Reports To: Health Director
Job Purpose:
The Cold Lake First Nations Health Center is launching a transformative program to strengthen healthcare relations and remove barriers for over 3000 community members. The Social Worker in the capacity of an Indigenous Patient Navigator will provide culturally sensitive support to Indigenous individuals navigating the healthcare system. This role is essential in fostering health literacy, organizing access to care services, facilitating individualized healthcare plans, and building lasting connections between Indigenous patients and healthcare providers.
Duties and Responsibilities:
-
Cultural and Community-Specific Assistance:
-
Provide tailored, culturally sensitive assistance to Indigenous community members navigating healthcare services.
-
Act as a resource for healthcare providers to promote cultural competency and improve relations between providers and the community.
-
Health Literacy and Education:
-
Promote health literacy by educating community members about their healthcare rights and helping them make informed decisions.
-
Organize and conduct health education workshops within the community to increase awareness and engagement in health-related matters.
-
Organizing and Coordinating Access to Care Services:
-
Streamline access to healthcare by coordinating appointments, transportation, and other logistical needs.
-
Act as a liaison between healthcare providers, patients, and other support services to ensure comprehensive care.
-
Individualized Planning:
-
Assist in the creation of individualized healthcare plans for Indigenous patients, ensuring continuity and adherence to treatment.
-
Conduct regular check-ins with clients to assess their progress and adjust plans as needed.
-
Building Connections Between Indigenous Persons and Service Providers:
-
Build and foster strong relationships between Indigenous patients and healthcare service providers.
-
Facilitate communication and collaboration between community members and providers to enhance trust and continuity of care.
-
Service Provider Meetings and HUB Model Development:
-
Organize and attend service provider meetings to identify and address challenges faced by Indigenous patients.
-
Take a leadership role in developing the HUB model, bringing together non-profit organizations and community service workers to support marginalized populations.
-
Coordination of Support Services:
-
Collaborate with external organizations, including housing, social services, education, legal systems, and more to provide holistic support for patients.
-
Ensure seamless referrals and coordinated care for clients navigating multiple services.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
-
Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Social Work or related field.
-
Licensing/Certification: Registration with the relevant provincial Social Worker regulatory body.
-
Experience working with Indigenous communities and providing culturally sensitive care.
-
Previous experience in healthcare navigation, case management, or similar roles is an asset.
-
Strong understanding of Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and trauma-informed care.
-
Knowledge of healthcare systems, health literacy, and community resource coordination.
-
Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
-
Ability to work collaboratively with healthcare providers, community members, and support services.
Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:
-
Possibility of high stress, frequent interruptions, and possible exposure to illness.
-
Must have access to a reliable vehicle and possess a valid Class 5 driver’s license.
-
Will involve periods of sitting and repetitive motion on the keyboard.
-
Office environment. 37.5 hours/week. Monday – Thursday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Fridays 8:30 am - 2:00 pm.