Indigenous Social Worker

Winnipeg Regional Health Authority•Winnipeg, MB

2d•Onsite

About The Position

CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB) is seeking an Indigenous Social Worker to provide assessment, service navigation, and case management services to adult and pediatric oncology patients and families. This role has a particular focus on supporting Indigenous patients and others who experience barriers to equitable access to cancer care. The Indigenous Social Worker will provide culturally safe, trauma- and violence-informed support, identifying and addressing social, cultural, financial, and systemic factors affecting access to care. The role involves planning, advocating, and coordinating supports by collaborating with internal CCMB teams, external partners, Indigenous communities and organizations, and social service agencies. The position also focuses on developing and sustaining relationships with Indigenous communities, contributing to internal decolonizing efforts at CCMB, and supporting practices that advance health equity, cultural safety, and the implementation of reconciliation calls to action. This role directly supports the health and well-being of Indigenous patients, families, and communities by ensuring access to culturally safe and responsive cancer care, and also supports equity-deserving individuals and families facing systemic barriers to care.

Requirements

Bachelor or Master of Social Work from an accredited educational institution
Completion of, or demonstrated commitment to completing, Indigenous cultural safety and anti-racism training
2 years of related social work experience in the last 5 years
Experience with, or knowledge of, applying an Indigenous lens to health care delivery and exploring ways to provide culturally safe and responsive care
Expertise in psychosocial assessment, consultation, case management, and counselling within an interdisciplinary health care environment
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with health care providers, community organizations, and service partners to support patient care
Extensive knowledge of community resources and social service systems available to support patients and families in urban, rural and remote communities
Ability to apply knowledge of available resources to support patients and families in navigating complex health and social service systems
Demonstrated understanding of health equity, social determinants of health, and structural barriers—including systemic racism and the impacts of colonization—that may affect access to care and treatment
Knowledge of culturally safe care principles and the ability to provide respectful and responsive care to individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, including Indigenous Peoples with distinct histories, cultures and relationships to land and community
Knowledge of trauma- and violence-informed care and the ability to apply these principles in patient interactions and care planning
Demonstrated skills in crisis intervention and assessing complex psychosocial or high-risk situations
Excellent interviewing and communication skills, written and verbal
Strong organizational, time management and prioritization skills with the ability to manage competing demands
Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs as well as other software (e.g. ARIA, EPR, RL6, etc.)
Demonstrated ability to interact with people in a sensitive, respectful and professional manner
Ability to work ethically, with integrity and a high level of confidentiality, in accordance with professional standards, legislation and organizational policies
Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of reconciliation as outlined in Manitoba's Path to Reconciliation Act (2016) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
Knowledge and appreciation of the unique histories, cultures, traditions, and community structures of Indigenous Peoples in Manitoba; lived experience and connection to Indigenous community is recognized as a strength
Knowledge of Indigenous-specific health programs, benefits, and jurisdictional considerations relevant to Indigenous patients and families, including Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB), Indigenous Services Canada programs, and Jordan's Principle
Demonstrated knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action (2015), Joyce's Principle, the Brian Sinclair Inquest, and their implications for health care delivery to Indigenous Peoples
Working knowledge of, or experience working with, Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities in Manitoba, including First Nations, Tribal Councils, Manitoba Inuit Association, Manitoba Métis Federation, urban Indigenous organizations, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Southern Chiefs' Organization (SCO), and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO)
Must be registered or eligible for, and maintain licensure, to practise as a Social Worker in the province of Manitoba
Must have satisfactory employment record
Must be legally able to work in Canada

Nice To Haves

Experience working with Indigenous communities, organizations, or governments in Manitoba is an asset
Ability to speak French is considered an asset
Knowledge of an Indigenous language is considered an asset

Responsibilities

Provides assessment, service navigation, and case management services to adult and pediatric oncology patients and families.
Provides culturally safe, trauma- and violence-informed support to patients and families.
Identifies and addresses social, cultural, financial, and systemic factors that may affect access to care and treatment.
Plans, advocates, and coordinates supports by collaborating with internal CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB) teams, external partners, Indigenous communities and organizations, and social service agencies.
Develops and sustains relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and partners to support continuity of care and culturally responsive service delivery.
Contributes to internal decolonizing efforts at CancerCare Manitoba, supporting practices and processes that advance health equity, cultural safety, and the implementation of calls to action from Truth and Reconciliation, Joyce’s Principle, and the Brian Sinclair Inquest.
Supports patients throughout their cancer journey as part of the interdisciplinary oncology team.
Contributes to a welcoming, equitable, and culturally safe care environment at CancerCare Manitoba.
Directly supports the health and well-being of Indigenous patients, families, and communities by ensuring they have access to culturally safe and responsive cancer care.
Supports equity-deserving individuals and families across the oncology program who face systemic barriers to care.