Cultural Health Navigator, Kinyarwanda/Swahili (Pending Funding and Union Classification Approval)

Job Title:  Cultural Health Navigator, Kinyarwanda/Swahili (Pending Funding and Union Classification Approval)

Status:  Regular, Full Time
Schedule: Monday - Friday (9 am - 5 pm, flex schedule and some weekends as required)
Hours:  35 hours/week
Wage:  $29.17 - $33.49/hour (Starting at $29.17/hr)
Grid:  12

Start Date:  August 2024

Posting Date:  July 3, 2024
Closing Date:  Open Until filled

Please note that internal applicants must apply by July 9, 2024, internal applications received after this date will not be considered as internal and seniority will not apply position will remain open until filled.

Opportunity

The Cultural Health Navigator (CHN), Kinyarwanda/Swahili Speaking, is a specialized role that is designed to improve health outcomes for government assisted refugee (GAR) populations who experience language and cultural barriers navigating the health system. The bilingual and bicultural CHN will assist by providing trauma informed and culturally competent care at the refugee focused primary care clinic. CHNs will work closely with GAR populations to identify immediate health needs and provide information, resources and assisted service linking to primary and community health programs, appointments, and treatments.  The CHN builds rapport and trust with their community members, has extensive knowledge about health systems and programs in the Lower Mainland and will collaborate with health practitioners in the community. The CHN will deliver accessible health services and related resources, while actively updating resources with new information and feedback from clients.

The Key Areas of Responsibility are: 

·       Works with GAR populations to identify immediate health needs and bridge primary healthcare access by providing 1-to-1 health orientation, navigation (including online and telehealth care) and promotion in a culturally safe, trauma and GBA+ informed way to increase protective factors and decrease risk according to the social determinants of health; using a strengths-based approach;

·       Supports overall health promotion of clients through providing information on health and health behaviours, and health programs/resources available; 

·       Deliver clear, timely and appropriate pathways through service bridging and referrals for healthcare access within cultural context to remove barriers, ensuring that patients gain the knowledge and skills required to navigate pathways, persist along them and understand the roles and functions of different services in those pathways to address needs identified in the Post Arrival Health Assessment (PAHA) and beyond;

·       Deliver 1-1 peer support healthcare orientations and identifies when referrals to other peer-focused programs and services are appropriate and provides follow up to any referrals to bridge gaps and ensure supported access as needed for the client;

·       Accompanies clients to medical appointments and work collaboratively with the health authority during patient appointments providing cultural bridging between GAR clients and health practitioners through language and cultural interpretation and translation;

·       Empowers independent healthcare system navigation including non-medical and community supports to positively influence social determinants of health by orienting clients on the Canadian healthcare system and newcomer services;

·       Collaborates with health authorities and other settlement and non-settlement providers for seamless transitions of care for all patients using up-to-the minute awareness of available services and their eligibility requirements that also facilitate additional referrals to address social determinants of health.  

·       Consult with healthcare staff on healthcare planning for patients in developing individualized and effective, strengths-based, anti-racist/anti-oppressive and culturally competent service plans;

·       Carry out continuous service delivery monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance, providing health authorities with a continuous data flow about the profile and needs of clients and process quality indicators that contribute to health outcomes achievement.

·       Collaborates on conducting group workshops on health related topics and creates necessary health related curriculum resources;

·       Maintains client confidentiality in all aspects of their work;

·       Maintains related client records and statistics using CRM or health authority databases to produce quarterly and annual reports as required.

Qualified Candidates will possess:

·       Degree in Health Sciences or related field and two years related experience;

·       Minimum 2-3 years experience in settlement case management;

·       Fluency in reading, writing and speaking English and Kinyarwanda/Swahili (Kinyarwanda preferred);

·       Demonstrated understanding of social determinants of health and how these impact racialized refugee populations; 

·       Knowledge of the government assisted refugee experience and the settlement challenges they experience and available resources;

·       Knowledge of IFHP and MSP insurance coverage;

·       Extensive knowledge of health systems and refugee focused programs in the Lower Mainland;

·       Demonstrated ability for active listening, and building trust with all stakeholders;

·       Demonstrated ability to advocate for clients needs and resources internally and externally;

·       Demonstrated understanding of cultural and traditional health practices and beliefs of the communities being served; 

·       Demonstrated ability to work independently; take initiative, solve problems and work as part of a team;

·       Working knowledge of standard office equipment and software applications (Microsoft 365 and CRM).

·       Capability to create culturally and inter-culturally safe and inclusive spaces rooted in the migration experience, fostering a welcoming environment for diverse populations.

·       Understanding of social determinants of health for racialized ethnocultural communities, informing strategies to address health disparities and inequities.

·       Demonstrated understanding of the similarities and differences between the Canadian and other healthcare systems, enabling effective navigation and provision of care.

·       Familiarity with transportation systems, including ability to accompany and direct clients to all required appointments using multiple forms of transportation;

·       Comfortable with flexible work environment; must be willing to conduct outreach work in Richmond and across multiple sites across Metro Vancouver as needed; 

·       Ability to identify and assess the assets and needs of patients and community members, informing tailored interventions and support services;

·       Proficiency in relational practice, active listening, and building trust with all stakeholders, fostering positive relationships and collaboration;

·       Proficient understanding of diverse cultural and traditional health practices and beliefs, facilitating culturally sensitive and responsive care delivery; and

·       Demonstrated experience delivering trauma-informed and culturally competent care, including provisions for language access and interpreter services to ensure effective communication with diverse refugee populations.

·       Access to a personal vehicle and a class 5 drivers license is an asset

This position requires union membership.  A Criminal Record Check is a requirement of employment.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To apply, please upload your resume and cover letter as separate attachments.  As part of the application process, you will be prompted to complete a short questionnaire. Please ensure all questions are answered. 

To view all opportunities at DIVERSEcity visit www.dcrs.ca/work-with-us/.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position is based at clinics in Vancouver and Richmond and is in-person services.  DIVERSEcity has implemented new safety procedures for in-office and in-person work, to view our safety plan, please visit www.dcrs.ca/news/diversecity-covid-19-safety-plan/. Successful candidates will be provided with the training and equipment to safely carry out their duties, ensuring the best protection for our staff and clients.

A comprehensive job description will be provided to all candidates shortlisted for interviews. 

DIVERSEcity is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from people of all gender identities and expressions, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples and visible minorities. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process may contact our HR department at (recruitment@dcrs.ca). Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

About DIVERSEcity

DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society is a registered charity devoted to helping newcomers. For 40 years we have focused on providing specialized services newcomers to find employment, learn English, find housing, deal with family challenges, work through mental health issues and access medical care. DIVERSEcity is a client-centred organization committed to quality and accountability. We value growth, respect, integrity and compassion.  To learn more about DIVERSEcity visit us at https://www.dcrs.ca/.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.