INDIGENOUS HEALTH SERVICE ASSISTANT

Northern Health; Prince George; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ceremonial, Cultural, and Spiritual Le

Access to NH Indigenous Community of

Four weeks of vacation after one year

Job summary

Northern Health is seeking an Indigenous Health Service Assistant to support First Nations, Metis and Inuit patients and families with culturally safe care across facilities in Prince George area. Under supervision, you will help navigate services, assist with admissions and discharges, and facilitate communication between the care team and patients.

Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants; however all candidates are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Acknowledge Indigenous cultures, protocols and health care needs.
• Strong communication with patients, families and care teams.
• Trauma-informed and culturally safe care knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Support First Nations, Metis and Inuit patients and families to access cultural and clinical support services.
• Provide orientation and wayfinding within facilities and programs.
• Assist with admission and discharge processes and support communication between care teams and patients/families.
• Collaborate with Health Directors, Community Health Representatives and other team members to deliver culturally safe care.

Skills

Effective communication

Cultural safety knowledge

Trauma-informed care

Organizational skills

Physical ability

Education

Social Services Worker certificate

Job description

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.

Are you interested in an opportunity to grow professionally within a positive and progressive culture? Northern Health is seeking an Indigenous Health Service Assistant to join Northern Health.

In accordance with the established mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities of Northern Health, and under the general supervision of Manager or designate, 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 Metis 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 Metis communities using the facilities and services.

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.

Where you will be working

Facility

Additional details about this facility’s programs and care environment can be found through University Hospital of Northern British Columbia (UHNBC)

UHNBC is growing

UHNBC is growing, with the new Acute Care Tower estimated to open in winter 2031. This major expansion will bring state-of-the-art care to Northern BC. By joining our team in Prince George now, you’ll position yourself to work in one of the most advanced acute care environments in the province. To learn more, visit Let's Talk UHNBC Acute Care Tower.

Community

Information about living, working, and thriving in the area is available through Prince George

More about Northern Health

Northern Health (NH) boasts the most affordable communities in BC to live, work, and play. NH covers an area of nearly 600,000 square kilometres and offers health services in 26 communities, 55 First Nations communities, 11 Métis chartered communities, and Inuit families. We provide both hospital and community-based care to a population of approximately 300,000 people. With a team of over 12,000 staff and physicians, we are committed to offering high quality, care in collaboration with communities and partner organizations throughout Northern BC.

What Northern Health Has to Offer You!

Joining Northern Health means becoming part of a supportive team that values your growth and well-being. Here’s what we provide:

• Benefits for Indigenous Employees: Ceremonial, Cultural, and Spiritual Leave, Access to NH Indigenous Community of Practice.
• Comprehensive benefits including extended health, dental, and a municipal pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. Casual employees have option of paying for benefits.
• Four weeks of vacation after one year of continuous service.
• Financial support for moving expenses for eligible positions.
• Employee referral program with attractive incentives.
• Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities.
• Access to spectacular outdoor activities and enjoy the shortest commutes in BC.
• Loan Forgiveness Programs offered through Federal and Provincial Government for eligible professions.

Important Application Information

Please ensure you upload the following documents as part of your application:

Registration number (if you belong to a regulated profession).

• Program certificates or diplomas.
• High school, college, or university transcripts.
• Cover letter and resume (recommended).

International Applicants

Before applying, please review the steps outlined on our Northern Health Careers page: Information for international applicants