Indigenous Patient Navigator, Clinical Operations – Permanent Full-Time (1.0)

Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 131,867,000 - 163,071,000; Full time

Job summary

The Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) at CHEO supports First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous patients to access equitable, safe, timely, and culturally responsive care across CHEO and the broader health system. The IPN facilitates navigation, advocacy and care coordination centered on Indigenous worldviews and self-determination.

Working with Indigenous patients, families, clinical teams and community partners, the IPN helps with care pathways, supports in decision making, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Social Work or Indigenous Health field is essential.
• <br>Lived Indigenous experience and strong community ties are essential.
• >3 years in health navigation, case management or related fields are essential.
• >4 years collaborating with clinical teams and community partners are essential.
• >Knowledge of Indigenous health contexts and data sovereignty is essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed, culturally safe navigation for Indigenous patients and families across care settings.
• Advocate for patient rights, address barriers, and support informed consent and care planning.
• Coordinate referrals, discharge planning, and follow-up, including transportation when needed.
• Promote cultural safety, antiracism, and connect patients with traditional supports and Elders.

Skills

Lived experience

Indigenous health knowledge

Strong communication

Advocacy

Case management

Cultural safety

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Social Work or a related Indigenous Health field

Job description

Compensation Pay Range: $46.02-$56.91

Please note this is a designated job for candidates who self-identify as Indigenous.

Ottawa is built on un-ceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory. The peoples of the Algonquin Anishinabek Nation have lived on this territory for millennia and we honour them and this land. Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. CHEO also honours all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and their valuable past and present contributions to this land. CHEO is one of the few stand‑alone, global leaders in pediatric health and is home to more than 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists and researchers, as well as volunteers – all of whom work together to help children and youth achieve their best lives. Within its own walls and through partnerships with community providers, CHEO has transformed from a 20th century acute care hospital into a 21st century integrated child and youth health system. Ranked in the top 1% of Canadian hospitals for the digitization of its clinical infrastructure, CHEO combines excellence in clinical care, research, and education to advance seamless care that’s provided where, when, and how it is needed. CHEO’s Research Institute is dedicated to world‑class clinical, translational, and basic science research covering a wide range of children’s health concerns. CHEO has been named Canada’s best health‑care employer by Forbes in 2024, 2025 and 2026 and is ranked second among Canadian hospitals on its list of Canada’s Best Employers for multiple consecutive years. For the 14th consecutive year in a row, the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers has recognized CHEO as a top employer in the National Capital Region. Every year CHEO helps more than 500,000 children and youth from Eastern Ontario, western Quebec, Nunavut and Northern Ontario.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) supports First Nations, Inuit, and Métis and Urban Indigenous patients and families to access equitable, safe, timely, and culturally responsive care across CHEO and the broader health system. Working in partnership with Indigenous patients, families, clinical teams, and community partners, The IPN facilitates navigation, advocacy, and care coordination while centering Indigenous world views, rights, and self-determination. The IPN promotes the inclusion of patient and family voice in clinical decision making and supports patients and families in understanding care pathways, care plans, and follow-up. The IPN facilitates access to cultural, spiritual, emotional, and practical supports, assists with care coordination, and connects patients and families to appropriate community partners. The IPN addresses systemic barriers, responds to and supports the prevention of racism and discrimination in health care settings, and contributes to improved patient experience and health outcomes.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Patient Navigation & Advocacy – 40% Provide trauma informed, culturally safe navigation for Indigenous patients and families across primary, acute, specialty, and community services. Support informed consent processes, care planning, appointment scheduling, referrals, discharge coordination, and follow up, including transportation and medical escort needs, where applicable. Advocate for patient rights by identifying and addressing barriers (e.g., jurisdictional issues, coverage or benefits, language needs, or documentation requirements) and escalating concerns related to discrimination or unsafe care. Support patient and family understanding by offering explanations of diagnoses treatments options, medications, and care pathways. facilitate shared decision making throughout the patient’s care journey. Participate in case management discussions or Safety Incident Report debriefs, as required.
• Cultural Safety & Antiracism – 20% Promote cultural safety practices and challenge discriminatory behaviors and policies within care environments through respectful, collaborative, and solution focused engagement. Contribute to antiracism and quality improvement initiatives. Facilitate access to traditional medicines, Elders or Knowledge Keepers, ceremony (e.g., smudging), and land‑based supports in alignment with patient preference and organizational policy. Connect staff, medical staff, learners and volunteers to educational opportunities on Indigenous health contexts, colonial impacts, and determinants of health. Contribute in partnership with Indigeneity, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, and Social Justice (I-IDEAS) to the development of educational and training resources supporting staff, medical staff, learners and volunteers on Indigenous Safer Care.
• Documentation, Data, and Privacy – 10% Document navigation activities in appropriate systems in compliance with privacy legislation and in support of Indigenous data sovereignty principles (e.g. distinction-based considerations). Utilize secure, trauma informed approaches to the collection, storage, and sharing patient information, obtaining consent for the involvement of any community or external supports. Contribute to program metrics (e.g., access, wait times, patient experience, cultural safety indicators) and quality improvement reporting.
• Program & Organizational Contributions – 10% Participate in case conferences, huddles, and rounds, bringing forward patient and family voice and cultural safety considerations. Contribute to developing resources on available supports for medical staff benefiting Indigenous patients and families.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Social Work or a related Indigenous Health field* (Essential)
• Lived experience and a strong connection to Indigenous communities, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (Essential)
• 3 years’ experience in health navigation, case management, community health, social services, or related fields serving Indigenous peoples (Essential)
• 4 years’ experience collaborating with clinical teams and community partners (Essential)
• Knowledge of Indigenous histories, cultures, languages, holistic wellness models, colonial impacts, intergenerational trauma, social determinants of health, community engagement, and cultural protocols (Essential)
• Knowledge of trauma and violence informed, culturally safe, and anti-racist approaches within health systems, emphasizing choice, control, safety, strengths-based care, and reflective practice.
• Ability to advocate for Indigenous patients by navigating complex systems, addressing barriers, negotiating pathways, and ethically leveraging resources (Essential)
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, including the ability to translate complex clinical information, engage across cultures, and support case related discussions (Essential)
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within interprofessional and cross disciplinary environments, including constructively challenging harmful practices when required (Essential)
• Working knowledge of client information systems and documentation, privacy requirements, distinction-based approaches, and Indigenous data sovereignty (Essential)
• Strong analytical, adaptability, and problem-solving skills to respond effectively to evolving patient and system needs in fast paced environments (Essential)
• Strong organizational and time management skills to balance competing demands and priorities.
• Commitment to excellence, patient focused care, and the consistent exercise of diplomacy and tact (Essential)
• Training in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training, mediation, de-escalation, or conflict resolution (Preferred)
• Knowledge of Non-insured Health Benefits -NIHB (or local equivalents), Jordan’s Principle Application medical travel processes, and jurisdictional funding pathways (Preferred)
• Ability to work with interpreters (Preferred)
• Vulnerable Sector Check (Essential)
• Bilingual (French and English) proficiency (Preferred)
• Fluency in one or more Indigenous languages (Preferred)

