Title: Indigenous Social Navigator

Society: South Peace First Nations Primary Care Clinic Society

Clinic Name: Northern Nations Wellness Centre (Mîýomâcihêwi Kamik)

Position Number: 2

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY The South Peace First Nations Primary Care Centre is one that that respects the cultural values and practices that are integral to Indigenous identities and wellness. We are committed to a proactive holistic approach to health and wellness, and to the delivery of services which are sustainable and honour the customs and traditions of the Saulteau and West Moberly communities near Chetwynd, BC.

POSITION SUMMARY The Northern Nations Wellness Centre (NNWC) provides comprehensive, team-based, wrap-around care to address gaps in regional health services, including primary care, chronic disease management, mental health and substance use supports, traditional wellness, and social supports. We strive to provide accessible, culturally safe and respectful care closer to home.

Our Indigenous Social Navigators play a vital role in supporting this mandate. They provide culturally safe navigation, advocacy and practical support for Indigenous and Métis patients and families, helping to reduce barriers to accessing health, wellness and community services. The role also supports other NNWC patients who may require additional assistance navigating health and social systems or connecting with services and resources outside of the clinic.

Working collaboratively with NNWC's interdisciplinary care team, the Indigenous Social Navigator helps identify patient needs and connects patients with appropriate community, health and social supports. This may include assistance with accessing income and housing supports, transportation, food security resources, community programs, mental health and substance use services, Indigenous-specific services, hospital and specialist services, and other resources that contribute to a patient's overall health and wellbeing. Where appropriate, the Social Navigator contributes to the development, implementation and monitoring of patient care plans to help ensure patients are connected with the supports and resources they need.

A particular focus of the position is ensuring that Indigenous patients and families are supported in ways that respect culture, identity, community connections and individual preferences.

The Indigenous Social

Navigator also contributes to the education and learning of the broader care team by sharing knowledge of services and supports available within local Indigenous communities, Indigenous approaches to health and wellness, trauma-informed practice, cultural safety and humility, and culturally appropriate care planning.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

1. Facilitate education and learning opportunities for the wellness team in such areas as understanding the services and supports available in the local Indigenous communities, Indigenous approaches to wellness, trauma informed care, cultural safety and long-term discharge planning goals.
2. Contribute to the clinical design, implementation, and monitoring of individual Indigenous patient care plans to maximize community support, cultural safety and respectful care for patients and families.
3. Collaborate with the health care teams in First Nations communities to ensure that the patient’s care is coordinated between Northern Health services,



Northern Nations Wellness Centre’s services, and the Saulteau First Nations’ and West Moberly First Nations’ community services.
4. Relay information, actively aligning patient needs, and tracking their progress through the health system. This approach supports clients toward adequately addressing their needs in a timely manner and prevents clients from falling through the gaps as part of their health and wellness journey.
5. Provide transportation to patients attached to the medical and wellness providers within the clinic using the Centre’s vehicle, ensuring patients who require low barriers to care are not missing appointments or traditional wellness events due to lack of reliable transportation, offering sustainable support as needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Support and Navigation

- Greet patients and visitors in a welcoming, culturally safe manner and assist them with intake forms and virtual appointments as needed.
- Provide information on available wrap-around care related to social determinants of health (e.g., community support, housing, social, and recreational services).
- Ensure patients have coordinated access to care, guiding them from intake through treatment, discharge, and follow-up.
- Collaborate with Wellness Team members to develop discharge plans addressing short-, mid-, and long-term needs of Indigenous patients and their families.
- Be an advocate and intermediary, helping health professionals incorporate clients' cultural needs into treatment plans (with client consent).
- Identify service gaps and reduce barriers to accessing the Centre’s services for Indigenous communities, including the ride hailing service to appointments.

Cultural Safety and Learning

- Ensure NNWC’s healing practices are rooted in local Indigenous customs and culturally safe care.
- Contribute to the clinical design, implementation, and monitoring of Indigenous patients’ care plans to ensure they maximize community support and resources.
- Advocate for Indigenous patients navigating in and out of community resources, clinics, and the hospital, ensuring they are being treated in a culturally safe and appropriate time manner, raising areas of concern to management to be addressed at a stakeholder level.
- Work with the Traditional Wellness Coordinator, Traditional Food Advisors, and other wellness providers to coordinate workshops, group sessions, and one-on-one education, promoting NNWC’s services and fostering community engagement.
- Support the Traditional Wellness Coordinator in hosting cultural learning workshops for staff and clients, both at the Centre and in surrounding First Nations communities.
- Provide access to land-based learning activities, respecting local traditions and teachings. Assist members of the First Nations Communities in attending such events when hosted by NNWC and/or the respective local Nations.

Community Engagement and Patient Advocacy





- Share feedback from patients and visitors with the team to ensure care is culturally safe and reflective of Indigenous values over time.
- Build partnerships with current “On the Land” treatment and recovery programs, facilitating connections for patients.
- If the Centre is at capacity, work with patients to present alternative options consistent with their health needs.
- Strengthen and develop relationships between NNWC, First Nations communities, and strategic partners.
- Build and maintain relationships with local Indigenous community partners, ensuring collaboration on health initiatives.
- Liaise with other wellness providers and traditional healers to facilitate cultural activities, groups, and ceremonies.
- Attend meetings, events, and health fairs as a representative of NNWC to promote cultural wellness revitalization, ensuring protocols and community processes are followed.

Other

- Provide backup Medical Office Assistant support/vacation relief.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS Experience, Knowledge, and Abilities

- 3 years of work experience in a health care setting, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- Knowledge of local First Nations cultures, customs, values and traditions, particularly the Saulteau and West Moberly First Nations.
- Knowledge of the health and wellness challenges faced by BC First Nations and the ability to navigate these issues sensitively.
- Strong understanding of cultural safety, humility, and trauma-informed approaches to care.
- Knowledge of First Nations cultural principles and protocols, especially in healthcare settings.
- Awareness of challenges and barriers in rural and remote communities.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a customer service-oriented approach.
- Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to privacy and security protocols in compliance with clinic standards.
- Ability to accurately document patient interactions and data, using relevant systems for data entry and reporting.
- Proficiency in using computer systems for data entry and documentation.
- Experience working in a multidisciplinary team and collaborating with healthcare providers.
- Training in anti-Indigenous racism response, cultural safety, and humility is an asset.
- Comfort with digital technology and online systems.

Other Requirements

- Clear Police Information Check (including vulnerable sector).
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and willingness to obtain a class 4 License.
- Travelling within the Peace Region will be required.

Priority will be given to applicants of Indigenous descent due to the importance of cultural knowledge for this role.

COMPENSATION

- $30.92-$44.17/hour.
- Comprehensive benefit packages including extended health/dental and a municipal pension plan for part time and full-time employees.

Application Information

- For those interested in applying you may submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected]
- If you would like more information on this opportunity, please do not hesitate to contact us at: (phone hidden).

Pay: $30.92-$44.17 per hour Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 Indigenous Social Navigator (Chetwynd)
🏢 Northern Nations Wellness Centre
📍 Chetwynd