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, qualified 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 & 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 collaborative 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 & 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

Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

First Light celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of our team. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of Indigenous identity or status, lived experience, national or other origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, or other characteristics.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals who carry lived experience expertise, acknowledging the value and alignment with First Light's organizational goals. We’re committed to supporting candidates throughout the application process by accommodating any disability-related requests.

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📌 Mental Health and Addictions Indigenous Patient Navigator (Newfoundland and Labrador)
🏢 firstlightnl
📍 Newfoundland and Labrador