Job Summary & Requirements
The 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 quick-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

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📌 Indigenous Patient Navigator (Ontario)
🏢 Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
📍 Ontario