Indigenous Patient Navigator, Community Transition

**Responsibilities**:
Indigenous Patient Navigator
BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services
Coquitlam, BC

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

The Forensic Psychiatric Hospital, 70 Colony Farm Road, Coquitlam, BC is the temporary work location for this position. The work location will change to another location to be determined within the Fraser Region.

BCMHSUS is seeking an Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) to join the Correctional Health Services and the Community Transition Team (CTT) to walk alongside Indigenous clients leading up to and after their release from a BC Correctional Centre. This is a new position that will be a key resource for both Indigenous clients and other members of the health care team by advocating for culturally safe care that is wholistic and client-centred. Working in partnership with Indigenous clients to identify, coordinate and facilitate access to culturally appropriate services and building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities and services providers regionally and locally. The IPN will promote Indigenous cultural safety and humility training and education opportunities that are available to PHSA employees and contractors. We welcome those that self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) to join the CTT team as we seek to improve Indigenous Peoples experiences within BCMHSUS health services and programs.

What you’ll do
- Provide consultative and navigational services to patients referred to PHSA programs and services by supporting cultural interpretation and/or health literacy translation services and by supporting culturally-competent and safe practice (e.g., access, system barriers, and navigation challenges). Supports patients in communications with physicians, nurses, and other frontline care staff.
- Support access and coordination of services for patients within the designated region. As required, coordinates client referrals to and from interagency, Indigenous communities, Indigenous organizations, and other health programs and services.
- Provide client support services within the hospital care system/community by initiating and maintaining working relationships with Indigenous clients to assess their needs and ability to access and receive culturally-safe care. Supports clients, as requested in the assigned service area, to understand, access, and navigate health care services.
- Advocate for the needs of patients within the health care system and liaises with other community and regional health organizations and promotes and works to strengthen collaboration with regional health authorities to improve patient care.
- Provide support and act as a resource, as required, for healthcare providers and other staff members, regarding the provision of culturally safe care. Coordinates client/family spiritual care requests and/or access to sacred spaces within the healthcare system to support Indigenous beliefs and practices.

What you bring
- A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to diploma or degree in a related health discipline, health or social sciences, or a patient care/clinical related discipline, and one (1) to three (3) years’ recent related experience working in Indigenous healthcare.
- Ability to travel. Valid B.C. Driver’s License is required.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with Indigenous (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) communities and organizations.
- Extensive knowledge of Indigenous peoples’ demographics, languages, cultures, customs and traditions
- Experience or knowledge of the health care system and community based resources within the region.

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too - offering health, wellness, development programs to support you - at work and at home.
- Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations - offering vast opportunities for growth and development.
- Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including 2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
- Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
- Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
- PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
- Perks include access to fitness classes and discounts to 350 BC-wide recreat