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

What you’ll do:

• Provide Mi’kmaw language translation services for patients, and families with healthcare professionals as requested.
• Support access to other Indigenous language services for individuals and families when possible.
• Visit Mi’kmaq patients in healthcare facilities and be a support person for them and their families.
• Attend medical appointments and consultations in the hospital, as a support, when requested.
• Support and encourage the inclusion of Mi’kmaw culture, traditions, ceremony and healing practices into the healthcare environment.
• Advocate for the needs of clients, and for care that is culturally safe, wholistic and client centered.
• Assist clients in accessing necessary services and programs in-hospital to support their health needs.
• Inform families of appropriate resources, programs and services available in hospital.
• Connect with patients’ and families’ home communities, as needed for service/assistance when available.
• Support/Assist in hospital patients and families when seeking services through Non-Insured Health Benefits, Jordan’s Principle, and/or other organizations, as requested.
• 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 Lead.
• Must be able to travel within your designated service area.
• Attend meetings with the Program Lead and other Nuji-Apoqnmuet team members and Tajikeimɨk.
• 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.
• Extensive knowledge, lived experience, and understanding of the Mi’kmaw communities, culture, health, and wellness strengths and challenges faced by Mi’kmaw and Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge of Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia and the health services provided.
• Knowledge of federal/provincial health services, specifically Non -Insured Health Benefits (NIHB), and Jordan’s Principle
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, in addition to advocacy, collaboration, conflict resolution, negotiation and active listening.

Ability to:

• 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, and trauma-informed perspective.
• Think analytically and critically to identify specific needs and solve problems.

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.
• Lived experience as a Mi’kmaw person accessing and navigating the health system in Nova Scotia
• Fluent in Mi’kmaw language is a requirement in Cape Breton and Halifax areas, and an asset in other locations.
• Knowledge of Medical Terminology or any other healthcare-related training would be an asset.

Additional requirements:

• Work environment is mostly in hospital settings.
• Experience using the Microsoft suite of products.
• Travel within Nova Scotia.
• Ability to Work a flexible 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

Work Hours: Part-time schedule TBD
Location: Western zone (South Shore area of Nova Scotia)
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.