FT Indigenous Patient Navigator

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre•Owen Sound, ON

19h•CA$51,078 - CA$63,847•Onsite

About The Position

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is seeking an Indigenous Patient Navigator to join their interdisciplinary staff team at the Owen Sound site. This full-time, permanent role involves supporting Indigenous people and families in navigating hospital and community health systems. The Navigator will work within predominantly Western health environments, advocating for Indigenous patients and fostering collaborative relationships with various healthcare providers and community organizations. The position aims to bridge Indigenous and Western approaches to wellness through a Two-Eyed Seeing approach, assisting with care coordination, discharge planning, advocacy, and connecting clients with Traditional Healing supports to promote wellness, dignity, and equitable care outcomes.

Requirements

Indigenous ancestry and/or strong demonstrated connection and accountability to Indigenous communities preferred, with preference given to qualified Indigenous applicants.
Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), Social Worker, Social Service Worker, Indigenous Human Services, Health Promotion, or related human services degree/diploma preferred. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
Minimum 3–5 years’ experience working with Indigenous people in healthcare, hospital, community wellness, patient advocacy, system navigation, case management, social work, or related environments.
Demonstrated experience navigating hospital systems and understanding clinical pathways, specialist care, and discharge planning.
Experience advocating for individuals in complex systems
Strong knowledge of hospital systems, healthcare standards, patient rights, confidentiality, and coordinated care planning.
Knowledge of Indigenous health inequities impacts of colonialism, and systemic barriers in healthcare.
Understanding of Traditional Healing practices and willingness to support Indigenous wellness pathways.
Knowledge of Indigenous organizations, Nations, and community supports in the service region.
Ability to respectfully advocate in predominantly Western institutional environments.
Strong critical thinking and ability to ask informed healthcare questions.
Ability to translate medical language into understandable information.
Strong relationship-building and trust development skills.
High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and documentation practice.
Strong conflict navigation, facilitation, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently while collaborating across multidisciplinary systems.

Nice To Haves

Indigenous ancestry and/or strong demonstrated connection and accountability to Indigenous communities preferred, with preference given to qualified Indigenous applicants.
Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), Social Worker, Social Service Worker, Indigenous Human Services, Health Promotion, or related human services degree/diploma preferred. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Provide culturally safe navigation support to Indigenous individuals and families accessing hospital, healthcare, and community services.
Build trusting relationships with clients using a trauma-informed, relational, and wholistic approach grounded in Indigenous values and wellness practices.
Support clients in understanding healthcare options, treatment plans, discharge processes, and available services to make informed decisions about their care.
Advocate for Indigenous patients within predominantly Western healthcare systems to ensure equitable, respectful, and culturally responsive care.
Coordinate care transitions, referrals, and discharge planning between hospitals, community organizations, and home supports.
Connect clients with Traditional Healers, Elders, ceremony, cultural resources, and other Indigenous community supports based on individual needs and preferences.
Foster collaborative relationships with healthcare providers, community partners, and Indigenous organizations to strengthen coordinated care and service delivery.
Maintain confidential documentation, track client supports and contribute to improving culturally safe healthcare practices and systems.