Nuji-Apoqnmuet (Mi’kmaw Patient Helper)

The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq; Milton Highlands; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

The Nuji-Apoqnmuet role at Yarmouth Regional Hospital and surrounding areas is part‑time and focuses on supporting Mi’kmaw patients and their families during hospital care. The position emphasizes cultural safety, holistic and client-centered care, and coordination with health professionals.

Location is hospital-based in Nova Scotia with travel within the designated service area. A valid driver’s license, up-to-date background checks, and flexibility in schedule are required; remote work is not

Qualifications

• Maintains confidentiality and follows policies.
• Strong work attendance and work ethic essential.
• Extensive knowledge of Mi’kmaw communities and health needs.

Responsibilities

• Visit Mi’kmaq patients in hospitals in assigned areas.
• Attend in-hospital appointments as support when requested.
• Support and encourage Mi’kmaw culture, traditions, and healing practices in healthcare.
• Advocate for culturally safe, holistic patient care.
• Inform patients/families about resources and services in hospital.
• Coordinate with patient’s home community for services with consent.
• Collaborate with health professionals as required.
• Track program statistics for reporting.

Skills

Confidentiality

Strong work ethic

Mi’kmaw knowledge

Interpersonal communication

Travel availability

Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Opportunity:

Nuji-Apoqnmuet (Mi’kmaw Patient Helper) Part‑Time, Yarmouth Regional Hospital and surrounding areas

The Organization: Tajikeimɨk is the new and developing health and wellness organization leading health transformation on behalf of Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia. In collaboration with Chiefs, Grand Council, and Health Directors, Tajikeimɨk will build on and evolve the health and wellness services and programs used by Mi’kmaw people in Nova Scotia; improve health service delivery; and strengthen coordination with Federal and Provincial health system partners—with the goal of improving overall health for Mi’kmaq and communities. Elukuti’kw wjit naji-wlo’ltinenew utanminal. ~ We are working toward better health for all in our communities.

Position Overview:

Tajikeimɨk is seeking a Nuji-Apoqnmuet (Mi’kmaw Patient Helper) Part‑time in our new and developing organization. Reporting to the Program Lead: Cultural Safety and Community Care Transitions, the NujiApoqnmuet is responsible for providing support services to Mi’kmaw and Indigenous people, and their families, who request support while receiving care in hospitals in Nova Scotia. The service location for this position is Yarmouth Regional Hospital and surrounding areas. This is a patient‑facing role, so work from home/hybrid is not an option.

What you will do:

• Visit Mi’kmaq patients in hospitals in assigned areas.
• Attend in-hospital medical appointments and consultations in the hospital, as a support, when requested.
• Support and encourage the inclusion of Mi’kmaw culture, traditions, ceremony and healing practices into the healthcare environment.
• Advocate for the needs of clients, and for care that is culturally safe, wholistic and client centered.
• Inform patients and families of appropriate resources, programs and services available in hospital.
• Connect with patient’s home community for services, as needed, and with consent.
• Work in collaboration with health professionals and other members of the healthcare team as required.
• Monitor and track program statistics as part of regular reporting to the Program Lead.
• Must be able to travel within your designated service area.
• Attend meetings with the Program Lead, other Nuji-Apoqnmuet team members, and Tajikeimɨk.
• Assist with Mi’kmaw language support services/assistance for patients and families if applicable.
• Other related duties as part of the Tajikeimɨk team.

What we are looking for:

• A skilled professional who will maintain a high degree of confidentiality and follow appropriate policies.
• A strong work ethic, including excellent work attendance, is essential for this role.
• Extensive knowledge, lived experience, and understanding of the Mi’kmaw communities,
• culture, health and wellness, strengths and challenges faced by Mi’kmaw and Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge of Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia and the health services provided.
• Knowledge of federal/provincial health services, specifically Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) and Jordan’s
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge and support of Tajikeimik’s vision and mission, with a personal commitment to advancing Mi’kmaw health and wellness through self-determination.

Ability to:

• Maintain an objective, neutral approach when dealing with patients/families.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships.
• Prioritize patient requests based on urgency.
• Work independently and unsupervised with an elevated level of productivity, organization, and time management.
• Engage with clients/families in hospitals with care and compassion.
• Think analytically and critically to identify specific needs and solve problems within scope of the role.
• Lived experience as a Mi’kmaw person accessing and navigating the health system in Nova Scotia.
• Experience working with First Nation/Indigenous communities, First Nation service delivery organizations, and
• Work environment is mostly in hospital settings.
• Experience using the Microsoft suite of products.
• Travel within Nova Scotia.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule due to the nature of this position.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with access to a vehicle.
• An up-to-date Criminal Record Check, vulnerable persons and Child Abuse Registry Check.

Location: Yarmouth Regional Hospital and surrounding areas

Position Type: Part‑time 17.5 hours per week

Salary: Compensation will be discussed with shortlisted candidates and is commensurate with experience, qualifications, market benchmarks and internal equity.

Designated position for Mi’kmaw applicants.