Indigenous Patient Navigator – Transformation – Temporary Full Time (2)

Summary of Position:

The Indigenous Patient Navigator will provide support and advocacy for FNIM (First Nation, Inuit and Métis) patients and families by facilitating and coordinating access to services, for patients. The Indigenous Patient Navigator will advise on the development of guidelines/standards, identify and document the needs of the FNIM patients and their families. The Indigenous Patient Navigator will assist Indigenous clients to navigate through the health system by minimizing the cultural and language barriers and providing patients and their families with information. They will be an advocate and will assist to assure that cultural diversity is acknowledged and that the needs of the patients and families are heard and understood by the health care providers. The Indigenous Patient Navigator will work collaboratively with hospital staff and community organizations. Reporting to the Manager of Transformation & Partnerships, the goal of this position is to improve equitable access to care for Indigenous patients and support their journey through the healthcare system by collaborating with community based services that are culturally appropriate and safe, this will require working with local communities/agencies to support the patient as appropriate.

Job Duty – Patient Navigation:

Establish and maintain relationships with local First Nation communities and agencies.
Provide support to healthcare providers within the region to facilitate access to care, services or resources
Provide support to FNIM patients and their families and facilitate access and coordination of services both within Sault Area Hospital and local First Nation communities and organizations/agencies.
Provide peer support services at the Sault Area Hospital within the Emergency Department for identified Indigenous patients/clients
Recommend referrals to appropriate personnel based on knowledge of the scopes of practice of other members of the health care team/advocates on behalf of patients and family/significant others
In consultation with the health care team, patient, family/significant others and/or support person, assist with the care path to reflect interventions to meet identified needs while promoting cultural appropriateness, safety, privacy and confidentiality for patient/family/significant others
Liaise with service providers and suppliers to support the coordination of necessary services, equipment & devices, medical supplies and transportation when needed.
Review current referral processes and recommend appropriate ways to increase access to services.
Develop a work plan with key targets and timelines to address support issues, cultural needs and networking with FNIM communities
Document patients served and track services provided in the EMR.
Work with community partners to assist patients and families with transportation, lodging, or community services.
Assist patient with navigating specialist appointments, referrals and any follow up appointments
Work with SAH Case Reviewers, Maamwesying Indigenous System Navigator(s) to assist with patient-centered discharge planning
Address barriers to accessing care by providing individualized assistance to patients and families
Facilitate Indigenous people’s access to health care services that is culturally and linguistically appropriate
Assist with the patient’s understanding of diagnostic tests and treatments through education materials or by working with another inter-professional team member
Provide a communication link between the patient, family, community and health care provider.
Arrange virtual family visits and meetings if needed
Support the multidisciplinary team in providing care to patients who present in crisis, behave in an unpredictable manner, or exhibit violent behaviours through engagement and other de-escalation techniques.

Community Connections:

Establish and maintain positive working relationships with our local First Nations Health & Social Services departments
Provide information, support and assistance to individuals as they enter, flow through and depart the hubs as needed or if required
Utilize existing community outreach and support programs, building on the existing expertise of the programs already established through a shared model of care
Monitor and record types of services and referrals provided for FNIM patients and families at the hospital and in the community
Provide education and referrals/redirects to appropriate community resources that will enhance the person’s support system
Work with other agencies in a collaborative manner
Participate in the planning and delivery of group programming

Organizational Responsibility:

Attends and actively participates in team meetings as appropriate
Assists in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the programs and services
Maintains documentation and filing, and tracks and collects statistics as required
Able to provide education to staff around Indigenous Cultures and customs
Educate staff on Indigenous cultural beliefs that include, but are not limited to smudging, accessing sweat lodges or other services available that lend to holistic traditional health approaches

Qualifications and Experience:

Diploma or degree in Health or Social Sciences field
Experience working with and extensive knowledge of FNIM Peoples language, culture, customs and traditions
Experience working with Indigenous peoples and communities and providing culturally safe and patient-centered care
Experience or knowledge of the health care system and community-based resources
Working knowledge of community-based programs and initiatives for FNIM patients
Lived or working experience supporting vulnerable patient populations and those with mental health and addictions issues
Experience in bringing forth cultural needs and perspective in a health or social service environment in order to improve client plans and outcomes. Experience working as a member of an interdisciplinary team

Note: Because of the changing nature of the work and work to be done, other responsibilities and duties may be assigned and qualifications may be adjusted from time to time. Only those selected for testing/interview will be contacted.

All new employees shall be fully vaccinated against COVID 19-prior to their start date. For clarity, fully vaccinated means that 14 days have elapsed after completion of your vaccine series (i.e. full two doses). The Hospital’s Occupational Health team will require evidence of full vaccination prior to an employee’s start date. If not fully vaccinated, the Hospital’s Occupational Health team can assist successful applicants with setting up the necessary appointments to become fully vaccinated, but any start date may be delayed to the date on which a successful applicant becomes fully vaccinated. The hospital’s requirement that successful applicants be fully vaccinated is subject to any accommodation obligations it may have under the Human Rights Code. Employees shall also be required to obtain boosters or other vaccinations related to COVID-19, as deemed necessary by the Hospital, and any failure to do so will be considered willful misconduct and/or disobedience and will result in the termination of the Employee’s employment without notice or pay in lieu thereof.

Sault Area Hospital is a respectful, caring, and inclusive workplace. We are committed to championing accessibility, diversity, equal opportunity and maintaining a barrier-free selection process for job applicants. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known to the Human Resources department when contacted. All requests are handled confidentially.