Indigenous Patient Navigator

Job Summary

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority, patient and employee safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) supports integration with existing navigational and advocacy support currently provided by community and regional health authority partners and supports Indigenous communities and organizations to improve access to appropriate care. The IPN acts as a resource for both Indigenous clients and healthcare providers to ensure the provision of care is culturally safe and client-centered and supports the improvement and performance of health care services through the promotion of cultural safety and cultural humility training and education for staff and employees of PHSA. The IPN facilitates relationship building between Indigenous communities, PHSA programs and services and community sites/clinics within the region. The Indigenous Patient Navigator provides support and advocacy for clients by facilitating and coordinating access to health care services, addressing cultural/spiritual needs, and networking with Indigenous and non-Indigenous health system and community partners.

Duties/Accountabilities

• Provides 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.
• Supports 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.
• Provides 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.
• Advocates 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.
• Provides support and acts 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.
• Supports connection to community services such as Indigenous translators and arranges the language and cultural translation services where necessary.
• Maintains and updates appropriate documentation and records related to the needs of Indigenous patients in the health care system. Develops and maintains a regional inventory of care related programs and services for clients.
• Supports the development of regional strategies to improve care for Indigenous patients by engaging Indigenous communities, organizations and other health system partners within the region, and works in partnership with the Metis Nation of BC, BC Association of Aboriginal Centre, and the First Nation Health Authority as appropriate.
• Provides a link between Indigenous communities and PHSA healthcare providers and supports Indigenous peoples’ understanding of the provincial healthcare system, the First Nations Health Authority, and federal healthcare systems where applicable.
• Provides information to Indigenous clients, families, communities and organizations within the designated region and provides outreach support to Indigenous communities and organizations to better understand health needs and improve access to PHSA services.
• Supports PHSA in improving relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations within the region.
• Assists in addressing culturally unsafe care with clients and staff.
  
  

Qualifications

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. [Applicable only to PHSA Corporate Indigenous Health Program]

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. Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and application of cultural safety and competency within healthcare. Demonstrated understanding of Canadian colonization, Indigenous specific racism and its impact on the current health and wellness of Indigenous peoples. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team. Ability to use sound professional judgment, empathy, compassion and integrity. Ability to prioritize workload, keep accurate records and write reports as necessary. Ability to adapt as the Indigenous care program evolves. Ability to work independently and utilize strong time management skills to meet deadlines and accomplish objectives. Lived experience with Indigenous populations is an asset.