Community Health Navigator

WNHAC•Kenora, ON

6d•CA$56,886 - CA$74,224•Onsite

About The Position

To empower people in their healing journeys by supporting transitions between various levels of care across the health care system, and facilitating integration of provincial, federal, and other health and social support services across the care continuum, thus improving access to wholistic, comprehensive care. The Community Health Navigator connects people with health and social services to improve health outcomes and support healthier families and communities. The role also addresses system-level challenges that affect planned transitions in care and helps bridge understanding between traditional and western approaches to health and healing, with a focus on quality, equitable access, and culturally safe care. The position supports implementation of an Indigenous Transitional Care Model by working with health and social service providers to coordinate access to timely, appropriate supports for clients who require health care services. NOTE: Traditional practices involving burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar and other cultural protocols occur regularly within our work setting.

Requirements

Post-secondary education with a health or social services focus, plus 3–5 years’ experience including significant case management (ideally in a community-focused setting);
Advanced Patient Navigation Level 1 & 2 courses. (willingness to obtain);
Palliative Care for Front Line Workers in First Nations Communities training. (willingness to obtain);
Excellent advocacy, communication, organizational and computer skills;
Excellent understanding of all aspects of the health care system to facilitate seamless transitions between levels of care across the continuum;
Demonstrated ability to work independently while being an effective team member;
Deep understanding and experience of Indigenous culture, values, and perspectives and relevance in a workplace; ability to speak and understand Anishinaabemowin a definite asset;
Proof of immunization in compliance with policy requirements is mandatory;
Valid drivers’ license, own vehicle and willingness and ability to travel required;
Criminal records check and current drivers’ abstract required;
Commitment to ongoing training and professional development relevant to job requirements;
Positive attitude and capacity to act as a healthy lifestyle role model.

Nice To Haves

ability to speak and understand Anishinaabemowin a definite asset

Responsibilities

Identify barriers to client care, (barriers may include issues related to social determinants of health, such as transportation, oncome, childcare, housing, justice, limited primary care)
Provide transition supports to clients to navigate health care services by establishing service linkages within WNHAC and with external partners (including NIHB), supporting and assisting with communication/translation of services and health information, identifying barriers to care, referring and linking clients to traditional health services, and support with coordination of client’s health care needs such as appointments, documents (IDs, status cards, health cards, financial and travel arrangements.
Stay informed with changes and seek current information about available client resources (OW, ODSP, NIHB)
Maintain current and accurate client records to ensure comprehensive, consistent care and services; document all activities as needed to support accountability requirements to organization, funders, and community (PSS, OCEAN, Sharevision, other specific to client’s plan)
Facilitate early engagement of clients, families, and caregivers in development of care plans
Coordinate proactive, seamless care transitions with community navigators/ case managers and all health care providers and organizations involved in the person’s care.
Maintain strong community linkages, especially with organizations that deliver Mental Health, Addiction Services and Home and Community Care services.
Maintain professional competence through ongoing professional development and training relevant to job requirements.
Contribute to organizational effectiveness by participating in committee and teamwork activities.
Other duties as required. In extenuating situations or in the event of an emergency, may be redeployed to ensure provision of essential services.