Community Advocate

Northwest Employment Works; Kingfisher Lake; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local indigenous council is seeking a Community Advocate to enhance access to medical treatment for vulnerable clients. The successful candidate will engage with community members, resolve healthcare concerns, and support patient rights while maintaining confidentiality. This role requires strong communication skills and a background in First Nations health programs. Experience living in the First Nation community where the position is held is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in First Nations social, health and wellness programs or equivalent.
• Knowledge of the Social Determinants of Health in remote communities.
• Ability to communicate effectively in dialects of Treaty 5 and/or 9 Territories.

Responsibilities

• Provide language and translation support for community members.
• Engage with people to assess service delivery.
• Help resolve health care concerns and facilitate resolutions.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Good working knowledge of computer applications

Excellent organizational skills

Education

Degree or Diploma in a Health or Social Program

Job description

Shibogama First Nation Council

Community Advocate (Lead)

Job Description

Overview

Position Summary: The Community Advocate is intended to provide a fail-safe process for clients who may be vulnerable and/or experiencing challenges accessing Medical Treatment through the local Nursing Station and Physician Services processes. This position requires strict confidentiality that protects the rights of patients and projects an assertive approach to challenge positions of perceived authority/power. The Community Advocate reports to: Community Health Director, Shibogama Health Director.

Responsibilities

• Provide language and translation support for community members.
• Go out into communities to engage with people, assess how services are delivered, and create an environment where they are comfortable asking questions.
• (Lead) Recruit Patient Advocates in other Shibogama communities.
• Build relationships based on trust and mutual respect.
• Help resolve concerns about health care experiences.
• Provide early resolution to meet urgent needs, including second opinions, and medium to longer term resolutions to resolve systemic barriers to access services.
• Facilitate respectful, comprehensive, and appropriate resolutions between patients/caregivers.
• Participate in community engagement initiatives and work with key stakeholders to build awareness of the service.
• Review and work with complainants and health care providers to resolve complaints. The initial review includes speaking to both the complainant and the health sector organization, as well as document review, including correspondence, patient files or policies.
• Make recommendations to the health sector organization, such as updates to policies and procedures or training for staff.
• Complaints may be escalated to an investigation if they are particularly challenging and the parties involved cannot find a resolution.
• Communicate with doctors, nurses, therapists, and other providers on a patient’s behalf.
• Explain medical tests and information about diagnoses to patients.
• Help patients navigate their treatment and care options.
• Keep notes of what happens during medical visits.
• Ensure a patient’s needs and wishes are met when they cannot speak for themselves.
• Identify areas where more or better care is needed.
• Support patients’ rights and follow up with patients and families.

Other Related Duties

• Advocate and stand for the Tribal Council and Member Communities.
• Provide guidance to staff involved in department services and programs.
• Organize projects aimed at improving health systems through healthcare innovation, collaborative approaches, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Exercise professional judgment and initiative while undertaking all responsibilities and developing relationships.
• Deploy to support Crisis Response activities as required.

Essential Qualifications (Need to Have)

• Must live in the First Nation community where the position is held.
• Experience in First Nations social, health and wellness programs or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Social Determinants of Health in First Nation remote and isolated communities.
• Good working knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office.
• Excellent organizational skills, professionalism, and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with co-workers, communities, and partners.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative. Ability to work as a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively in one of the dialects of the Treaty 5 and/or 9 Territories.

Asset Qualifications (Nice to Have)

• Degree or Diploma in a Health or Social Program.
• Persons of First Nations ancestry will be given preference (OHRC, Part II, Special Employment).
• Driver License.

Conditions of Employment

• Willingness to travel to urban, remote and isolated communities.
• Ability to work overtime on an occasional basis.
• Willing to participate in ongoing learning initiatives.