SH - Indigenous Support Worker - HSC Adult Emergency Department Community Hub

Position Overview

The Indigenous Support Worker – HSC Adult Emergency Department Community Hub (EDCH) provides culturally grounded, trauma-informed, relationship-based support to First Nations, Inuit and Métis patients, families and community members accessing the Health Sciences Centre Adult Emergency Department Community Hub (EDCH).

Working as part of an interdisciplinary team and in partnership with Indigenous community organizations, the Indigenous Support Worker serves as a trusted bridge between Indigenous relatives, the emergency department, health-care providers and community-based services. The position supports individuals experiencing complex social circumstances, including houselessness, substance use, mental health concerns, social isolation and barriers to accessing health and social services.

The Indigenous Support Worker provides low-barrier, compassionate and culturally safe support that recognizes each person's dignity, autonomy, lived experience and readiness for change. The position assists relatives to navigate the health-care system, access community resources, participate in discharge planning, and establish connections to ongoing health, social, cultural and community supports.

The role contributes to the EDCH's goal of improving the experience and outcomes of Indigenous relatives while supporting reduced emergency department length of stay, reducing barriers to care, facilitating safe transitions from the emergency department and strengthening connections to community-based services.

THIS IS A DESIGNATED INDIGENOUS COMPETITION, OPEN TO INDIGENOUS APPLICANTS. Applicants are required to self-declare and those selected for an interview will be asked interview questions related to the designation.

Shared Health is committed to equity in our hiring and employment practices. This includes a commitment to increasing representation of Indigenous people at all levels of our workforce. We encourage Indigenous individuals to apply and/or to contact the Indigenous Health Team / Lead or Indigenous HR Lead at [email protected].

Experience

• Related experience in a health care setting is preferred.


• Healthcare system navigation experience is preferred.


• Customer service or social services experience is an asset.


• Knowledge of federal, provincial, municipal and Indigenous resources accessible in community.


• Lived experience  is an asset.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Post-secondary education in a related field is required.


• A suitable combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

Not applicable

Qualifications and Skills

• General knowledge of medical terminology is preferred.


• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture, health issues impacting Indigenous communities, the social determinants of health, and the impact of intergenerational trauma, is required.


• Effective interpersonal communication skills with the ability to work in partnership with healthcare professionals, all levels of staff, patients and families, required.


• Thorough knowledge of Windows based programs (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and the Internet.


• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English.


• Ability to independently prioritize workload and stay organized is required.


• Demonstrated good judgement and problem-solving skills are required.


• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality is required.

Physical Requirements

Not applicable