Indigenous Patient Navigator

Position Summary
Are you passionate about supporting Indigenous patients and their families in their healthcare journey? Do you have a strong understanding of cultural practices and knowledge of federal, provincial, territorial, regional, and Indigenous organizations?
If so, we invite you to join our dedicated team as a casual Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) at Penticton Health Centre in beautiful Penticton, BC, located on the traditional territory of the syilx nation. Thrive in a collaborative and dynamic environment where your cultural expertise and commitment to patient care will make a meaningful impact.

This is a casual opportunity. Casual means hours are not guaranteed and that days of work and shift times may vary from 0 - 37.5 hours per week.

Shift Types: days and evenings
Shift Times: 08:30 to 16:30 and 10:30 to 17:15
Days of Work: this position will work one weekend every month with opportunity for any available vacant shifts during the week

Once hired into a casual role, employees are eligible to apply for internal postings including permanent part-time or full time positions. There are many opportunities with Interior Health that begin with casual positions and lead to regular or temporary employment.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary and an attractive remuneration package
• Career Growth
• Employer paid training/education
• Balanced lifestyle

Salary range for the position is $34.80 to $50.03 hourly. 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 you will create an impact:

In accordance with the established vision and values of the organization, 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.

What you will work on:

• 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). Supports connection to community services such as Indigenous translators.
• 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 (e.g., mental health, addictions, and/or other IPN or community resources).
• 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.
• Coordinates client-specific meetings between the inter-professional team, including Indigenous healthcare providers, to address concerns or system barriers that arise.
• In alignment with IH’s Occupational Health & Safety Program, employees shall adhere to all Occupational Health and Safety policies and procedures at all times and attend all required training. Employees are responsible to report any identified hazards, unsafe conditions or incidents to the manager or supervisor immediately.

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.
• Travel is a requirement of this position. Please include a copy of your valid BC Driver’s License.