Indigenous Navigator

*Department:*DRCC Regional Program
*Program:*DRCC Administration
*Status:*Regular Full Time
Days, Evenings, Weekends; 8 Hour Shifts (Subject to Change)
*Location:*Oshawa
Wage Schedule:$46.340 - $63.190 per hour
*File Number:*2600000761

Lakeridge Health is more than a hospital. It is a health network that includes five hospitals, a long-term care home, a community-based surgical centre, and more than 30 community sites across the Durham Region. Guided by our vision of One System. Best Health. and supported by a dedicated team of nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, Lakeridge Health is a place where the best people want to start, grow, and finish their careers in health care. We are focused on fostering an environment that’s inclusive, compassionate, innovative, and joyful. This is Lakeridge Health!

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Regional Indigenous Cancer Navigator provides direct support and advocacy for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis patients and their families throughout the Central East Region. The Navigator plays a central role in guiding Indigenous patients through the cancer care system, ensuring access to culturally safe and appropriate services, and facilitating strong connections between patients, Indigenous communities, and the healthcare system.

Working closely with the Indigenous Outreach Liaison, the Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead, and regional partners, this role supports the implementation of the Central East Regional First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban Indigenous Cancer Strategy, aligned with Ontario Health's Indigenous Cancer Strategy. While the role supports patients across the entire cancer journey, particular focus is placed on palliative and end-of-life care to ensure cultural, spiritual, and family needs are honoured and met.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Patient Navigation & Support
   " Provide support to Indigenous patients, families, and caregivers throughout their cancer journey.

" Attend clinic visits to support communication with staff and physicians.

" Coordinate access to cancer services and advocate for individualized, culturally appropriate care pathways.

" Arrange translation, transportation, and referrals based on patient needs and scopes of practice.

" Ensure patients and families understand their care options, appointments, and available supports.

1. Access to Cultural, Spiritual & Traditional Supports
   " Facilitate access to traditional, spiritual, and cultural Indigenous healing practices and supports.
   " Ensure cultural and spiritual needs are upheld during palliative and end-of-life care.
   " Work with Traditional Healers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders to support culturally safe care.
   " Promote cultural safety, privacy, and confidentiality across all patient interactions.
   " Plan and lead educational events to help increase general knowledge and awareness of Indigenous Culture and Traditions.

2. Relationship Building & Community Partnerships
   " Build, strengthen, and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities, healthcare providers, and regional partners.
   " Engage with partner hospitals, community organizations, Primary Care Leads, and Indigenous Cancer Leads.
   " Support ongoing communication between hospitals and Indigenous communities to enhance patient experience and access.
   " Participate in regional palliative care and supportive care networks to ensure coordinated, patient centered services.

3. Program Development, Evaluation & System Improvement
   " Participate in the development and evaluation of new patient programs and regional initiatives.
   " Contribute to palliative care innovation projects and Indigenous-focused strategies.
   " Maintain an inventory of cancer related programs supporting Indigenous patients.
   " Document and monitor services provided using the hospital Electronic Medical Record (Epic).
   " Share best practices and insights to inform regional and provincial evaluations and policy development.
   " Contribute to reporting and yearly workplans to provide Ontario Health with insights into the ongoing work and accomplishments of the team.

4. Education & Capacity Building
   " Provide consultation and guidance to healthcare teams on culturally appropriate services for Indigenous patients.
   " Support knowledge sharing and professional development related to Indigenous cancer care and palliative care.
   " Advocate for system improvements that enhance cultural safety across the cancer care continuum.

QUALIFICATIONS:

" Lived experience as an Indigenous person.
" Post-secondary education in a health or social sciences field with 3 years of relevant experience.
" Strong understanding of the healthcare environment and the needs of Indigenous populations.
" Work experience in cancer care preferred.
" Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
" Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
" Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle, required.
" Must have satisfactory performance record.
" Demonstrated commitment to our core values of Inclusion, Compassion, Innovation, Teamwork and Joy.
" Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Lakeridge Health's comprehensive safety programs and practices including staff, patient and environmental safety and participation in regular in-services in this area.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

" Primary workspace at the Durham Regional Cancer Centre at Lakeridge Health Oshawa.
" Regular travel required to partner hospitals, Indigenous communities, and community organizations across the Central East Region.
" Valid driver's license and regular access to a vehicle required.

At Lakeridge Health, we value inclusion and diversity. We are committed to fostering a culture that is respectful, inclusive, and accessible. We are committed to employing a workforce that is representative of the diverse community we provide services to and welcome applications from all qualified applicants from all backgrounds.

Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the recruitment and assessment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require any accommodation at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact recruitment@lh.ca .

Unless specifically stated, all job postings at Lakeridge Health are to fill existing vacancies within our organization. Lakeridge Health may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of the recruitment and screening process. A member of our Talent Acquisition team is actively engaged in the Recruitment and Selection process to ensure a fair and thorough assessment of applicants.

Lakeridge Health thanks all those who apply, however, only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

The terms and conditions of employment are in accordance with Lakeridge Health's policies and procedures.

Lakeridge Health thanks all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Successful External applicants must provide a satisfactory Criminal Investigation Reference for the vulnerable sector, dated within the past six (6) months.

Lakeridge Health is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all team members and patients. New Lakeridge Health team members will be required to complete a Pre-employment Health Assessment as a condition of employment.