Indigenous Patient Navigator

Job Title

Program & Department

Regular / Temporary

Regular

Full / Part Time

Full-Time

Temporary End Date (Anticipated)

Union

Non Union

Requisition Close Date

20 August 2026

Salary Plan / Job Grade

$46.22 - $54.15 (  )

Job Posting Reason

Current Vacancy

Job Summary & Requirements

The Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN, Cancer) is a key member of the Indigenous Patient Services team at RVH and will provide support and advocacy for Indigenous patients, families and caregivers in the Hudson Regional Cancer Program. The IPN (Cancer) will facilitate and coordinate access to cancer services, address cultural/spiritual needs, and network with healthcare partners to coordinate culturally-grounded services for Indigenous patients.

In addition, the IPN (Cancer) works closely with the Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead and Indigenous Project Coordinator (Cancer), contributing to program development, provider education and cancer system improvement.

The Indigenous Patient Navigator’s work aligns with strategic direction from Ontario Health’s First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous (FNIMUI) Cancer Strategy (2024 to 2028), and shared priorities with the Indigenous Health Circle / Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle as affirmed in the existing Letter of Relationship.

Primary Responsibilities:

FNIMUI Patient-Focused Assessment:

• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments taking into consideration Indigenous cultural imperatives, the ongoing effects of intergenerational trauma, Indigenous worldview, and their community and helping network
• Conduct culturally relevant risk assessments of each patient and their support system that take into consideration cultural imperatives, values, and beliefs
• Review patient records
• Consult with other health professionals and agencies such as Community Health Centres, Traditional healers and Elders from the various communities who are also providing support to patients
• Ongoing assessment and/or evaluation of treatment plan
• Timely and accurate documentation
• Identify and document the needs of Indigenous patients and their families
• Develop strategies that will best meet the needs of Indigenous patients and their families in the Hudson Regional Cancer Program
• Increase awareness of cancer care among Indigenous patients with cancer and their families
• Improve access to cancer services for Indigenous patients with cancer and their families
• Build productive relationships with Indigenous communities and community partners in the region
• Liaise and advocate for the needs of Indigenous patients with cancer and their families within the Hudson Regional Cancer Program and with other groups involved in cancer care
• Monitor, assess and evaluate the uptake of the program on an ongoing basis

Therapeutic Intervention:

• Utilize a variety of models of intervention from both mainstream counseling theory and culturally supportive models consistent with Indigenous worldview such as patient centered therapy, motivational counselling, medicine wheel counselling, Miikaans Traditional Indigenous therapy and more
• Additional cultural approaches to be used include healing/sharing circles, ritual, storytelling, involvement of Elders and Traditional Medicine people, smudging ceremony, role modeling, use of instructive parables
• Advocate within the team and community for appropriate services for the patient
• Help patients identify treatment goals
• Consult with other health professionals and agencies on a regular basis
• Ongoing assessment and/or evaluation of treatment plan

Communication & Facilitation:

• Communicate with a variety of stakeholders from across the continuum
• Actively participate in relevant committees (i.e. North Simcoe Muskoka Indigenous Health Circle, Ontario Health's Indigenous Patient Navigator Community of Practice)
• Work collaboratively with healthcare providers across the region
• Facilitate knowledge transfer
• Provide presentations to disseminate and share results of initiatives

Education &

Certifications:

• University degree in health, Indigenous studies or social sciences field; or college diploma with five years’ work experience in the health and/or social work field, or culturally recognized equivalent
• Completion of the SE Health Indigenous Patient…