Patient Navigator

Job description

About Musqueam We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people. Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit Position Summary Reporting to the Primary Clinic Practice Manager, the Patient Navigator will be responsible for walking alongside Musqueam community members to support them achieve their health and wellbeing outcomes. The role will support, advocate, connect and navigate the healthcare system to improve access to care and services. This may include coordinating appointments, arranging transportation, managing patient schedules, providing compassionate care and/or support to patients, providing relevant resources (financial, emotional, cultural, etc.), and liaising between patients and their families, community, and healthcare providers. The Patient Navigator acknowledges and understands the health effects of systemic racism and supports community members through culturally safe practices. Roles & Responsibilities • Organizing schedules and managing appointments for patients to ensure they receive services in a timely manner. • Facilitating communication between the patient, family members, and healthcare providers to ensure quality of care. • Coordinating patient transportation to healthcare appointments and procedures (i.e. taxi, benefit-assisted transports, etc.). • Supporting and providing coverage for the medical office assistants as needed. • Informing patients on the financial aspects of care, including but not limited to health care coverage, PBC/FHNA benefits, and other financial resources when services are not covered through insurance. • Managing follow-up visits and ensuring continuation of care and linkage to community resources. • Helping patients fill out complicated medical forms (paper and online) and ensuring that they are submitted as per healthcare provider deadlines. • Promoting patient health and comfort by directing them to and/or providing them with sources of emotional, financial, administrative, or cultural support. • Supporting patients as they learn to self-navigate and reassert personal agency. • Educating patients on their treatment options, patient rights, and providing them with adequate resources regarding their condition if needed. • Building awareness among the Musqueam community and letting them know about your patient navigator services. • Act as a key focal point for gathering health information, liaison and communication, advocacy and other support as identified by community member. • Other related duties as required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities • Post-secondary education in a relevant field such as social work, counselling, nursing, public health, medical office assistant or a similar discipline. • At least 2 years’ experience in the medical or health field. • An understanding of the BC healthcare system, including health care authorities, specialist referral systems, primary care clinics, insurance coverage, etc. • An understanding of Musqueam community and local knowledge. • Knowledge and understanding of First Nations communities, health and social issues. • Cultural competency and knowledge of the MIB’s cultural traditions an asset. • Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality regarding patient medical information and records. • Creating opportunities to facilitate clients’ understanding and participation in health and healing initiatives. • Outstanding organizational and scheduling skills, ability to manage multiple patient profiles. • Attention to detail, specifically an ability to properly interpret medical forms and accurately fill out documents as they pertain to the patient. • Tolerance and sensitivity to the needs of every individual and their right to be treated with respect and fairness. • Self-directed with demonstrated organizational skills. • Skill in the use of workplace technology, i.e. computers, communications equipment, business software. • Strong communication skills (spoken and written) and the ability to communicate tactfully with others. • Ability to professionally meet, deal with the public and provide information in a pleasant, helpful and confidential manner. • Ability to problem-solve and take initiative to resolve problems. • Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize workload. • Ability to remain calm during periods of stressful high volume and to meet deadlines as required. • Ability to work independently and harmoniously as a member of a team. • Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle for work purposes. • Successful Criminal Record Check. Working Conditions • Work is performed in a clinic office environment and out in the community. • After hours work may occasionally be required due to program demands. Why work for Musqueam? Our success as a leader as a First Nations Government is built on the traditional teachings of our people, initiative and dedication of the Musqueam Indian Band. Providing a highly engaged traditional government that is member focused. • Competitive salary • Training and career development • Business casual environment • Community fitness and gym access • Comprehensive group benefits plan and pension plan • Centrally located with free parking; free onsite gym and class access; close to nature trails at UBC and along the Fraser River, shops, restaurants and services.