Indigenous Interpreter Resource Worker

Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA); Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 27,552 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA) seeks an Interpreter/Resource Worker to assist patients and families in navigating Manitoba's health care systems. You will interpret medical information into Cree, Ojibwe and Oji-Cree, supporting informed decisions and reducing language barriers at Health Sciences Centre sites.

Strong communication, confidentiality, and knowledge of Indigenous health priorities are essential.

Qualifications

• Proficient in written and verbal communication and collaboration.
• Related experience in a healthcare setting.
• Language competency in Cree/Nehinowewin, Ojibwe/Anishinaabemowin or Oji-Cree/Anishininimowin.

Responsibilities

• Provide interpretation and guidance to patients and families across Manitoba Health sites.
• Navigate health care systems to reduce language barriers and support informed decisions.
• Maintain confidentiality and work as a member of the health care team.

Skills

Indigenous language proficiency

Healthcare terminology familiarity

Interpersonal communication

Read/write English

Confidentiality & professionalism

Education

Manitoba Standard high school

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Shared Health leads the planning and coordinates the integration of patient‑centered clinical and preventive health services across Manitoba. The organization also delivers some province‑wide health services and supports centralized administrative and business functions for Manitoba health organizations.

Position Overview

Interpreter/Resource Workers provide assistance, guidance and support to patients and their families to navigate through the health care systems at each of the sites within Health Sciences Centre. All patients have the right to have medical information interpreted into their primary language so they can make informed decisions about their care. The ability to communicate without language barriers improves the quality of care that patients receive and decreases the risk of medical errors. Interpreters have special training in medical terminology and function as members of the health care team. They facilitate communication between health providers and patients by providing interpretation in Cree (Nehinowewin), Ojibwe (Anishinaabemowin) and Oji-Cree (Anishininimowin).

Designated Indigenous Competition

THIS IS A DESIGNATED INDIGENOUS COMPETITION THAT IS OPEN TO INDIGENOUS APPLICANTS. Proof of ancestry will be requested, and those selected for an interview will be asked related questions. We invite applicants to self‑identify in their cover letter and/or resume.

Experience

• Experience working with provincial Indigenous organizations and agencies such as First Nations, Tribal Councils, Manitoba Inuit Association, Manitoba Métis Federation, Urban Indigenous Associations, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) and Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO).
• Lived experience and understanding of Indigenous healthcare priorities, services, and challenges alongside Indigenous culture, protocols, traditions, and values, both within communities and organizations in Manitoba.
• Lived experience and understanding of Indigenous healthcare priorities and practices, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures, protocols, traditions, values, and rights to self‑determination.

Education

• Complete high school education, Manitoba Standard, required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the above.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• Class 5 driver's license required.
• Access to a vehicle required.

Qualifications And Skills

• Proficient in written and verbal communication and collaboration, adept at building relationships with Indigenous partners. Skilled in developing and presenting findings to varied audiences.
• Related experience in a healthcare setting.
• Language competency in a specified Indigenous language: one of Cree/Nehinowewin, Ojibwe/Anishinaabemowin or Oji-Cree/Anishininimowin.
• General knowledge of medical terminology or related experience and ability to interpret same fluently.
• Knowledge or familiarity with Indigenous health issues, population health, and health status of citizens in Manitoba.
• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action (2015) and Manitoba’s Path to Reconciliation Act (2016).
• Understanding and commitment to the articles set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as a framework for truth and reconciliation.
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultural safety and anti‑racism actions, inquests and reports, e.g., Jordan’s Principle, Joyce’s Principle and Brian Sinclair Inquest.
• Ability to interact well with other healthcare professionals, all levels of staff, patients and families.
• Successful completion of the Shared Health Language Access Program (can be completed within probationary period).
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Thorough knowledge of Windows‑based programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and the Internet.
• Ability to prioritize workload, independently.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a team environment, including internal/external committee members, staff and colleagues.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to maintain a high‑level of confidentiality.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to walk extended distances.
• May be required to sit / work at a computer for extended periods of time.

Additional Information

We have a unique ability to work together to make health care better. If you want to make a difference and contribute to supporting the health of your family, friends and neighbours, please apply today.

Interested candidates should select the "Apply" icon below to upload their cover letter, resume and copy of licenses/certification.

This position requires a current satisfactory Criminal Records Check (including Vulnerable Sector Search), Child Abuse Registry Check and Adult Abuse Registry Check as conditions of employment. The successful candidate will be responsible for any service charges incurred. A security check is considered current if it was obtained no more than six (6) months prior to the start of employment.

Please note that an employee is not permitted to hold two or more positions in Shared Health that combine to equal more than 1.0 FTE.

Shared Health values and supports employment equity and workplace diversity and encourages all qualified individuals to apply. We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request during the assessment and selection process.

Manitoba healthcare employers, in partnership with the Indigenous community, are committed to increasing the representation of Indigenous People within all levels of our workforce. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to apply and to voluntarily self‑identify as being of Indigenous descent in their cover letter/application.