Patient Navigator

Job Description About Musqueam

We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓.

There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people.

Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit

Reporting to the Primary Clinic Practice Manager, the Patient Navigator will be responsible for walking alongside Musqueam community members to support them achieve their health and wellbeing outcomes. The role will support, advocate, connect and navigate the healthcare system to improve access to care and services. This may include coordinating appointments, arranging transportation, managing patient schedules, providing compassionate care and/or support to patients, providing relevant resources (financial, emotional, cultural, etc.),

and liaising between patients and their families, community, and healthcare providers. The Patient Navigator acknowledges and understands the health effects of systemic racism and supports community members through culturally safe practices.

• Organizing schedules and managing appointments for patients to ensure they receive services in a timely manner.
• Facilitating communication between the patient, family members, and healthcare providers to ensure quality of care.
• Coordinating patient transportation to healthcare appointments and procedures (i.e. taxi, benefit-assisted transports, etc.).
• Supporting and providing coverage for the medical office assistants as needed.
• Informing patients on the financial aspects of care, including but not limited to health care coverage, PBC/FHNA benefits, and other financial resources when services are not covered through insurance.
• Managing follow-up visits and ensuring continuation of care and linkage to community resources.
• Helping patients fill out complicated medical forms (paper and online) and ensuring that they are submitted as per healthcare provider deadlines.
• Promoting patient health and comfort by directing them to and/or providing them with sources of emotional, financial, administrative, or cultural support.
• Supporting patients as they learn to self-navigate and reassert personal agency.
• Educating patients on their treatment options, patient rights, and providing them with adequate resources regarding their condition if needed.
• Building awareness among the Musqueam community and letting them know about your patient navigator services.
• Act as a key focal point for gathering health information, liaison and communication, advocacy and other support as identified by community member.
• Other related duties as required.

• Post-secondary education in a relevant field such as social work, counselling, nursing, public health, medical office assistant or a similar discipline.
• At least 2 years’ experience in the medical or health field.
• An understanding of the BC healthcare system, including health care authorities, specialist referral systems, primary care clinics, insurance coverage, etc.
• An understanding of Musqueam community and local knowledge.
• Knowledge and understanding of First Nations communities, health and social issues.
• Cultural competency and knowledge of the MIB’s cultural traditions an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality regarding patient medical information and records.
• Creating opportunities to…