Indigenous Patient Navigator

Position Summary
Who are we looking for?

Do you have experience working with mental health and substance use services, are culturally centered, and have knowledge of federal, provincial, territorial, regional, and Indigenous organizations? Do you thrive in a fast paced team environment?

Interior Health is seeking a permanent full time Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) to join our Mental Health & Substance Use team in Merritt.

This IPN position is mental health and substance use specific where you will have the opportunity to support access and navigation between hospital, community and regional mental health and substance use services. This role will support culturally safe care and the integration of cultural resources where requested for youth, families and those seeking mental wellness care.

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 for the position is $67,861 to $97,550. 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 health care 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 health care providers, including primary health care physicians, regarding the provision of culturally-safe care. Coordinates client/family spiritual care requests and/or access to sacred spaces within the health care 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 health care 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 health care providers and supports Indigenous peoples’ understanding of the provincial health care system, the First Nations Health Authority, and federal health care systems where applicable. Provides information regarding the provision of and access to health care programs and services to Indigenous clients, families, and communities.

Are you a health care professional seeking a fulfilling career that blends the best of health care and nature? Merritt, British Columbia offers the perfect backdrop for your career aspirations with Interior Health! Check out our latest YouTube video, where we not only showcase the stunning natural surroundings, but also introduce you to our phenomenal team at Nicola Valley Hospital and Health Centre.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Br0P-L5L9Mw

Located in the heart of the picturesque Nicola Valley, Merritt boasts rolling hills, pristine lakes, and lush forests. The nearby Monck Provincial Park and Nicola Lake provide opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and camping, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. This charming town is not just where you work; it’s where you belong.

Whether you’re a seasoned health care hero or just beginning your journey, Merritt offers a diverse range of opportunities. We foster an environment of continuous learning and support for your professional growth.

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