The Organization:
Tajikeimɨk is the new and developing health and wellness organization leading 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.

Position Overview:
Tajikeimɨk is seeking a Nuji-Apoqnmuet (Mi’kmaw Patient Helper) for a one-year term 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. This location (at Cape Breton Regional Hospital) requires fluency in Mi’kmaw language. This is a patient-facing role, so work from home/hybrid is not an option.

What you’ll do:

• Provide Mi’kmaw language support 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 assigned 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.
• Inform patients and families of appropriate resources, programs and services available in hospital.
• Connect with patient’s home community for services, as needed, and with consent.
• Work in collaboration with health professionals and other members of the healthcare team as required.
• 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, other Nuji-Apoqnmuet team members, and Tajikeimɨk.
• Other related duties as part of the Tajikeimɨk team.

What we are looking for:

• Must be a fluent Mi’kmaw speaker for this location.
• 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.

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:

• Mi’kmaw speaker/fluent in Mi’kmaw language is a requirement
• 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
• 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.
• An up-to-date Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Registry Check.

Salary: to be negotiated based on experience.
Location: Cape Breton Regional Hospital (Note: This is a patient-facing role, so work from home/hybrid is not an option)
Closing: Open until filled. We are reviewing applications as they are submitted.
Position Type: 1-Year Term

Preference will be given to Mi’kmaw applicants.

Please email your resume and cover letter in confidence to [email protected], citing “Nuji-Apoqnmuet - Tajikeimɨk” in the subject line.

We appreciate all expressed interest in the position; however, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.