Indigenous Patient Navigator

Position: Indigenous Patient Navigator

Program or Team: Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare, Bracebridge, Wahta and Moose Deer Point First Nation

Location: Bracebridge and Huntsville

Supervisor: Executive Director, Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin

Term: 1.0 FTE Temporary, Ending March 31, 2025

Salary: $62,000 - $65,000.

About the Organization:

The Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle is a regional social planning and development organization. The BANAC service region now covers Simcoe County, Muskoka, and the northern York Region. BANAC works in cooperation with communities in areas of concern where coordinated efforts are required to meet the needs which positively impact the region. BANAC will continue in this social planning capacity, offering consultation and support for our community development. BANAC offers many innovative programs and services including, Family Wellness, Childcare, Seniors Care and Long-Term Care, Cultural Services, and wholistic Health Services through the Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team.

About the Role:

Under the direct Supervision of the Office Manager and or designate, the Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) will provide support and advocacy for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis patients (in-patient, out-patient care), caregivers and families in the Muskoka region.

The IPN is an integral part of the interdisciplinary team who will provide support to Indigenous patients and their families accessing timely treatment within the healthcare environment and social care services across the entire care spectrum including acute care, palliative care, and supportive care.

The IPN will draw on Indigenous ways of knowing and healing to address cultural and wholistic health needs of Indigenous patients and families. As an experienced builder of relationships, the IPN expertly networks with Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners to support Indigenous patients in their healing journey and to build capacity in the regional health system for culturally safe and trauma-informed care.

What You Bring:

• College diploma or University degree in Health or Social Sciences compiled with 3 years’ work experience in the health and/or Social Work field OR a combination of education, training and/or lived experience as deemed acceptable by BANAC.
• Previous experience working within the Indigenous community, combined with knowledge of Indigenous cultural safety and Indigenous cultural practices.
• Previous experience working within Indigenous communities or organizations.
• Ability to provide Indigenous culturally safe, trauma-informed care and services.
• Ability to understand Indigenous cultural values, traditions, history.
• Ability to integrate Indigenous perspectives into services.
• Knowledge of medicines, traditional healing, language, ceremonies, and cultural teachings.
• Extensive knowledge of health care services with the ability to navigate to make changes.
• Experience and knowledge of hospital settings.
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture, values, and history as it relates to health care disparities in Indigenous populations.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, celebrative approach.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Demonstrated ability in building and maintaining relationships.
• Self-motivated with a genuine desire to advocate and help Indigenous persons.
• Competence in Microsoft Office software applications.
• Demonstrated ability to be tactful and diplomatic in highly stressful situations.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize duties and responsibilities throughout the day.
• Working knowledge of regional, provincial, federal Indigenous community health and social support services.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness in working with Indigenous communities.
• Possess a non-judgmental inclusive positive attitude toward people who are experiencing problematic situations.
• Experience planning, implementing, and facilitating training sessions and education for peers, members of the public, and organizations.

What We Offer:

We provide a generous benefits package, including HOOPP, paid vacation, cultural leave, extended holidays, on-going training opportunities and the opportunity to work in a dynamic community-based environment.

We are happy to connect candidates selected for interviews with a member of the clinical team to ask questions about the role and work experience at BANAC – Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin.

Information About Working at BANAC Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin:

• Work is typically performed in clinic, office, institutional and community settings.
• Regular travel to meetings, institutions, and communities, will be required – vehicle an asset.
• Regular overtime work may be required from time to time, BANAC team members enjoy a flex schedule agreement.
• Periodic exposure to smoke may occur from the burning of sacred medicines: Tobacco, sweet grass, sage, or cedar.

Specific employment conditions are specified in an employment contract with BANAC and include the following:

• Worksite location
• Valid C.P.R. and A.E.D. Certificates required.
• Valid Class G Ontario Driver’s License is required with clear check for vulnerable sector.

Applying to this Job:

Please apply directly to this position on the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle careers webpage at www.banac.on.ca/careers.

DISCLAIMER:  This job posting indicates the general nature and level of work expected.  It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required by the incumbent.  Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required