Indigenous Cultural Helper

Alberta Health Services; Hamlet of Grande Cache; On-site; CAD 34,000 - 58,000; Part time

Job summary

Alberta Health Services invites applications for an Indigenous Hospital Liaison to support culturally safe, patient-centred Indigenous care in Grande Cache. Grounded in Indigenous Ways of Knowing, the role builds trust, advocates for patient needs, and strengthens communication with healthcare teams.

Through presence, listening, and navigation assistance, the IHL helps clients access cultural practices and end-of-life care while addressing barriers and promoting safety and belonging.

Qualifications

• Indigenous heritage or knowledge of Indigenous cultures is valued.
• No formal education requirement.
• Strong listening and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Support healthcare navigation for Indigenous patients and families.
• Facilitate access to cultural practices and end-of-life care.
• Act as a liaison between patients and care teams and provide timely cultural guidance to staff.

Skills

Good listener

Relationship builder

Cultural knowledge

Desire to support others

Job description

Walk alongside Indigenous patients, and families to support healing, dignity, and wellness within the hospital. The Indigenous Hospital Liaison (IHL) role is grounded in Indigenous strengths, and Ways of Knowing. The IHL supports Indigenous patients and families by honouring these strengths while they receive care in the hospital setting. The IHL understands the impacts of colonialism and recognizes hospitals can feel unsafe for some Indigenous people. Through presence, listening, and relationship building, the IHL builds safety, trust, and belonging for Indigenous patients and families. IHLs spend meaningful time with patients and families, listening to their stories, supporting cultural, spiritual, and emotional needs, and helping them navigate the healthcare system. Working collaboratively with healthcare teams, the IHL supports culturally safe care. Through advocacy, connection, and shared understanding, the IHL is a bridge between Indigenous patients, families, and Western healthcare, supporting holistic care and improved experiences and outcomes. Formal education or healthcare experience are not required to apply. Skills and strengths from lived experience are deeply valued. Are a good listener and community helper. Bring cultural knowledge, and a desire to support others. Feel called to walk alongside Indigenous people in healthcare spaces. Training and support will be provided. This position is only open to Indigenous applicants. This is a bona fide occupational requirement under Section 11 of the Alberta Human Rights Act. Indigenous candidates are encouraged to self-identify. Alberta Health Services provides hospital and acute care across Alberta and sometimes to people from other provinces and territories. AHS is committed to providing high-quality care.

Description:

The Indigenous Hospital Liaison supports culturally safe, respectful, and patient centred care for Indigenous patients and families within hospital settings. Grounded in Indigenous Ways of Knowing, the role builds trust, advocates for patient needs, and strengthens communication between patients, families, and healthcare teams.Key responsibilities include supporting healthcare navigation, facilitating access to cultural practices and end of life care, acting as a liaison between patients and care teams, and providing just in time cultural guidance to staff. By addressing systemic barriers and promoting cultural safety, the Indigenous Hospital Liaison enhances patient experience and contributes to improved health outcomes.If you are Indigenous and feel drawn to supporting your community in healthcare spaces, you belong here. You do not need formal education, or clinical experience to apply. Knowledge gained through lived experience, caregiving, community involvement, cultural practice, storytelling, advocacy, or simply walking alongside others through hard moments is deeply valued in this role. If you are a listener, a helper, or someone others naturally turn to for support, your gifts matter. Training and mentorship will be provided.

• Union: Exempt
• Primary Location: Grande Cache Pub Hlth/Addictio
• Temporary Employee Class: Temp P/T Benefits
• FTE: 0.50
• Posting End Date: 01-OCT-2026
• Date Available: 11-OCT-2026
• Temporary End Date: 03-SEP-2027
• Length of Shift in weeks: 2
• Shifts per cycle: 5
• Shift Pattern: Days
• Days Off: Saturday/Sunday
• Minimum Salary: $25.63
• Maximum Salary: $42.71
• Vehicle Requirement: Driver's License, Vehicle Required

• Classification: Indigenous Cultural Helper
• Union: Exempt
• Unit and Program: Indigenous Health
• Primary Location: Grande Cache Pub Hlth/Addictio
• Location Details: As Per Location
• Temporary Employee Class: Temp P/T Benefits
• FTE: 0.50
• Posting End Date: 01-OCT-2026
• Date Available: 11-OCT-2026
• Temporary End Date: 03-SEP-2027
• Hours per Shift: 7.75
• Length of Shift in weeks: 2
• Shifts per cycle: 5
• Shift Pattern: Days
• Days Off: Saturday/Sunday
• Minimum Salary: $25.63
• Maximum Salary: $42.71
• Vehicle Requirement: Driver's License, Vehicle Required

Required Qualifications:

The successful candidate must have Indigenous heritage, be a good listener and a relationship builder. The successful candidate brings cultural knowledge, and a desire to support others. And the successful candidate feels called to walk alongside Indigenous people in healthcare spaces.

Additional Required Qualifications:

There is no minimum education requirement for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity with local Indigenous communities, cultures, and resources. Knowledge of an Indigenous language is an asset. Understanding of trauma informed practice and the impact of trauma on oneself and others. Experience with conflict resolution and de-escalation. Experience working in healthcare, community, or social service settings. Certificate or diploma in a health or social services–related field is an asset.

Please note:

All postings close at 23:59 MT of the postingend date indicated.

Security Screening:

A satisfactory criminal record check and/or Vulnerable Sector Search is required prior to your first day of work. Additionally, all employees have an ongoing duty to disclose any charges or convictions that may occur during their employment with AHS.

Healthy Albertans. Healthy
Communities. Together.

We’re passionate about what we do. Our team of skilled and dedicated health care professionals, support staff, and physicians promote wellness and provide health care all across Alberta.

Everything we do at AHS reflects a patient and family centred approach; it’s about putting patients’ and families’ experiences, priorities and trust first.

We are an equal opportunity employer. AHS values the diversity of the people and communities we serve and is committed to attracting, engaging and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.

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