Indigenous Patient Navigator

The Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN, Cancer) is a key member of the Indigenous Patient Services team at RVH and will provide support and advocacy for Indigenous patients, families and caregivers in the Hudson Regional Cancer Program. The IPN (Cancer) will facilitate and coordinate access to cancer services, address cultural/spiritual needs, and network with healthcare partners to coordinate culturally-grounded services for Indigenous patients.

In addition, the IPN (Cancer) works closely with the Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead and Indigenous Project Coordinator (Cancer), contributing to program development, provider education and cancer system improvement.

The Indigenous Patient Navigator’s work aligns with strategic direction from Ontario Health’s First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous (FNIMUI) Cancer Strategy (2024 to 2028), and shared priorities with the Indigenous Health Circle / Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle as affirmed in the existing Letter of Relationship.

Primary Responsibilities

FNIMUI Patient-Focused Assessment:

• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments taking into consideration Indigenous cultural imperatives, the ongoing effects of intergenerational trauma, Indigenous worldview, and their community and helping network
• Conduct culturally relevant risk assessments of each patient and their support system that take into consideration cultural imperatives, values, and beliefs
• Review patient records
• Consult with other health professionals and agencies such as Community Health Centres, Traditional healers and Elders from the various communities who are also providing support to patients
• Ongoing assessment and/or evaluation of treatment plan
• Timely and accurate documentation
• Identify and document the needs of Indigenous patients and their families
• Develop strategies that will best meet the needs of Indigenous patients and their families in the Hudson Regional Cancer Program
• Increase awareness of cancer care among Indigenous patients with cancer and their families
• Improve access to cancer services for Indigenous patients with cancer and their families
• Build productive relationships with Indigenous communities and community partners in the region
• Liaise and advocate for the needs of Indigenous patients with cancer and their families within the Hudson Regional Cancer Program and with other groups involved in cancer care
Monitor, assess and evaluate the uptake of the program on an ongoing basis

Therapeutic Intervention:

• Utilize a variety of models of intervention from both mainstream counseling theory and culturally supportive models consistent with Indigenous worldview such as patient centered therapy, motivational counselling, medicine wheel counselling, Miikaans Traditional Indigenous therapy and more
• Additional cultural approaches to be used include healing/sharing circles, ritual, storytelling, involvement of Elders and Traditional Medicine people, smudging ceremony, role modeling, use of instructive parables
• Advocate within the team and community for appropriate services for the patient
• Help patients identify treatment goals
• Consult with other health professionals and agencies on a regular basis
• Ongoing assessment and/or evaluation of treatment plan

Communication & Facilitation:

• Communicate with a variety of stakeholders from across the continuum
• Actively participate in relevant committees (i.e. North Simcoe Muskoka Indigenous Health Circle, Ontario Health's Indigenous Patient Navigator Community of Practice)
• Work collaboratively with healthcare providers across the region
• Facilitate knowledge transfer
• Provide presentations to disseminate and share results of initiatives

Education & Certifications

• University degree in health, Indigenous studies or social sciences field; or college diploma with five years’ work experience in the health and/or social work field, or culturally recognized equivalent
• Completion of the SE Health Indigenous Patient Navigation Program preferred
• TEACH training - Tobacco Interventions for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Populations preferred

Experience

• Lived experience within an Indigenous community, combined with knowledge of Indigenous cultural practices
• Experience and understanding of First Nation, Métis and Inuit history, culture, health determinants, and perspectives on health and well-being
• Experience in addressing Indigenous-specific healthcare issues and social determinants of health
• Previous involvement in program development, implementation and evaluation
• Demonstrated skills with collaboration and relationship-building with mainstream internal and external stakeholders
Experience in healthcare provision specific to Indigenous community members, and knowledge of the cancer care continuum as it relates to the Indigenous Path of Well-Being

Skills and Competencies

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to foster trust with patients, families, and interprofessional teams
• Commitment to providing culturally safe, trauma-informed, patient- and family-centered care
• Proven organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Effective critical thinking and clinical judgment in decision-making and resource coordination
• Ability to adapt to change and take initiative on projects with minimal supervision
• Highly developed skills in the area of culturally relevant assessment and trauma-informed therapeutic intervention with individuals, groups, and families are essential
• Extensive knowledge of FNIM healthcare needs from a cultural perspective
• In-depth understanding of the complexities of the Ontario Cancer System, the Ontario Cancer Plan and the First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous Cancer Strategy
• Ability to navigate the Health Canada First Nation and Inuit Health Branch Non-Insured Health Benefits Program
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of an interprofessional team, and also independently with superior time management skills
• Demonstrated skills in critical thinking, problem solving, analytical thinking and evidence-based practice
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook; working knowledge of Meditech and financial/healthcare reporting systems an asset
• Excellent communication skills (written, consultative, verbal and presentation)
• Fluency in FNIM language is an asset