Patient Navigator

About organization/overview:

First Nations Technical Services Advisory Group Inc. (TSAG) is a not-for-profit provider of quality technical service and training for First Nations in Alberta. TSAG’s purpose is to assist First Nations in gaining the tools and knowledge they need to achieve and maintain high standards in technology and services within the community.

Established in October 2020, the Alberta Indigenous Virtual Care Clinic (AIVCC) is a partnership between TSAG and a group of primary care physicians working in Indigenous communities throughout Alberta as a response to requests from communities for culturally relevant medical care during COVID, where physical travel to communities became restricted.

We currently have 35 physicians and employ 9 medical office assistants, serving over 1200 patients per month via phone and Zoom visits, with the aim to provide same-day visits. Our patients are from all areas of the province, including rural, remote, and urban communities, on- and off-reserve. Our clinic operates under a not-for-profit model and is unique in that we strive to work with each patient to reduce barriers to wellness in a way that validates their individual cultural identity. Our mandate is to provide services to all Indigenous Peoples and their families living in Alberta.

In 2021, we had the opportunity to develop a dedicated mental health programming as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Since then, our mental health team has expanded to include six registered psychologists and a provisional psychologist. We provide a full range of remote mental health services to Indigenous adolescents and adults located anywhere in Alberta.

Position Summary:

The AIVCC seeks a Patient Navigator (Registered Social Worker) for compassionate support of Indigenous patients across Alberta. As a member of our team, you will work alongside healthcare providers, traditional healers, families, and other stakeholders to ensure a culturally safe patient care experience.

We need a skilled communicator who can help patients navigate complex healthcare and social systems while identifying their personal, spiritual, and medical needs and acting as an advocate for their health. The successful candidate will have strong collaboration skills and be comfortable working with AIVCC physicians, psychologists, and staff, as well as external agencies. The successful candidate will also need to build relationships with Elders and Knowledge Keepers throughout Alberta to integrate cultural healing practices into care plans.

Our ideal candidate is a Registered Social Worker with extensive knowledge of Indigenous communities, customs, and traditions, as well as experience or knowledge of the healthcare system and community-based resources within Alberta. Your commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (2015) is essential, as is your commitment to uphold the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada.

As AIVCC represents a unique model of care, the successful applicant will be responsive to emerging needs of patients and communities with respect to services provided.

The ability to work remotely is a requirement of the position. Funding for this position has been provided through a unique partnership between federal and provincial sources, and the initial contract is being offered through March 31, 2026, with the expectation of renewal. This is a full-time (35 hours per week) position, offering a competitive salary.

Job responsibilities:

1. Provide consultative and navigational services to the AIVCC’s patients by supporting cultural interpretation and/or health literacy translation services and by supporting culturally competent and safe practice (e.g., access, system barriers, and navigation challenges).
2. Supports patients in communications with physicians, psychologists, and other frontline care staff.
3. Support access and coordination of health and social services for patients throughout Alberta.
4. Usage of EMR and documentation is mandatory
5. As required, coordinates client referrals to and from the AIVCC, Indigenous communities, Indigenous organizations, and other health and social programs and services.
6. Provide and guide patient through the application process for Jordan’s Principal
7. Provide support and act as a resource, as required, for healthcare providers and other staff members, regarding the provision of culturally safe care.
8. Coordinates client/family spiritual care requests by establishing relationships with, and referring patients to, Elders and Knowledge Keepers throughout the province.
9. Assess and document systemic barriers and challenges identified, and work with multi-disciplinary team members to address these where possible.
10. Collaborates with clinic manager, MOAs, psychologists, primary care physicians and psychiatrist regarding patient care.
11. Advocate for patients on an individual and systems level, where appropriate.
12. Ensures client/family/community confidentiality and privacy in accordance with professional regulatory guidelines and following standards of practice and legal requirements
13. Attend quarterly staff meetings via Zoom
14. Perform other related duties, as assigned 

Qualifications:

TSAG is committed to respecting diversity within our workforce; preference will be given to individuals with Indigenous ancestry (First Nations, Inuit, Métis).

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit) communities and organizations.
• Degree or diploma in Social Work or a related discipline and at least 2 years’ experience working with Indigenous peoples in an advocacy role.
• Registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of Indigenous peoples’ demographics, languages, cultures, customs, and traditions.
• Experience or knowledge of the health care system and community-based resources within Alberta.
• Awareness of and commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (2015), and commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015).

• Fluency or knowledge of an Indigenous language spoken in Alberta is an asset.
• An understanding of rural and remote communities and their inherent challenges and barriers.
• Understanding and ability to practice with Nation-based, community-driven philosophy.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team. 
• Experience with Electronic Medical Record(EMR) Telus MedAccess is an asset.

Hours:

Clinic hours are Tues, Thurs-Fri: 8:30-4:30

Mon and Wed 8:30-8:30

Sat-Sun: 12:30-4:30

Location

Edmonton, Alberta (Hybrid)

Department

AIVCC Clinic

Employment Type

Full-Time

Minimum Experience

Experienced

Internal Job Code

PN-2024-02