About the Organization

Tajikeimɨk is the new and developing health and wellness organization that is 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) full-time 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. The service locations for this position are the South Shore areas of NS. This is a patient-facing role, so work from home/hybrid is not an option.

What you’ll do:

• Visit Mi’kmaq patients in assigned healthcare facilities and be a support person for patients 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 withconsent.
• 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.
• Assist with Mi’kmaw language support for patients and families, as applicable.
• 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.
• Knowledge and support of Tajikeimik’s vision and mission, with a personal commitment to advancing Mi’kmaw health and wellness through self-determination.

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.
• 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, vulnerable persons and Child Abuse Registry Check.

Salary: Compensation will be discussed with shortlisted candidates and is commensurate with experience, qualifications, market benchmarks and internal equity.
Service Location: South Shore areas of NS
Closing: Open until filled
Position Type: Full-Time, 35 hours per week

Designated position for Mi’kmaw applicants.

Please email your resume and cover letter in confidence to careers@mhwns.ca, citing “Nuji-Apoqnmuet Full-Time South Shore -Tajikeimik” in the subject line. To help us manage the recruitment process, please submit your application to the email address listed in this posting. We are only able to accept applications received through this email.

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