Indigenous Patient Navigator

Position Summary
Who are we looking for?

Do you have experience working with mental health and substance use (MHSU) services, along with lived experience in delivering culturally sensitive care and navigating the healthcare system? Interior Health is seeking a permanent full time Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) to join our Mental Health & Substance Use team in Williams Lake, B.C situated in the Secwepemc territory.

This position, with a key focus on community mental health and substance use services, also plays a vital role in supporting clients in navigating through various hospital and community services in the region. Additionally, it extends its support to a broad spectrum of health services across the Williams Lake area, encompassing those provided by Interior Health and Indigenous partners. The IPN is committed to employing culturally sensitive practices in both relationship building and service delivery, aiming to enhance patient experiences through effective collaboration with interdisciplinary teams within Interior Health and Indigenous Nations across Canada.

Some of the Benefits of Joining Interior Health:

• An attractive remuneration package
• Excellent career prospects
• Employer paid training/education
• Employer paid vacation
• Medical Service Plan
• Employer paid insurance premiums
• Extended Health & Dental coverage
• Municipal Pension Plan
• Work-life balance

Salary Range?

Salary range for the position is $67861 to $97550. Interior Health establishes salaries within the minimum and maximum of the salary range based on consideration of the qualifications, experience of the applicant, and an internal equity review of the salaries of other employees.

How will you create an impact?

The Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) works as part of the Interdisciplinary Care Team and, as required, acts as a resource for both Indigenous clients and healthcare providers to ensure the provision of care is culturally safe and client-centered. The IPN works with Indigenous people located in the assigned Interior Health (IH) service area across varying sectors of health (e.g., acute care, residential services, mental health, public health, and home health services), depending on the local service area.

Some Key Duties may include:
• Provides consultative and navigational services for health professionals, the community, and clients to understand and identify client needs by supporting cultural interpretation and/or health literacy translation services and by supporting culturally-competent practice (e.g., access, system barriers, and navigation challenges).
• Provides support and acts as a resource, as required, for healthcare providers, including primary healthcare physicians, 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 customs. Coordinates and provides community resources and connections to Indigenous spiritual services as required. Supports connection to community services such as Indigenous translators.
• 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 acute care, home health, community, mental health, addictions, chronic disease, and public health services. Assists clients in addressing their concerns by linking with the IH complaint process.
• At the client or healthcare provider’s request, the IPN provides client support services related to discharge planning by participating in the discharge planning process, including assisting in the early identification and assessment of clients’ needs and liaising with the appropriate community and IH program and services.
• Provides client-specific navigation of services for Indigenous clients in conjunction with an interdisciplinary team that may include such work as attending bed meetings, supporting staff with client/family culturally-safe needs assessment, checking for referrals and attending health-related service rounds. As required, coordinates client referrals to and from interagency, Indigenous communities, urban Indigenous organizations, and other health programs and services.
• Provides a link between Indigenous communities and IH 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 regarding the provision of and access to healthcare programs and services to Indigenous clients, families, and communities.

Williams Lake is located in the heart of the Cariboo Chilcotin. As the largest and fastest growing city in the area, it serves as a business, industrial, and service hub for outlying communities. The surrounding pristine wilderness provides an unlimited playground, while the convenience of city living is just outside your door. Home to the famous Williams Lake Stampede, rodeo enthusiasts and community members come together for a fun-filled family event every summer. Outdoor recreation enthusiasts are drawn to the area’s natural amenities. World-class mountain bike trails, miles of hiking and skiing terrain, and hundreds of lakes fit for kayaking, rafting, boating, fishing, and camping make Williams Lake one of B.C.’s last true wilderness escapes.

Interior Health strives to create an environment where you enjoy the work you do, the place where you work, and the people around you. Together, we create great workplaces. Apply today!

Honouring Interior Health’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), and Pursuant to Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, preferential consideration and/or hiring will be given to qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit).

Qualfications
Education, Training, and Experience:
• A degree or diploma in social work, healthcare, or a relevant field (e.g., Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse).
• Two years of related experience working in a healthcare environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge, experience, and understanding of Indigenous people and their culture.
• Knowledge of federal, provincial, territorial, regional, and Indigenous organizations mandated to provide health services.
• OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Preference will be given to candidates proficient in one or more Indigenous languages.
• Completion of a medical terminology course is an asset.
• A valid BC Driver’s License. **Please include a copy with your application **