Indigenous Health Service Assistant

Position Summary
Northern Health values diversity within the workplace and our commitment of reaching a representative workforce. For this position, we also want to highlight First Nation, Inuit, Métis or Indigenous Ancestry is regarded as directly relevant to the skills and knowledge for this position. All candidates will be considered; however, preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. For this initiative candidates from this group who wish to qualify for preferential consideration are encouraged to self-identify.

Are you looking to highlight your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a new and dynamic environment? We currently have an opportunity for you to bring your excellent work ethic to our Indigenous Health department.

Under the general supervision of a senior position, the Indigenous Health Service Assistant (Indigenous Service Assistant) proactively engages with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit patients, families and visitors to support a culturally safe experience in the assigned facilities and/or programs. Key areas of focus include enabling access to the appropriate cultural and clinical support services; orientation and wayfinding for patients and families to the site and services; supporting admission and discharge processes; and supporting communication between the care team and the patient and family. The Indigenous Health Service Assistant works with the health care staff in the First Nations communities and Métis Chartered communities, including the Health Director, Community Health Representative, and other team members. The Indigenous Health Service Assistant develops an understanding of the culture and traditions of the First Nations and Métis communities using the facilities and services.

Shift Rotation/Hours of work: Monday to Friday, Days, 08:30 to 14:56

Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre provides medical service to Old Masset, Port Clements and surrounding areas. The hospital and health centre has 4 Acute Care beds, 1 Palliative Care bed, 4 Long-term Care beds and a 4 unit assisted living complex. Some services provided at the hospital:
• Emergency
• Laboratory
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Pharmacy
• Chronic Disease Management
• Physiotherapy
• Speech and Language therapy
• Mental Health and Substance Use service
• Home and Community Care and Home Support services
• Visiting specialists in Pediatrics, Orthopaedics, ENT, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Respirology, Rheumatology, Urology and Ophthalmology
• Video conferencing capabilities with specialists or physicians in other areas Public Health provides many services to the community. Some of these services include:
• Harm reduction services
• TB testing
• Prenatal services with pregnancy registry
• Kindergarten screening and school immunizations
• Birth control, pap tests, STI testing

Masset is situated along the shoreline of Masset Sound on Haida Gwaii, formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, and is the largest village on the island. Major industries are logging, fishing and tourism. Masset provides services for a larger rural area with a population of 1,000 local residents and services a surrounding area of 2,300 including Tow Hill (unincorporated) and Old Masset (IR). incorporated in 1961, the Village of Masset (pop. 1,000) is the oldest of the island’s municipalities. The community has one elementary school and one secondary school. Check out Masset , the place where the ocean meets the shore and the sunsets are breathtaking.

What Northern Health has to offer you!
• Comprehensive benefit packages including extended health/dental and a municipal pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. Casuals have the option of paying for benefits.
• Four weeks vacation with one year of continuous service
• Financial Support for Moving Expenses is available for eligible positions
• Employee referral program
• Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Spectacular outdoor activities and the shortest commutes in BC
• “Loan Forgiveness Programs” are offered through the Federal and BC Government for eligible professions.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
As part of your application process, you will need to upload the following documentation:
• Registration number (if you are part of a regulated profession)
• Any supporting documents regarding education/qualifications for this position.
Examples may include:
• Program certificates or diplomas
• High school/college/university transcripts etc.
• It is also recommended to provide a cover letter and resume

Are you an International Applicant? Before applying for a job with Northern Health, please follow these steps on our Northern Health careers page

Qualfications
• Graduation from a recognized Social Services Worker certificate or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the unique history, cultures, and rights of First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples in Canada is required.
• Lived experience with Indigenous, Metis and Inuit populations and demonstrated extensive knowledge of First Nations, Metis and Inuit health care needs, services, and issues as well as knowledge of culture, protocols, traditions, and ideology of Indigenous people and organizations in northern British Columbia is an asset.
• Preference will be given to First Nations, Metis and Inuit candidates.

Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, with Indigenous patients, families, care providers, administrative staff, and volunteers.
• Ability to deal with others effectively, in the context of patient centred, culturally safe and trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture & traditions and receptivity to continuous learning specific to the Indigenous communities to be served by this position.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to organize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.

Who we are
Northern Health covers an area of nearly 600,000 square kilometers and offers health services in over two dozen communities and 55 First Nation’s communities. We deliver hospital and community-based health care for a population of 300,000.
Employing more than 7,000 staff throughout the region, Northern Health provides exceptional health services for Northerners, through the efforts of dedicated staff and physicians, in partnership with communities and organizations in Northern BC.
There is a wide variety of career opportunities available in our two dozen hospitals, 25 long-term care facilities, public health units and many other offices providing specialized services.