- Mental Health and Addictions Indigenous Patient Navigator

Position: Indigenous Patient Navigator – Mental Health and Addictions

Department: Core Services

Reporting to: IPN Coordinator

Summary The Indigenous Patient Navigator supports Indigenous patients who need support while navigating the Mental Health and Addictions system. This role provides advocacy, guidance, referrals, and culturally grounded support to ensure equitable access to healthcare services. This position will be primarily based at the Mental Health and Addictions Centre in St. John’s, with additional workspace available in the Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) office at the Health Sciences Centre.

This position requires compassion, cultural knowledge, professional boundaries, and the ability to work with individuals who may be experiencing trauma and/or facing systemic barriers.

This is a relationship-centred role that combines advocacy, navigation support, cultural support, language translation and community connection.

Who You Are and What You Carry

You understand that healthcare navigation is more than appointments and referrals – it is about trust, dignity, and ensuring Indigenous patients feel supported and respected within healthcare systems.

You are:

- Grounded in Indigenous culture, language, traditions, and community knowledge
- A strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills
- Organized and detail-oriented in documentation and record management
- Committed to confidentiality and ethical practice
- A cooperative team member with a positive professional attitude
- Self-aware, with the ability to recognize triggers and seek support when needed

You bring:





- Knowledge of Indigenous groups in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Ability to set appropriate personal and professional boundaries
- Experience navigating or working within healthcare and community systems
- A commitment to continual learning and process improvement

What You’ll Do

Communication

- Language interpretation
- Confirm with Patients and families that clinical information is understood, and clarifying details when needed
- Navigate the healthcare system with patients and their families in collaboration with NLHS staff as needed
- Connect health authority staff with community-based health services after discharge to support treatment plans in patients’ own community
- Take part in cultural education within healthcare and education systems
- Work with multi-disciplinary teams to address concerns, resolve issues, and identify discharge barriers.

Advocacy

- Assist Indigenous patients in navigating healthcare services within NLHS facilities
- Provide one-on-one and family support while individuals move through the medical system
- Advocate for fair and equitable service delivery when required
- Make referrals to appropriate programs and medical services

Health and Emotional Support

- Navigate the healthcare system with patients and their families
- Visit with patients to assess their needs




- Support patients and families to address any concerns or fears while in a healthcare facility
- Connect patients to culturally safe services and supports
- Maintain strong working relationships with local healthcare providers and community resources
- Facilitate end-of-life services/ceremonies

Documentation and Confidentiality

- Maintain accurate and confidential case documentation
- Ensure adherence to organizational policies and privacy standards
- Utilize technology effectively for communication and record-keeping
- Demonstrate effective and courteous verbal and non-verbal communication

Skills, Experience, and Requirements To be eligible for this role, you must have:

- Deep knowledge of Indigenous groups in Newfoundland and Labrador, including culture, traditions, and practices
- Knowledge of one or more Indigenous languages spoken in Newfoundland and Labrador is an asset (Inuttut, Inukitut, Innu-aimun, Mi’kmaw)
- Diploma or degree in Social Sciences, Mental Health and Addictions (e.g., Social Work, Counselling, Psychology, Community Development, Child and Youth Care, etc.), or an equivalent combination of education and experience (including lived experience)
- Minimum 1–2 years experience working in community or healthcare settings
- Demonstrated proficiency with computers and other relevant technology and software packages
- Clear Record of Conduct and Vulnerable Sector Check
- Driver abstract

Pay: $50,000.00-$60,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Company events
- Dental care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
- Wellness program

Work Location: In person

📌 Mental Health and Addictions Indigenous Patient Navigator (St. John's)
🏢 First Light
📍 St. John's