Indigenous First Link Navigator

Serpent River

Social Services

POSTED: 1 day ago

Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services

5027

October 09, 2024

Full Time

Indigenous First Link Navigator
Location: Serpent River First Nation
Full-Time Permanent

Who you are? You are highly motivated in sharing your interest in the Health Field enabling you to work in a team environment. Acknowledging the Seven Grandfather Teachings in your work to build relationships. In addition, you have the ability to draw on your own knowledge and life skills to support and maintain efficient operational functions, with a positive outlook.

Who we are? We are a leader in First Nation Health. Our foundation is Indigenous Health in Indigenous Hands. We provide accessible, quality, culturally safe and holistic health care that supports and enhances the wellness of individuals, families, and communities. We work with our 11 First Nation community partners in the provision of primary health care, traditional healing, mental wellness and addictions, home and community support services and health promotion services. We have recently been approved as the first Indigenous led Ontario Health Team by the Ministry of Health.

The opportunity: Under the supervision of the Director of Home and Community Support Services and closely liaising with the Algoma and Sault Ste. Marie Branch Alzheimer Society, the Indigenous First Link Navigator is responsible for coordinating and integrating supports and services around the person living with dementia and their care partner. In this direct client service role, they will be the key \"go-to\" person for families after a dementia diagnosis, with responsibility for identifying needs, supporting self-management goals, and strengthening the communication and care planning linkages between providers and across sectors along the continuum of care. The Indigenous First Link Navigator will strive to ensure that every person diagnosed with dementia and their care partners have timely access to information, learning opportunities and support when and where they need it in order to achieve the following outcomes:

- Increase system capacity to provide families facing a dementia diagnosis with system navigation support
- Improved client experience and health for the person living with dementia and their care partner(s)
- Greater care partner capacity and competency to effectively manage their role and reduce incidence of crisis situations
- Enhanced capacity for the person living with dementia to remain in their own home and community for as long as possible

Why Work with Us?
- Competitive Salary based on experience
- Paid Extended Health Benefits
- HOOPP (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan)
- Generous vacation package; with additional 6 Aboriginal statutory holidays
- Life-long learning is a priority, offering 10 Professional Development Days and $1200/Annual Budget
- Technology Amenities provided (i.e., laptop, electronic medical record system, cell phone)
- All travel expenses covered
- Access to Cultural and Traditional teachings of the Ojibwe People
- 2 weeks holiday for the 1st year
- 15 days of Personal Leave

What you need to bring with you:
- Bachelor degree in social work, gerontology, or other related health care discipline
- 3 to 5 years client service experience in the health and/or social service sectors
- Experience working directly with people living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias and their care partners
- Experience and knowledge in management of chronic and complex health conditions
- Knowledge of available community services/supports and clinical, social, and residential care options
- Understanding of roles and linkages across primary care, community care and specialized geriatric services
- Strong knowledge of client-centred philosophy
- Knowledge of clinical practices and training models related to dementia (e.g., P.I.E.C.E.S. and U-First!)
- Experience in assessment and care planning/coordination
- Experience working in settings requiring inter-professional collaboration
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, including shared decision-making and facilitation and demonstrated ability to work with the Elderly
- Ability to take initiative and be resourceful
- Proficiency in technology (Microsoft Office and Case Management and Care Coordination Systems)
- Knowledge of and interest in the health issues affecting Indigenous people
- Must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends
- Must have a valid G Class driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle

What to expect? Given the traditional practices of Indigenous people, from time-to-time exposure to smoke from the burning of sacred medicines such as tobacco, sweet grass, sage, or cedar may occur. Accommodations for the disabled will be available upon request. An offer of employment will be conditional upon an acceptable vulnerable sector police records check. Hiring of Indigenous People will be given preference, as allowed under Section 14 of the Ontario Human Rights Code - Special Programs.