Regional Indigenous Cancer Navigator

At Grand River Hospital we are building a world class health care system supporting healthier lives for the communities we serve. We value people above all else and the experiences of our patients and their families, our team members, and our partners are at the very top of our agenda.

Through our values of CARE; TRUST AND BE TRUSTWORTHY; COURAGE TO START, HEART TO FINISH and WELCOME ONE TO WELCOME ALL we leverage the collective talents and strengths of our GRH team, our community, and our partners to innovate and accelerate the transformation of health care delivery.

We currently have an opportunity for a **Full-Time Regional Indigenous Cancer Navigator.**

**HOURS OF WORK**:
Monday - Friday, Days - 7.5 hour shifts, may include evenings and weekends

**How Regional Indigenous Cancer Navigator support our teams at Grand River Hospital**:
The Regional Indigenous Cancer Navigator facilitates access to cancer services and ensures culturally appropriate care for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis patients and their families throughout Waterloo Wellington. Y ou will assist Indigenous people with navigating the cancer care system, ensuring access to and provision of culturally appropriate health care services and link clients with the health and community supports required. This role works closely with the Regional Indigenous Cancer Coordinator, contributing to program development, provider education and system change advocacy. Both roles will play a role in implementing the Waterloo Wellington Regional First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous Cancer Strategy.

The Indigenous Navigator will partner and connect with Indigenous Cancer Navigators across the province for learning opportunities and knowledge sharing in a monthly meeting hosted by the Indigenous Cancer Care Unit and participate in local networks of Indigenous Navigators. The navigator will work closely with a growing network of local Indigenous Navigators throughout Waterloo Wellington.

**Responsibilities**:

- Facilitates and coordinates access to cancer services for Indigenous patients, families, and caregivers throughout the Waterloo Wellington Region, including:

- Supporting Indigenous patients/families at clinic visits and helping them to navigate the cancer journey
- Enhancing communication between patients/families and staff/physicians
- Assisting with arrangements for language translation and transportation services
- Assisting in identifying and accessing internal and external resources
- Assisting patients in accessing traditional, spiritual and/ or cultural Indigenous services
- Builds relationships with Indigenous and non-Indigenous community and healthcare partners to enhance cancer care services including regional palliative care networks
- Engage in program development and the evaluation of new patient programs.
- Collaborate with community partners,, traditional healers, and community leaders to enhance patient care.
- Knowledge to navigate systems to eliminate barriers.
- Knowledge and supportive of mainstream health services and community resources, specifically FNIM programs and services in Waterloo-Wellington.
- Awareness of Canadian Indigenous history, social determinants of health impacts within the healthcare system.
- Familiarity with FNIM communities, organizations and history and trauma-informed with FNIM communities.
- Knowledge of some culturally relevant ceremonies would be an asset.
- Participate in knowledge-sharing and strategy meetings to support continuous improvement in cancer care for Indigenous patients.
- Advocacy with healthcare professionals
- The ability to participate in Indigenous ceremonies.

**The Regional Indigenous Cancer Navigator brings the following**:

- Any Allied Health Professional with relevant work or lived experience.
- Certifications in Indigenous Studies or Cultural Safety training preferred or lived experience as an Indigenous person.
- Minimum of 3 years experience in healthcare or social services with a focus on working with Indigenous communities.
- Strong understanding of the healthcare environment, cancer journey, and the needs of Indigenous populations.
- Proven ability in effective communication, patient advocacy, and community engagement.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.

**Working Conditions**:

- Travel: Possession of valid driver’s license and regular access to a vehicle required
- Work requires engaging with community, providers and program leadership in various locations including cancer centres, hospitals, clinics, Indigenous community organizations etc

**At Grand River Hospital we support our Team Members with**:

- A thorough onboarding and orientation program
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Access to our Ongoing Education Fund
- Career mentorship
- Wellness programs**APPLICATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED UNTIL THE POSTING IS CLOSED.**

Grand River Hospital is committed to fair and equitable employment and in o