environment
- Must be able to work with little supervision; must be self-directed
- Ability to speak Cree or Dene is an asset

**REQUIREMENTS**
- Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector
- Clear Child and Family Services Intervention Check
- Will be required to sign both the AHS and ATC confidentially agreement and maintain confidentiality
- Will be required to complete the physical requirements of the job that include sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, and pulling
- Class 5 Drivers License and Drivers Abstract

**WORK CONDITIONS**:

- Hospital and Continuing Care settings
- Must be flexible based on client circumstances
- Reporting to AHS and ATC Health Director

**Job Types**: Full-time, Temporary

**Schedule**:

- Monday to Friday
- On call

**Experience**: Patient service: 1 year (preferred)

**Application question(s)**:
Full-timeTemporary