Indigenous Health Patient Advocate

QUALIFICATIONS
* Indigenous Ancestry
* Grade 12 Education (MB. Standards)
* 5 years experience in a health care setting
* Other combinations of education and experience may be considered
* Province of Manitoba Class 5 Drivers License, or equivalent from province of residence, and access to a personal vehicle
* Proficiency with Microsoft programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint), as well as Internet applications and other Information Technology
* Familiar in a local Indigenous language
* Demonstrated organizational skills, and the ability to work independently
* Demonstrated communication skills
* Demonstrated flexibility to facilitate changes in techniques and procedures
* Demonstrated problem solving and decision making skills
* Demonstrated knowledge and competence of skills and concepts related to the position
* Ability to display independent judgment
* Ability to respect and promote a culturally diverse population
* Ability to respect and promote confidentiality
* Ability to perform the duties of the position on a regular basis
* Ability to work effectively and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, clients and within interdisciplinary team

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Regional Manager - Indigenous Health and closely aligned with Clinical Directors, the Indigenous Health Patient Advocate will provide support to Indigenous people (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) seeking and accessing care in sites and programs within in Prairie Mountain Health. The Indigenous Health Patient Advocate will support and facilitate communication between patients/clients/residents, families, and health care providers. The incumbent’s role will include language and medical translation where possible, provide emotional support and advocacy on behalf of clients/families, knowledge transfer of federal health services, and to help facilitate spiritual and cultural care. The Indigenous Health Patient Advocate will help cultivate a relationship between Indigenous clients and their health care providers that is culturally sensitive and promotes culturally safe care and interactions.

The position functions in a manner that is consistent with the mission, vision and values; and the policies of Prairie Mountain Health.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Overview:

1. Advocates and supports Indigenous clients to ask questions about their health care.
2. Provide friendly visitation to Indigenous patient/clients.
3. Assists patients with their families to navigate the complaints and compliments process.
4. Communicates with and/or support clients to navigate other systems (examples: provincial, federal) that impact client’s health condition.
5. Participates in discharge planning meetings as needed.
6. Helps to connect acute care with community-based health services (i.e. First Nation Home & Community Care Programs and/or Community Health Nurse) where needed to ensure follow through with treatment plans/discharge planning. Connects with Indigenous communities and services and stays up to date on Indigenous specific resources and pathways currently in place.
7. Connects with urban services geared for Indigenous peoples.
8. Establishes a communication link with First Nation community medical transportation services.
9. Assist where needed to help fill forms and paperwork with clients.
10. Assist to facilitate access to traditional healers/helpers, cultural support resources as requested by clients and families. Work with healthcare team to ensure safe combining of traditional healing ways and western medicines.
11. Facilitates performing traditional healing practices such as smudging.
12. Helps to understand Indigenous concept of family, community and ways of being.
13. Record keeping of services provided.
14. Some travel required for meetings with Indigenous stakeholders (i.e. Services to Services meetings) and community engagement.
15. Works with PMH Indigenous Health to develop action plan objectives, input to Indigenous Health Intranet site, and development of a service brochure.
16. Other duties as assigned.