Indigenous Hospital Liaison

As a bona fide occupational requirement, and under Section 11 of the Alberta Human Rights Act, only Indigenous applicants will be considered. The Indigenous Wellness Core (IWC) works in collaboration and partnership across Alberta Health Services and with all external partners to support innovation and improvement in Indigenous Health and to work towards health equity for Indigenous peoples and communities. The IWC has a significant opportunity to improve the health of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta by focusing on upstream efforts and health equity, creating and building on community empowerment and action, and transforming health service delivery to address racism and focus more on determinants of health and prevention. The IWC is the mechanism through which AHS plans to achieve on-going provincial improvement in Indigenous health, patient outcomes and experience, health improvement and sustainability of Alberta’s health system. The Indigenous Hospital Liaison will: Advocate for Indigenous patients/families through consultation and support for patients and families to access services, as requested. Provide healthcare navigation to patients/families to assist them to make informed health care decisions. Collaborate with multidisciplinary hospital staff among Alberta Health Services, outside health bodies and organizations not limited to Indigenous health providers. Establish supportive relationships with patients/families. Foster respect for and increased knowledge of Indigenous worldviews, cultural values and traditional principles of wellness among patients/staff. Provide referral support to connect patients/families to culturally safe and traditional healing resources and services. Provide bedside support to Indigenous patients/families, as requested. Complete and maintain detailed patient reports and service logs.

As an Aboriginal Hospital Representative I, you will provide a range of support services to First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) clients and their families within AHS facilities. Your knowledge and respect for the cultural perspectives, beliefs and health practices within the FNMI community are essential in this role to supplement and enhance the care provided by other healthcare professionals. As an Aboriginal Hospital Representative I, you are not a primary care provider, but you will provide input, recommendations, support and guidance to the discharge planning team. You will also provide cultural consultation and recommendations to discharge planning teams from other urban acute care and rural sites as required.

Completion of diploma or certificate from an accredited health related program in a regulated profession (e.g., Social Work, Licensed Practical Nurse).

Having the ability to facilitate connection to traditional healing practices. Previous experience in a health care setting or in a human services field outside of health care setting. Advanced experience/knowledge of Indigenous healing methods, culture and traditions. Candidate should also demonstrate the following: Knowledge and respect for the diversity of Indigenous populations and communities. Knowledge of Indigenous history, worldview, perspectives, beliefs/values, culture and traditions and spirituality is required. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others. Demonstrates good written skills and use of relevant computer software.

Knowledge of an Indigenous language will be considered an asset. Experience in a health care setting will be considered an asset.