Indigenous Health Coordinator

Nature of Position

The Indigenous Health Coordinator supports Indigenous patients/clients, caregivers, and families in accessing culturally safe, respectful, and effective health care services. As part of the interdisciplinary care network, the Coordinator acts as a resource for both patients and providers, with a primary focus on Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and additional liaison work with acute care as needed. Flexible hours are required to support cultural ceremonies, community events, and engagement activities. This is a full-time 35-40 hour per week position, Mon-Fri, with some evening/weekend work required to meet the needs of the program.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting Patient Attachment & Access

• Build and maintain supportive relationships with Indigenous patients to enhance access to primary care services.
• Advocate for patients and families to ensure timely, culturally safe care and attachment to a PCN.
• Conduct outreach to vulnerable and marginalized Indigenous community members.

Participating in Team‑Based Care

• Provide patient‑centred navigation and follow‑up for referrals within and outside the health care team.
• Collaborate with Interior Health and other providers to support coordinated, comprehensive care.
• Share information with patients and families about available local health services.
• Communicate with community health teams regarding patient status, discharge planning, and follow‑up needs.
• Support transitions between acute, primary, and community care.
• Contribute to shared documentation, including electronic medical records where possible.

Supporting Culturally Safe & Agile Care

• Provide consultation to health care providers on culturally safe practices and Indigenous approaches to care.
• Contribute to culturally informed program policies, protocols, and care planning.
• Support the integration of ceremony and cultural practices within health care settings.

Supporting the Transformation of Care

• Participate in primary care planning by identifying patient needs early and liaising with community agencies.
• Coordinate collaboration between Indigenous and non‑Indigenous health care providers.
• Contribute to curriculum development, orientation, and professional development related to Indigenous health.
• Support communication strategies that increase awareness of primary care services and available supports.
• Participate in community cultural and wellness events.
• Provide cultural safety education and in‑services to health care providers.
• Engage in health care initiatives and system‑improvement activities.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Degree in health administration, social work, or a related health/social services field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in an Indigenous health context.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities, families, or service systems.
• Familiarity with Indigenous health benefits and supports (e.g., FNHA, Métis Nation BC, Jordan’s Principle).
• Knowledge of key frameworks such as UNDRIP, TRC Calls to Action, and MMIWG Calls to Justice.

Knowledge & Skills

• Understanding of systemic barriers affecting Indigenous peoples in the health system.
• Knowledge of interdisciplinary care roles and relevant legislation (e.g., Health Care Consent Act, Mental Health Act, Adult Guardianship Act, FOIPPA).
• Ability to apply trauma‑informed, harm‑reduction, strengths‑based, and culturally grounded practices.
• Ability to provide culturally safe, relationship‑based support using Indigenous wellness frameworks (e.g., Medicine Wheel).
• Strong communication, conflict‑resolution, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Ability to coordinate care, navigate services, and collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Computer proficiency, including electronic documentation systems and Microsoft Office.

Requirements

• Valid BC driver’s licence, satisfactory Driver’s Abstract, and reliable vehicle.
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings/weekends for cultural and community events.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position (e.g., community outreach, travel between sites).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with privacy legislation (e.g., FOIPPA).
• Preference will be given to candidates with Indigenous ancestry, in alignment with Section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code.