Navigator Primary Care & Wellness Services

Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to delivering culturally safe, inclusive health and wellness services that respect Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. The Navigator plays a key role in supporting individuals and families by reducing barriers and fostering access to primary care, clinical health services, mental health supports, and related programs. Using a person-centered, trauma-informed, and decolonized approach, this role focuses on connection, outreach, and empowerment during critical life stages and health transitions. 

Reporting to the Department Manager of Integrated Primary Care, the Navigator ensures community members can access primary care providers, mental health counseling, chronic disease management, maternal and child health programs, and other clinical and wellness services. While navigation and outreach are the primary responsibilities, the Navigator may assist with clinical coordination and case management duties as directed by the Department Manager of Integrated Primary Care. 

What You'll Do

Navigation & Support

• Act as the first point of contact for inquiries about health services and supports.
• Provide guidance, assistance, and support to reduce barriers to accessing services offered by Seabird Island or external providers.
• Focus on key areas such as:
  • Primary Care.
  • Mental Health.
  • Homecare.
  • Wellness Services.
• Offer information and support for additional services, including:
  • Housing.
  • Education.
  • Social programs. 
  • Community groups.
  • Trainings and events.
  • Resources.
• Assess needs, priorities, and service eligibility of individuals and families.
• Identify barriers that may prevent individuals from accessing care, such as transportation, financial constraints, or fear of seeking services, and assist in finding solutions.
• Develop short-term plans to connect clients to appropriate services and supports.
• Assist with practical tasks such as completing forms, referrals, and applications. 
• As necessary, engage in home visits and community-based meetings to provide direct support to women and families who may have barriers to accessing care.

Referrals

• Actively follow up on referrals to obtain updates and facilitate smooth transitions between internal and external services and timely access to services.
• Follow-up with clients (who are awaiting referral or connection to services) regularly to check on their wellbeing, monitor progress, and offer additional resources as needed and available. 

Outreach & Community Connection

• Provide on-the-ground outreach in high-need areas, engaging individuals who may not actively seek help but require support.
• Engage in proactive outreach to connect with families and community members.
• As request by the Department Manager of Integrated Primary Care, plan, support, and attend events and meetings to engage with community. 
• Build strong relationships within the community to promote trust and awareness of available services.
• Act as a bridge between families and service providers, ensuring culturally safe and respectful interactions. 

Education & Empowerment

• Promote self-navigation and advocacy skills among community members. 
• Provide education on preventive health, chronic disease management, mental health resources, and wellness practices in a culturally respectful manner.
• Empower families to make informed decisions that enhance resilience and stability.
• Support the development of materials, resources, and guides to support self-navigation and active awareness of services within and outside the community. 
• Empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. 
• Support development of resources and guides for self-navigation of maternal and child health services. 

Collaboration

• As requested by the Department Manager of Integrated Primary Care work closely with internal teams and external partners to streamline referrals and communication to provide wrap around care. 
• As requested by the Department Manager of Integrated Primary Care to participate in community initiatives that strengthen health and well-being as well as navigation and service accessibility. 

Case Management (As Required)

• Support or perform case management duties when directed by the Department Manager of Integrated Primary Care, ensuring alignment with standards of care.

Administration & Reporting

• Maintain a strong understanding of the services and support available to our clients, both internal and external. 
• Track client contacts, attachments, referral status, KPU's, an ensure contacts are documented.
• Report on activities as required by Department Manager. 

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.

Working / Special Conditions 

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
•  Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively transport clients, students, or children.
• Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of clients and community needs. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

What You'll Bring

Qualifications

Education

• Diploma or degree in Nursing, Social Services, Health Navigation, Mental Health, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience

• 3 Years experience in primary care, mental health, or clinical health services preferred.
• Knowledge of culturally safe, trauma-informed, and decolonized practices, with an understanding of Indigenous traditions and health approaches.
• Comfort with outreach, home visits, and community engagement.
• Experience in a client facing role within a First Nations community.
• Excellent customer service, conflict management, communication, relationship-building, and problem solving skills. 

Preferred:

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable conducting outreach, including home visits and community engagement. 

Cultural Competency:

• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.

Core Competencies:

• Ethical: Maintains and promotes individual and organizational integrity and values in all activities.

• Flexible/Adaptable: Maintains effectiveness in diverse work environments characterized by changing circumstances and shifting priorities, displaying adaptability and resilience.

• Excellent Communication and Relationship-Building Skills: Ability to establish trust with clients, families, and service providers while effectively advocating for individuals in need.

• Cultural Competency: Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues, ensuring culturally safe and respectful interactions.

• Analysis of Data: Diligently examines and organizes referral logs, waitlists, and service records to track client progress and improve service delivery.

Reports to: 

Department Manager of Integrated Primary Care.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to Support Work. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Pre-employment screening 

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.