Care Navigator (Maskwacîs)

Competition 1503

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of one year plus a day and offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page.

Location - Work primarily takes place at Maskwacîs Pediatric Clinic.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department

The Women and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI) was founded in 2006 as a partnership between the University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services, with core funding from the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation (SCHF) and the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation/Alberta Women's Hospital Foundation(RAHF/AWHF). Through the generous contributions of both foundations, WCHRI has been able to support the research excellence, training and development activities of investigators from a wide range of clinical and academic disciplines, all focusing their efforts on improving health outcomes for women and children in our province. WCHRI is the only research institute in Canada -- and one of the few in the world -- to focus on women's and children's health, including perinatal health.

The Institute is considered to be a national authority and leader in women's and children's health issues. The scope and complexity of WCHRI are extensive -- supporting over 430 members from 14 faculties and three colleges across the University of Alberta.

The Indigenous Autism Collective (ICC) is a grassroots project dedicated to empowering and supporting Indigenous caregivers both locally and nationally. With a foundation of research and evidence-based decision making the ICC will establish key components and strategies aiming to address the unique needs and challenges faced by Indigenous caregivers and their communities. This is a community-specific driven initiative but will look for opportunities to have an impact in Indigenous communities across Canada. The ICC works closely with Maskwacîs Children's Place and the Maskwacîs Pediatric clinic in the community to support and enhance the work that is already being done.

Position 

Under the direction of the WCHRI Research Associate, the Care Navigator (CN) will support families in the Maskwacîs community and work on other ICC initiatives both locally and nationally. The CN will provide system navigation training to equip local caregivers with the skills to access support services effectively and advocate for their needs within healthcare and social service systems; while also supporting ICC's community research efforts. This position will also develop an online platform that serves as a centralized hub for guidance, information and emotional support tailored to Indigenous caregivers, families and communities; and, create culturally relevant resources, toolkits and educational materials that acknowledge the intersections of Indigenous culture and caregiving, fostering cultural pride and resilience. The CN will organize community workshops, seminars and cultural events that raise awareness of caregiving issues and promote understanding of caregiving within Maskwacîs and other Indigenous communities. The position will also collaborate with Indigenous organizations, schools and healthcare providers to deliver culturally appropriate training and education on caregiving topics, fostering a shared understanding of best practices and support strategies.

This position will primarily be in Maskwacîs but will require some travel to neighboring towns and the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

Duties 

• Build and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous health centers, schools and service agencies to provide comprehensive support.
• Support caregivers day-to-day locally and regionally and provide system navigation training and work in partnership with the Maskwacis pediatric clinic to implement a family-centered model of care at the pediatric clinic.
• Collaborate with experts and professionals in the field to generate knowledge and create culturally relevant resources, toolkits and guides for Indigenous families and communities.
• Work directly with families and support them as they navigate the different systems of care.
• Establish partnerships with Indigenous communities, organizations and leaders to raise awareness about caregiving and the collective's mission.
• Establish support groups for Indigenous families, both in-person and online. Establish caregiver day in Maskwacis.
• Begin the development of an online platform/website to host appropriate resources; making them easily accessible. Develop and share culturally relevant resources, toolkits and educational materials that acknowledge the intersections of Indigenous culture and caregiving, fostering cultural pride and resilience.
• Launch a series of webinars, training sessions and workshops for Indigenous caregivers, educators and healthcare professionals.
• Develop a culturally tailored awareness campaign for social media and local events. Plan, manage and evaluate monthly community caregiver events in partnership with local knowledge keepers and local caregiver-specific organizations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of Nehiyawin (Cree Language) and protocols is required
• Minimum 1-year post-secondary education combined with community-based experience is required.
• A minimum of two years of direct and focused experience working with Indigenous people, organizations, and/or communities is required.
• Must have dependable WIFI and transportation.
• Must live in or near Maskwacîs.
• Computer proficiency using MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; ability to work in a team environment as well as independently with minimal supervision.
• Precise documentation skills, detail-oriented.
• Ability to work efficiently in a professional and ethical manner in accordance with the University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Broader knowledge of Indigenous research ethics, protocols, and methodologies (including key application of TCPS2 and Chapter 9: Research with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples).
• Social Work Degree, or equivalent
• Research support experience.
• Experience with public speaking and/or facilitation.
• Experience working with children and their families.
• Familiarity with First Nations principles of ownership, control, access, and possession (OCAP).
• Experience with the University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services.