Indigenous Social Navigator

This position works with individuals and families including those living with chronic conditions, to help advance their health and wellness across the full spectrum of the health and social system through access to services, wellness planning, and increasing health literacy. The role also helps to facilitate a person-centered and holistic approach to health and wellness journeys, including health and social systems mapping. The role collaborates with the health partners, community service organizations, and Indigenous communities as part of a network that is supported by joint planning and regular meetings.

The Social Navigator opens doors of opportunity for individuals and families to connect with resources, services, and programs they need to improve social determinants of health. The Social Navigator supports onsite referrals to the Naje Baiyoh, "The House of Healing" (Lheidli T'enneh Health Centre), and provides a blend of appointments, spontaneous introductions, and one-to-one sessions. In this role, the Social Navigator may facilitate &/or participate in occasional workshops for patients on-site. The position has the ability to respond to crises as needed and is able to work autonomously and responsibly with accountability.

The Lheidli T'enneh Health Department is dedicated to the promotion of health and wellness for Band members. Through programming and services that promote healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, as well as self-care and personal management of wellness. The Lheidli T'enneh Health Department is dedicated to the promotion of health and wellness for Band members. Through programming and services that promote healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, as well as self-care and personal management of wellness, Lheidli Nation encourages and supports health for its people now, as well as for future generations. Some programs are offered on reserve while others may be offered in Prince George or with the help of partnering services.

Key Responsibilities

The Indigenous Social Navigator will:

1. Follow protocols and policies as required by Lheidli T'enneh Health Centre

2. Model cultural safety, humility, relational practice, and trauma-informed care

3. Support the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical wellness of community members

4. Participates / witnesses respectfully in cultural protocols and ceremonies with clients and team.

5. Participate in case management meetings

6. Complete necessary electronic medical record charting

7. Follow-up contact with clients to ensure the services you have coordinated have been connected appropriately

8. Develop and maintain relationships/partnerships with community health and wellness service providers and local healthcare providers

9. Liaise with relevant Health System Partners to support the health of Indigenous People. (UHNBC Social Workers and Indigenous Health Services Assistants, Indigenous Patient Liaisons, etc.)

10. Provide leadership for appropriate community connections for the team and patients at Lheidli T'enneh Health Centre

11. Promote and engage in comprehensive treatment for clients by providing information to other Team members on an ongoing basis, and by providing consultation as needed

12. Improve transitions in care and access to appropriate primary health care and public health services

13. Seek out and research new services and resources in the community for patients to access

14. Act as a resource person to Team members and community residents by compiling information on community resources and facilitating access to those resources by liaising with community groups

15. Provide clients and visitors with information on and connections to wrap around care supports related to social determinants of health, ensuring a coordinated patient experience. This may include:

a. Available community supports (health, social, housing, and recreational)

b. Government and related resources such as Persons with Disabilities designation, Canada Pension Plan, EI, GST, Social Insurance Number, Status Card, Driver's License, etc.

1. Ensure clients receive community support, health, social, housing, and recreational services to which he/she is entitled by acting as an advocate

2. Promote the independence of clients through system navigation support to individuals, families, and groups

3. Advocate for families who are navigating Indigenous Child and Family Service Agencies or MCFD systems

4. Introduce patients to other Lheidli T'enneh Medical Centre staff as needed for appropriate services or support

5. Contribute to the development of new programs that address community health needs by collaborating with the team and other related agencies to identify, recommend, and/or develop resources, materials, and/or programs; participate in the delivery and evaluation of the program(s)

6. Participates in program evaluation/quality improvement by identifying opportunities for change and formulating recommendations to better improve social work services.

Skills and Qualifications

· Demonstrated experience providing outreach services to individuals with experiences related to

substance use, mental health, and trauma.

· Minimum of two years of experience in a community-based human service organization. Thorough knowledge of and proficiency in current assessment and social work techniques.

· Thorough knowledge and understanding of community resources in Prince George, and surrounding areas.

· Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with crises.

· Excellent communication, interpersonal, and group facilitation skills.

· Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment.

· Proficiency and experience working in a computerized environment.

· Knowledge of systemic issues Indigenous and First Nations experience today and inter-generationally such as poverty, unemployment, stigma, and the isolation felt by individuals.

· An understanding of the British Columbia Mental Health Act, Mental Health reform principles, the Substitute Decisions Act, Jordan's Principle, and the Health Care Consent Act and relevant privacy legislation at both the provincial and federal levels.

· Working knowledge of FNHA Health Benefits and ability to connect clients with eligible funding sponsors such as Social Assistance Benefits.

· Successful candidates must undergo a Vulnerable Sector Screening reference check to the satisfaction of Lheidli T'enneh Health Centre management.

· Indigenous ancestry is an asset and a preference.

Knowledge and Abilities

You have the demonstrated ability to:

· Respect and maintain client confidentiality

· Conduct social work needs assessments

· Organize and track active work files in progress

· Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, families, team members, and community agency personnel

· Operate a laptop and use Microsoft Office and EMR charting software including scanning completed work into EMR

· Adjust to new or unexpected events

· Be curious, objective, and compassionate, not judgemental

· Develop trusting and respectful relationships with team members and people you serve together

· Work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.

· Hold space for respectful conversations and honour information that will contribute to understanding the client's situation

· Self-regulate in stressful situations and maintain professional composure and communication with others.

· Resolve and de-escalate conflict situations

· Daily engage in self-wellness both at work and at home

· Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Educational Requirement

· Completion of a recognizedBachelor of Social Work (BSW)or an equivalent combination of education. Training and experience.

· Knowledge and appreciation of the unique history, cultures, and rights of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Peoples in Canada is required.

· Lived experience with Indigenous, Metis, and Inuit populations and demonstrated extensive knowledge of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit health care needs, services, and issues as well as knowledge of culture, protocols, traditions, and ideology of Indigenous people and organizations in northern British Columbia is an asset.

· Preference will be given to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit candidates.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00-$80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• RRSP match

Work Location: In person