Mindimooyenh Indigenous Health System Navigation

**_**Indigenous Women are encouraged to apply. First preference will be given to all qualified Indigenous applicants.**_**

**VISION**:
At the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), we celebrate and honour the safety and healing of Indigenous Women and Girls as they take up their leadership roles in the family, community and internationally for generations to come.

**ONWA MANDATE**:
The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is a not for profit organization that empowers and supports Indigenous women and their families in the province of Ontario.
ONWA encourages the participation of Indigenous women in the development of Federal, Provincial, Municipal/Local government policies that impact their lives and ensure issues affecting Indigenous women and their families are heard at key government tables.

ONWA is committed to providing services that strengthen communities and guarantees the preservation of Indigenous culture, identity, art, language and heritage. Ending violence against Indigenous women and their families and ensuring equal access to justice, education, health, environmental stewardship and economic development, sits at the cornerstone of the organization. ONWA insists on social and cultural well - being for all Indigenous women and their families, so that all women, regardless of tribal heritage may live their best lives.

**SCOPE**:
The **Mindimooyenh Indigenous Health System Navigator and Support Worker** will be responsible to provide navigation, advocacy and personal support services to Indigenous Community Members while accessing health care services across Ontario.

The Worker will work in accordance with all required internal and external standards of practice including the improvement of the health and well-being of urban Indigenous people, with a particular focus on Indigenous women. The Worker will assist community members in achieving safe, timely access to care that is reflective of their needs and their culture. The Mindimooyenh Indigenous Health Systems Navigation and Support Worker will offer education, hands-on support and advocacy services to assist Community Members achieve the best services possible.

Reporting to the Community Development and Nurse Manager, they will amplify the voices of Indigenous women to have safe access to healthcare in a timely manner by walking with Indigenous women and letting their experiences be known.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- A post-secondary diploma/ certificate in health sciences and or social services with a minimum of 2 years of successful working experience in providing health support and advocacy in a community health care setting and/ or in a customer service field. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
- Demonstrated proficiency in establishing and maintaining therapeutic relationships with individuals, families, and groups from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
- Experience with assessing crisis situations, developing plans of care and/or safety plans.
- Experience in developing and delivering programming, education and training to internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate using written, verbal, non-verbal, and technical skills.
- Demonstrated ability to form professional and collaborative working relationships and function as a member of an interdisciplinary team. Experience working on a collaborative team is required.
- Demonstrated ability to set and maintain high performance standards while practicing independently to achieve results.
- Demonstrated ability to engage in reflective practice and in constructive dialogue in order to effectively document community member experiences.
- Understanding of public health (Community Wellbeing) Systems and Indigenous health care systems including the complaint processes.
- Understanding of the history and jurisdictional issues that impact Indigenous women and their families and communities collectively.
- Must be dependable, punctual, able to follow instructions, respond to management direction and be able to improve performance through management feedback.
- Understanding of Indigenous culture and traditional practices.
- Ability to write and document community members narratives and experiences within the health care setting. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to provide in person timely advocacy for community members accessing care.
- Knowledge of Not-For Profit Organizations and Indigenous organizations
- Able to stand, bend, squat, kneel and reach freely.
- Able to freely lift up to fifty (50) pounds.
- Able to assist Community Members with standing, walking, and attending appointments etc.
- Demonstrated experience operating related equipment.
- Able to manage many conflicting priorities simultaneously, with the ability to prioritize and to plan ahead, define measurable objectives and outcomes and meet objectives in a timely manner.
- Strong connection to other soci