Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre·Barrie, Ontario
Provide support and advocacy for Indigenous patients, families, and caregivers in the Hudson Regional Cancer Program.
Facilitate and coordinate access to cancer services for Indigenous patients.
Conduct biopsychosocial assessments considering Indigenous cultural imperatives, intergenerational trauma, Indigenous worldview, and community support networks.
Conduct culturally relevant risk assessments of patients and their support systems.
Review patient records and consult with health professionals and agencies (including Community Health Centres, Traditional healers, and Elders).
Perform ongoing assessment and/or evaluation of treatment plans.
Provide timely and accurate documentation and identify/document needs of Indigenous patients and their families.
Develop strategies to meet the needs of Indigenous patients and families within the program.
Increase awareness of cancer care among Indigenous patients and families.
Improve access to cancer services.
Build productive relationships with Indigenous communities and regional community partners.
Liaise and advocate for patient needs within the Hudson Regional Cancer Program and with other cancer care groups.
Monitor, assess, and evaluate program uptake on an ongoing basis.
Deliver therapeutic interventions using mainstream and culturally supportive models consistent with Indigenous worldview.
Use culturally grounded approaches such as healing/sharing circles, ritual, storytelling, involvement of Elders and Traditional Medicine people, smudging ceremony, role modeling, and instructive parables.
Advocate for appropriate services within the team and community.
Help patients identify treatment goals.
Actively participate in relevant committees and communities of practice.
Work collaboratively with healthcare providers across the region and facilitate knowledge transfer.
Provide presentations to disseminate and share results of initiatives
University degree in health, Indigenous studies, or social sciences; or college diploma with five years’ work experience in health and/or social work (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.
Lived experience within an Indigenous community and 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 addressing Indigenous-specific healthcare issues and social determinants of health.
Previous involvement in program development, implementation, and evaluation.
Demonstrated 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.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills; ability to foster trust.
Commitment to culturally safe, trauma-informed, patient- and family-centered care.
Organizational, problem-solving, prioritization, and multitasking skills.
Critical thinking and clinical judgment for decision-making and resource coordination.
Ability to adapt and take initiative with minimal supervision.
Highly developed skills in culturally relevant assessment and trauma-informed therapeutic intervention for individuals, groups, and families.
Extensive knowledge of FNIM healthcare needs from a cultural perspective.
In-depth understanding of the Ontario Cancer System/Plan and the FNIMUI Cancer Strategy.
Ability to navigate the Health Canada First Nation and Inuit Health Branch Non-Insured Health Benefits Program.
Demonstrated ability to work in an interprofessional team and independently with strong time management.
Critical thinking, problem solving, analytical thinking, and evidence-based practice.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook; working knowledge of Meditech and reporting systems is an asset.
Excellent communication skills (written, consultative, verbal, and presentation).
Fluency in FNIM language is an asset
Market context
Demand for Indigenous Patient Navigators in Ontario is often tied to hospitals, community health programs, and organizations working to improve culturally safe access to care. These roles can be competitive because employers look for both formal education and lived or community-recognized experience, plus preferred training such as the SE Health Indigenous Patient Navigation Program and TEACH tobacco intervention preparation. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to quickly compare fit, then confirm any local Indigenous health experience and training before applying.
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