JOB SUMMARY:Within the context of a patient/client and family-centred framework and continuum-based care model and in accordance with established standards of professional practice and the vision, values and policies of the organization, the Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) is accountable for providing day-to-day health system navigation support to create safe people, places, and systems for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit clients and their families of Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH). The IPN liaises with clients and primary care teams who provide direct client and family support, to ensure their successful access to primary care and community-based health care services. The IPN is responsible for ensuring that patient care occurs in a culturally safe and respectful manner by – people: connecting with clients and families to offer support, helping clients and families voice their questions or concerns to the primary care teams, offering traditional culturally safe resources that compliment current healthcare regimes, mitigate potential complaints by acting as a conduit between client and care team through presence, communication, approach, and understanding. The Indigenous Patient Navigator also liaises with a variety of Indigenous community based agencies.The IPN will inform and influence program development, planning and evaluation of services for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit clients through the patient experience process of navigating the healthcare system. Key partnerships are with the Indigenous Health Program, interdisciplinary VCH health care providers, and VCH leadership. This work is framed within VCH’s commitments to our pillars of Indigenous Cultural Safety, Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Planetary Health.
QUALIFICATIONS:Education & Experience Two (2) to three (3) years’ recent, related experience working with Indigenous communities in British Columbia, with a combination of training, education and/or experience in a similar field. Bachelor’s degree in health care, Social Work, Nursing or related discipline preferred. Travel within the health authority’s geographic area is required, with access to appropriate transportation.Pursuant to Section 41 of the British Columbia Human Rights Code, preference will be given to individuals of Indigenous identity (First Nations, Inuit, M�tis).Knowledge, Skills & Abilities• Comprehensive knowledge and demonstrated ability to provide culturally safe care, has completed Indigenous Cultural Safety Training. • Demonstrated understanding and in-depth knowledge of First Nations, Inuit, and M�tis Peoples and history. • Demonstrated understanding of provincial and federal guiding principles and documents, for example In Plain Sight report, and calls to action to eliminate Indigenous-specific racism in the health care sector.• Demonstrated ability to identify and recognize current health care system gaps and barriers for Indigenous individuals and communities seeking health care. • Demonstrated ability to identify and recognize power inequities within the healthcare system associated with ongoing impacts of colonialism.?• Broad knowledge of Indigenous and non-Indigenous services and resources currently available within Vancouver Coastal Health’s (VCH’s) communities of care (CoC’s) for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit clients in need of health and social supports.• Demonstrated knowledge on how to apply Trauma Informed Practice and Harm Reduction approaches and Strengths-based care.• Demonstrated knowledge of mental health and substance use.• Demonstrated ability to provide and culturally safety care in a variety of settings and with diverse populations.• Demonstrated ability to initiate and maintain collaborative, respectful, and caring working relationships with colleagues, partners and clients.• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.• Demonstrated intermediate skill with operating wordprocessing, spreadsheet, and database programs.• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.The hours of work including days off and work area may be subject to change consistent with operational requirements and the provision of the Collective Agreement and applicable statutes. Successful applicants may be required to complete a Criminal Records Review Check.
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At Vancouver Coastal Health, our vision of healthy lives in healthy communities inspires us and our values and pillars guide us. We support equitable practices, diverse teams and inclusive environments, which are vital to creating welcoming spaces where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and feel supported. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities, including Indigenous Peoples and members of racialized groups, people with disabilities and people of all gender identities and expressions and sexual orientation.Vancouver Coastal Health is proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Canada's Top Employers for Young People in 2025.Unless otherwise noted on the posting, internal job postings close at 8:00 AM Pacific Time on the listed Closing Date. Please submit your digital application via the Internal Career Portal prior to the Closing Date & Time.Nursing & LPN successful applicants will be notified by email.We regret that only short listed candidates will be acknowledged.This is an internal job posting for Vancouver Coastal Health employees only.
