Indigenous Health Service Assistant

Position Summary
** Financial Support for Moving Expenses is available for this position **

Northern Health values diversity within the workplace and our commitment of reaching a representative workforce. For this position, we also want to highlight First Nation, Inuit, Métis or Indigenous Ancestry is regarded as directly relevant to the skills and knowledge for this position. All candidates will be considered; however, preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. For this initiative candidates from this group who wish to qualify for preferential consideration are encouraged to self-identify.

Are you someone who has a real passion for helping others? Are you looking to highlight your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a new and dynamic environment? We currently have an exciting opportunity for you to bring your excellent work ethic to the Fort Nelson General Hospital.

Under the general supervision of a senior position, the Indigenous Health Service Assistant (Indigenous Service Assistant) proactively engages with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit patients, families, and visitors to support a culturally safe experience in the assigned facilities and/or programs. Key areas of focus include enabling access to the appropriate cultural and clinical support services; orientation and wayfinding for patients and families to the site and services; supporting admission and discharge processes; and supporting communication between the care team and the patient and family. The Indigenous Health Service Assistant works with the health care staff in the First Nations communities and Métis Chartered communities, including the Health Director, Community Health Representative, and other team members. The Indigenous Health Service Assistant develops an understanding of the culture and traditions of the First Nations and Métis communities using the facilities and services.

New Wage: As of April 1, 2024, the new wage is: $29.83/hour

Shift Rotation/Hours of work: Days, 11:00 to 19:00, 12:00 to 20:00 (Rotating)

Fort Nelson General Hospital is a nine acute bed hospital with seven long-term care beds. Services include laboratory, medical imaging, community counselling, basic obstetrics, and minor surgery. Visiting specialists in obstetrics, pediatrics, massage therapy, acupuncture and physiotherapy is also available. Fort Nelson also has dental clinics, pharmacies, a health unit, drug and alcohol programs, counselling services, child and youth programs, and several support groups and organizations.

Fort Nelson is located in the northernmost region of the Rocky Mountains and has a family and recreation-oriented community of 3,366 (2021) people. The country around Fort Nelson is vast and has an abundance of rivers, mountains, hot springs, and wildlife viewing for the adventure seeker. Check out Fort Nelson for more information for those who want a slower pace lifestyle.

What Northern Health has to offer you!
• Comprehensive benefit packages including MSP, extended health/dental and a municipal pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. Casuals have the option of paying for benefits.
• Four weeks vacation with one year of continuous service
• Financial Support for Moving Expenses is available for eligible positions
• Employee referral program
• Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Spectacular outdoor activities and the shortest commutes in BC
• "Loan Forgiveness Programs" are offered through the Federal and BC Government for eligible professions.

Qualfications
• Graduation from a recognized Social Services Worker certificate or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Knowledge and appreciation of the unique history, cultures, and rights of First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples in Canada is required.
• Lived experience with Indigenous, Metis and Inuit populations and demonstrated extensive knowledge of First Nations, Metis and Inuit health care needs, services, and issues as well as knowledge of culture, protocols, traditions, and ideology of Indigenous people and organizations in northern British Columbia is an asset.
• Preference will be given to First Nations, Metis, and Inuit candidates.

Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, with Indigenous patients, families, care providers, administrative staff, and volunteers.
• Ability to deal with others effectively, in the context of patient centred, culturally safe and trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture & traditions and receptivity to continuous learning specific to the Indigenous communities to be served by this position.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to organize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.

Who we are
Northern Health covers an area of nearly 600,000 square kilometers and offers health services in over two dozen communities and 55 First Nation's communities. We deliver hospital and community-based health care for a population of 300,000.
Employing more than 7,000 staff throughout the region, Northern Health provides exceptional health services for Northerners, through the efforts of dedicated staff and physicians, in partnership with communities and organizations in Northern BC.
There is a wide variety of career opportunities available in our two dozen hospitals, 25 long-term care facilities, public health units and many other offices providing specialized services.