Status: Full-time, permanent

Location: Owen Sound, ON

Hours: 35 hours/week (5 days)

Salary: $51,078 to $63,847 per year

Paid Time Off: 3 weeks’ vacation, 12 health & 3 personal days, 5 spiritual/cultural days, professional development and your birthday

Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, life insurance and more

Pension: HOOPP (defined benefit plan)

Posting Date: September 15, 2025

Deadline: Open until filled

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is a diverse, dynamic, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency. We strive to provide quality, wholistic health services by sharing and promoting traditional and western health practices to enable people to live in a more balanced state of well-being. SOAHAC provides services to Indigenous people including those who live on and off reserve, status, non-status, Inuit, and Metis within the Southwest, Waterloo-Wellington and Erie St Clair regions. SOAHAC has a mandate of ensuring that health services are accessible, of high quality, and are culturally appropriate. It is SOAHAC’s objective to build health care capacity within Indigenous communities. Currently, we are seeking the services of an Aboriginal Patient Navigator to join our interdisciplinary staff team to work at our Owen Sound site.

Reporting to the Integrated Care Manager, the Indigenous Patient Navigator is a key resource to Indigenous people, caregivers and their families upon admission to hospital. You will assist Indigenous people with navigating the health care system, ensuring access to and provision of culturally appropriate health care services and link clients with the health and community supports required to transition back to home after discharge and live safely in their homes. You will also be the lead for Coordinated Care Planning for Owen Sound’s Indigenous clients. This position also acts as a cultural resource for health care providers working with Indigenous people.

Responsibilities

• Support clients and families in navigating the healthcare system with compassion and respect.
• Provide clear information about diagnoses, treatment options, and care plans.
• Coordinate appointments, referrals, and follow-ups to ensure timely access to care.
• Connect clients with community programs, financial supports, and culturally relevant resources.
• Advocate for client needs and help reduce barriers to care.
• Foster communication between clients, providers, and care teams.
• Promote culturally safe, trauma-informed, and client-centered care practices.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of client interactions.
• Contribute to quality improvement efforts by tracking outcomes and identifying gaps in care.

Requirements

• A minimum three years’ direct experience working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis (FNIM) people in hospital or community-based case management, health promotion, public health or social work setting is required.
• Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), Registered Nurse (RN), or Social Service Worker (RSSW), in good standing with provincial regulatory body preferred. Other positions with health care experience may be considered.
• Knowledge of case management/system navigation models and principles
• Knowledge and supportive of mainstream health services and community resources, specifically FNIM programs and services in the Grey Bruce area.
• Experience with and supportive of traditional healing practices. Ability to perform some culturally relevant ceremonies would be an asset.
• Previous experience working with or have relationships with the Southwest LHIN and regional/tertiary health centres would be an asset.
• Previous experience working in a hospital setting and knowledge of the hospital system
• Knowledge of specialty programs utilized by Indigenous residents (e.g. dialysis, diabetes education centres, etc.).
• Knowledge of tools, systems and databases used in client services delivery and case management
• Familiarity with FNIM communities, organizations and history
• Indigenous cultural competency skills and can translate to health care providers
• Fluency in a local language is an asset.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) required
• Superior interpersonal, collaboration, facilitation and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team environment
• Valid Ontario Driver’s “G” license; clean driver’s abstract, as well as proof of personal auto insurance (must be insured 3 years and in good standing). Travel is a requirement of the position
• First Aid/CPR certification required
• Proof of current/ valid license from regulatory body required
• Willingness to participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, teachings and ceremonies.
• Clean and current vulnerable sector police check as a condition of employment
• Up to date immunizations and records

This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.

SOAHAC values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants. SOAHAC is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please advise Human Resources.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume through the career portal.

If unable to submit through the careers portal you may submit to careers@soahac.on.ca.

Please visit Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre online at: www.soahac.on.ca or like us on www.facebook.com/soahac to learn more about us!

We thank all those for applying but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.