Indigenous Patient Navigator - Emergency Department

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KEY FUNCTION: 

Provide support and advocacy for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) patients and their families who present at the Emergency Department (ED) to facilitate access to community based services that are culturally appropriate and safe. Assist clients who identify as Indigenous to navigate through the health care system and advocate for them, ensuring their needs are heard and understood during their stay at HSN and at discharge. Promote and create awareness of voluntary self-identification, and improve equitable access to care for Indigenous patients.

REPORTING:     

Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager, Northern Outreach Team.

DUTIES:

1. Receive referrals and complete initial intake with patients/families who self-identify as FNIM to identify their needs for support. 
2. Provide support to FNIM clients (patients and their families) in navigating the health care system, and facilitate access and coordination of services both within HSN, First Nation communities and organizations/agencies.
3. 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 in consulation with the health care team, patient/family and/or support person.
4. Promote and create awareness of voluntary self-identification for FNIM people at HSN, and provide peer support services with the ED for identified Indigenous patients/clients.
5. Review current referral process and recommend appropriate ways to increase access to services and improve voluntary self-identification for FNIM people who access the ED.
6. Establish and maintain strong relationships with Indigenous communities, Indigenous-led organizations and Aboriginal Health Access Centres.
7. Work in collaboration with medical team and community supports to assist with patient-centred discharge planning.
8. Provide psychosocial support to Indigenous patients and their families by incorporating culturally safe services, connecting patients to their families and communities, using technology as required.
9. Promote the use of the Medicine Lodge for patients and families who wish to gather for traditional ceremonies.
10. Maintain an up-to-date regional inventory of Indigenous related programs and services.
11. Promote culturally safe care, and traditional cultural practices in health and healing by facilitating access to cultural, spiritual, and linguistic resources.
12. Work with community partners to assist patients and families with transportation, lodging, or community services.
13. Assist with the development of policies and procedures to enhance Indigenous Health support services.
14. Assist in the development and distribution of culturally sensitive patient education materials for Indigenous Health.
15. Work collaboratively with HSN and Aboriginal Health Access Centre (AHAC) Indigenous Navigators to facilitate access to care throughout the hospital system.
16. Maintain client documentation and report statistical workload requirements in accordance with professional college guidelines and the policies of HSN.
17. 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.
18. Organize and participate in conferences, workshops, and in-service education opportunities within Indigenous Health and community.
19. Evaluate patient care and satisfaction on an ongoing basis and formulate solutions for improvement.
20. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN’s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
21. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
22. Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place. 
23. Represent the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required.  
24. Perform other duties as required.  

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: 

1. Minimum of a post-secondary Diploma in Health Sciences, Social Sciences, or Indigenous specialization in a related field, from an accredited community college. 
2. Current Certificate of Registration in good standing with a regulatory college is required.
3. Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE: 

1. Minimum of three (3) years’ experience working within an Indigenous health care or social services environment.
2. Experience working with FNIM peoples language, culture, customs, and traditions is required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: 

1. Demonstrated skills in the area of assessment and therapeutic interventions with individuals, groups, and families.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of health equity gaps and issues related to the Indigenous population, and the impact of colonization on health outcomes.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous knowledge, culture, language and practices supporting healing, health and wellness for individuals, families and communities.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of Medical Terminology.
5. Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
6. Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of quality improvement methodology for process improvement.
7. Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.
8. Demonstrated  excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems.
9. Demonstrated ability to manage routine correspondence, multiple tasks/projects, diversified workload and rapidly changing priorities and challenging deadlines.
10. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
11. Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information.
12. Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY: 

1. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
2. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
3. Ability to use tact and discretion in dealing with health care providers and patients.
4. Successful criminal reference check is required for vulnerable sector.
5. Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.
6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
7. Ability to prioritize duties and daily workload.
8. Demonstrated positive work record and good attendance record.
9. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job.
10. Valid driver’s license with access to reliable vehicle. 
11. Ability to travel between local sites.
12. Willingness to travel occasionally within Northern Ontario.

Processus de sélection : Les candidats à ce poste seront choisis selon leurs capacités, compétences, expériences et formations mentionnées dans le curriculum vitæ et le formulaire de demande. L’hôpital se réserve le droit de mener une entrevue officielle au besoin.

HSN REMERCIE TOUS LES CANDIDATS. NOUS NE COMMUNIQUERONS QU’AVEC LES PERSONNES RETENUES POUR UNE ENTREVUE.

NOUS N’ACCEPTERONS PAS DE CANDIDATURES APRÈS LA DATE ET L’HEURE LIMITES.