Tajikeimɨk is seeking two part-time Nuji-Apoqnmuet (Mi’kmaw Patient Helpers) in our new and developing organization. Reporting to the Program Leader Cultural Safety and Community Care Transitions, the Nuji-Apoqnmuet is responsible for providing support services to Mi’kmaw and Indigenous community members, and their families, who request support while receiving care in healthcare facilities in Nova Scotia.

What you’ll do:

• Provide Mi’kmaw language translation services for individuals, families and healthcare professionals as requested.
• Support access to other Indigenous language services for individuals and families when possible.
• Visit Indigenous clients in healthcare facilities and be a support person for clients and their families.
• Attend medical appointments and consultations, as a support, when requested.
• Support inclusion of cultural and traditional healing practices.
• Support and encourage the inclusion of Mi’kmaw culture, traditions, ceremony into the healthcare environment.
• Advocate for the needs of clients and for care that is culturally safe, wholistic and client-centred.
• Aid clients and families in navigating the Nova Scotia health system, when requested.
• Support clients in accessing and receiving relevant health information specific to their patient care plan.
• Assist clients to access necessary services and programs to support their health needs.
• Inform and refer families to appropriate resources, programs and services available in hospital.
• Connect with patients’ and families’ home communities, to assist with funding, support, discharge plans and communication.
• Provide support to patients and families by helping them obtain services through Non-Insured Health Benefits, Jordan’s Principle and/or other organizations, as requested.
• Provide support to the shared responsibility for patient care, with other members of health care teams in community and in hospitals.
• Work in collaboration with Mi’kmaw Indigenous Patient Navigators and other Nuji-Apoqnmuet team members.
• Provide support, and work in collaboration with, other healthcare providers and staff members regarding the provision of culturally safe care.
• Monitor and track monthly program statistics as part of regular reporting to the Program Leader.
• Follow up with discharged clients for feedback on overall hospital experience as part of regular reporting to the Program Leader.
• May participate on hospital/health-related committees, as part of advocacy efforts.
• Must be able to travel within your designated service area.
• Attend meetings with Program Lead and other Nuji-Apoqnmuet team members.
• Monthly staff meetings with Tajikeimɨk team.
• Other related duties as part of the Tajikeimɨk team.

What we’re looking for:

• A skilled professional who will maintain a high degree of confidentiality and follow appropriate policies.
• A strong work ethic, including excellent work attendance, is essential for this role.
• An understanding of Mi’kmaw culture, communities and organizations.
• Knowledge of health services in First Nations communities in Mi’kma’ki.
• Knowledge of Atlantic Region Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge of federal/provincial health services, specifically Non- Insured Health Benefits (NIHB).
• Knowledge of Jordan’s Principle and accessing services.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, in addition to advocacy, collaboration, conflict resolution, negotiation and active listening.
• Ability to:
  • Work collaboratively with Mi’kmaw Indigenous Patient Navigators.
  • Develop and maintain professional relationships.
  • Prioritize patient requests based on urgency.
  • Professionally represent Tajikeimɨk at meetings and other gatherings.
  • Work independently and unsupervised with an elevated level of productivity, organization and time management.
  • Engage with clients/community from a culturally safe, strengths- based and trauma-informed perspective.
  • Manage multiple priorities and ensure clients’ needs are met.
  • Think analytically and critically to identify specific needs and solve problems.
  • Improve job knowledge through knowledge-sharing, attending workshops, etc.

Your qualifications:

• Experience working with First Nation/Indigenous communities, First Nation service delivery organizations, and applicable government programming, etc.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluent in Mi’kmaw language is a requirement.
• Knowledge of Medical Terminology would be an asset.

Additional requirements:

• Work environment is mostly in hospital settings.
• Experience using the Microsoft suite of products.
• Travel within Nova Scotia.
• Work a flex schedule due to the nature of this position.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with access to a vehicle.
• Must provide recent and clear criminal record, vulnerable sector, and child abuse registry checks.

Salary: to be negotiated based on experience
Location: Western zones
Start Date: as soon as possible
Closing: We are reviewing applications as they are received
Please email your resume and cover letter, in confidence, to: taji@mhwns.ca

Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Preference will be given to Mi’kmaw applicants.

The Organization

Tajikeimɨk is the new and developing health and wellness organization being created to lead health transformation on behalf of Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia. In collaboration with Chiefs, Grand Council, and Health Directors, Tajikeimɨk will build on and evolve the health and wellness services and programs used by Mi’kmaw people in Nova Scotia; improve health service delivery; and strengthen coordination with Federal and Provincial health system partners—with the goal of improving overall health for Mi’kmaq and communities.

Elukuti’kw wjit naji-wlo’ltinenew utanminal.
We are working toward better health for all in our communities.