* An equivalent combination of post-secondary education (e.g., college diploma) and significant relevant professional experience may be considered.

Please note you will be represented by the Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA). Effective March 29, 2021, CHEO will conduct a more comprehensive pre-screening and evaluation process. This process may include more varied and multidimensional testing such as a written test, practical exam, or other assessment. All candidates who meet the essential and preferred qualifications may be tested. Bilingualism (French/English) will be validated by a language proficiency assessment conducted by a third party provider. Candidates will be required to meet the minimum linguistic profile prior to the date of hire.Should you require accommodation during any phase in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail]. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Please note you will be represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).

CHEO values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process and welcome interest from all qualified applicants. Should you require accommodation during any phase in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail]. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

We thank all those who apply, however, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.

CHEO is much more than a hospital. Our commitment to outstanding care and continued development impacts every part of a child and youth's health and well-being. We play a crucial role in building a healthy future for our community. Working at CHEO means a rewarding career.

A career at CHEO provides a: competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package unique culture that fosters dedication, communication, respect and teamwork place where your opinions will be respected, contributions valued and your initiatives rewarded family-friendly environment that supports you and your own family, as well as the children, youth and families we serve chance to grow — personally and professionally — through our comprehensive orientation program and on-the-job learning support for continued education and learning potential for a relocation reimbursement benefit truly unique work environment.

We are redefining what it means to be a hospital. Exceptional and integrated care is what families, children and youth deserve. We are committed to partnering with them and the community to provide this care — where, when and how it’s needed.

CHEO continues to be selected by local, national and international competitions showcasing employers who lead their sector in offering exceptional workplaces for their employees. For the eleventh time, CHEO has been recognized as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers. We are among a select group of organizations at the forefront of their respective industries who offer exceptional places to work. We were given this honour based on our outstanding: workplace atmosphere benefits employee communications training and skills development community involvement.