Title: Indigenous Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Navigator

Department: Renal and Palliative Care Services

Position Number: 50074582

Hours of Work: Full-Time Position

Salary: Class 04 - $74,994.47 -$89,993.67

Union: Non-Union

Location: Kingston General Hospital Site

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Indigenous CKD Navigator supports Indigenous patients living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) navigate their kidney care journey. This is done through the provision of advocacy, information, and support in collaboration with patients’ clinical care team(s) and community support persons at the time of referral. The Indigenous CKD Navigator works with others to address patients’ cultural and spiritual needs. They support the identification of CKD through community-based risk screening clinics held in collaboration with other key health system partners and community member organizations. They help to advance the strategic priorities pertaining to Indigenous health through the Renal Program’s Strategic 4-Year Plan and Ontario Renal Plan 4. Further, the role involves building and sustaining meaningful relationships with First Nation, Inuit, Metis and urban Indigenous (FNIMuI) and non-Indigenous partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Improve the detection of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Indigenous Peoples – Collaborates with internal and external partners to carry out Indigenous CKD risk screening events and helps to tailor referral pathways into the Renal Program. Educates others on early CKD screening guidelines as outlined by the Ontario Renal Network and develops technical knowledge of screening equipment, screening process, quality assurance testing, inventory, and referral protocols.

• Improve patient access and experience of high quality kidney care, including kidney transplantation - Provide navigation, support, and advocacy to Indigenous patients and their families/caregivers throughout the continuum of renal care (early CKD to end-stage renal therapies) within the Regional Renal Program. Acts as a coordinator of care to the patient from the point of referral to the time of treatment and beyond. This includes being a patient advocate, acting as a resource and liaison for FNIMuI patients and families and communicating and collaborating with patients, families and all members of the health team to facilitate collaborative decision making regarding care and treatment. Assists patients in accessing traditional, spiritual and/ or cultural Indigenous services.

• Achieves Strategic Priorities - Works to achieve strategic priorities set out in the South East Regional Renal 4-Year Plan and Provincial Indigenous Renal Plan in collaboration with Ontario Health, Ontario Renal Network and community partners both locally and regionally with the overall aim of improving access to kidney care services for FNIMuI patients and their families. Participates in the ORN CKD Risk Screening Community of Practice and Indigenous CKD Care Leads meetings scheduled by the ORN.

• Capacity Building and Cultural Safety - Support internal capacity building and cultural safety through cultural competency education and awareness, such as promoting and delivering education to Regional Renal Program staff and leadership. Provides cultural insight into the delivery of kidney care, professional practice, safety, and risk management, as needed. Provides input into response and resolution of patient relations concerns as needed.

• Reporting - Track and report on program activity via indicators that are monitored, assessed and evaluated annually via the CKD Risk Screening Operations Summary Report, the CKD Screening and Aggregate Data Report, and the Engagement with Indigenous Partners Status Update in accordance with The First Nations Principles of ownership, control, access, and possession (OCAP). Includes reporting on activities associated with patient visits in the Health Information System (LUMEO).

NOTE - The above duties are representative but are not to be construed as all-inclusive.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Diploma or degree with a focus on Indigenous Community Development or Indigenous Health, or health-related field (Registered Practical Nurse, Social Service Worker)

• Three years of experience supporting Indigenous patients or communities in health, social services, or community-based settings, with demonstrated experience in patient navigation, advocacy, culturally safe practice, and coordination of care across multidisciplinary teams

• Indigenous lived experience required with priority given to those who identify as Indigenous; Culturally safe practice and cultural competency, with the ability to integrate Indigenous spiritual, cultural, and community perspectives into care delivery; Interdisciplinary collaboration and care coordination with clinical teams, community partners, and Indigenous organizations; Community engagement and relationship-building with First Nation, Inuit, Métis, and urban Indigenous communities and partners

• Indigenous Community Development Diploma an asset, as are any of the following: Learning Essential Approaches to Palliative and End of Life Care (LEAP); Palliative Care for Front Line Workers in First Nations Communities training; Trauma Informed Care; Awareness of formal patient or service agreements with local Indigenous communities and organizations; Mental Health First Aid; Crisis Intervention/Suicide Intervention training; Indigenous patient navigation and advocacy across the continuum of chronic kidney disease care, including coordination of services and supports; Program coordination, reporting, and data tracking, including adherence to OCAP principles and use of health information systems; Membership with a regulatory college

• Proven ability to attend work regularly.

• Satisfactory criminal reference check and vulnerable sector search required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The applicant must be able to meet the physical demands of this position.

KHSC is located on the ancestral lands and waters of the Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee and serves a wider geographical area that encompasses many Indigenous communities including Tyendinaga, Katarokwi, as well as communities within the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority. As we partner in care, discovery, and learning to achieve better health outcomes for our communities, KHSC is committed to actively advocating for and acting upon the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s Calls to Action on Health.

Unless specifically stated, all job postings are for existing positions at KHSC. KHSC is committed to recruitment practices that support and contribute to building a respectful, diverse and inclusive workplace in compliance with legislation such as the Employment Standards Act and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We welcome all applications from women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, persons in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and members of other equity deserving groups.

Kingston Health Sciences Centre may use artificial intelligence or automated decision-making systems to assess, screen, or select applicants. All hiring decisions are made by qualified HR staff and hiring leaders in accordance with KHSC policies and applicable employment legislation.

We thank all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Kingston Health Sciences Centre is committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices. If you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process, please notify the Recruitment Team.