Indigenous Hospital Liaison

As a bona fide occupational requirement, & under Section 11 of the Alberta Human Rights Act, only Indigenous applicants will be considered. Indigenous candidates should self- identify. AHS Indigenous Health works in collaboration & partnership across AHS & with external partners to support innovation & improvement in Indigenous Health & to work towards health equity for Indigenous peoples. There is significant opportunity to improve the health of Indigenous Peoples in Alberta by focusing on upstream efforts & health equity, creating, & building on community empowerment & action, & transforming health service delivery to address racism, improve patient outcomes & experience, & focus more on determinants of health & prevention. Recognizing Alberta Health Services provides health care services to 284,470 Indigenous people living in Alberta, in addition, to Indigenous people from Canada’s North, Northern Saskatchewan & Northern British Columbia, the IHL provides a spirit of hospitality, spiritual & cultural support to diverse Indigenous people seeking acute care services. Description The IHL provides advocacy, counseling, support, education & facilitation of traditional Indigenous wellness services to patients, families & health professionals. The IHL facilitates & provides education about respectful relationships & health care for Indigenous people while building increased understanding & trust between Indigenous people & health care providers under the guidance & direction of the Manager. Respecting the historical impacts of colonization, the traditional Indigenous beliefs & cultures, the diversity of the varied belief structures among Indigenous peoples, & the complex western medical approaches to health, the IHL creates responsive, sensitive & consultative relationships that enable trust & wellness among peoples of very diverse world views & approaches to health.

As an Aboriginal Hospital Representative I, you will provide a range of support services to First Nations, Metis and Inuit (FNMI) clients and their families within AHS facilities. Your knowledge and respect for the cultural perspectives, beliefs and health practices within the FNMI community are essential in this role to supplement and enhance the care provided by other healthcare professionals. As an Aboriginal Hospital Representative I, you are not a primary care provider, but you will provide input, recommendations, support and guidance to the discharge planning team. You will also provide cultural consultation and recommendations to discharge planning teams from other urban acute care and rural sites as required.

Completion of diploma or certificate from an accredited health related program in a regulated profession (e.g., Social Work, Licensed Practical Nurse).

Knowledge and respect for the diversity of Indigenous populations and communities. Knowledge of Indigenous history, worldview, perspectives, beliefs/values, culture and traditions and spirituality is required. Knowledge of traditional Indigenous protocol, traditional medicines, and Indigenous wellness methods. Ability to work independently and as part of a health care team. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others. Demonstrates good written skills and use of relevant computer software.

Secondary degree in health care or social sciences will be considered an asset. College certificate/diploma in related health care discipline, such as Community Health Representative, Social Work, and Nursing will be considered an asset. Ability to speak or understand any of the traditional languages within Northern Alberta. Experience in a health care setting will be considered an asset. Knowledge and training in Connect Care.