Indigenous Cultural Support Provider- Kidney Urinary Program

Company: St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Indigenous Cultural Support Provider–Kidney Urinary Program serves as a bridge between Indigenous patients, families, communities, and the healthcare system. This role ensures that culturally safe, patient-centered care is delivered across the chronic kidney disease (CKD) care continuum. The Indigenous Cultural Support Provider facilitates patient navigation, supports the integration of Indigenous knowledge and traditional healing practices, and builds meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities. The role also supports healthcare staff in providing culturally informed care through education, consultation, and guidance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma is required.
• Demonstrated community and culture experience is the essential for this role with a regulated health professional designation welcomed but not mandatory.
• An asset, though not required, is education in Social Services, Indigenous Studies, Indigenous Languages, Health Sciences, or a related field.
• Lived experience of Indigeneity with an understanding of the barriers faced by Indigenous populations in the Hamilton, Six Nations of the Grand River , and Mississauga of the Credit First Nation territories.
• Demonstrated connection to, and accountability to Indigenous communities through respectful relationships, participation, and engagement is required.
• Lived experience or family experience navigating Kidney health concerns.
• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, histories, languages, and worldviews.
• Knowledge of cultural protocols and the role of Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Traditional Healers.
• Understanding of the impacts of colonization, intergenerational trauma, and systemic racism on health.
• Knowledge of Indigenous and community-based health services, supports, and referral pathways.
• Ability to provide culturally safe, trauma-informed, patient-centered support.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trusting relationships.
• Ability to translate medical information into clear, accessible language.
• Skilled in-patient and out-patient navigation within complex healthcare systems.
• Ability to advocate for patients experiencing cultural, systemic, or logistical barriers.
• Capacity to coordinate access to ceremonies, Elders, and traditional healing practices.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively on multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to provide cultural safety education and guidance to healthcare staff using a kind, patient, and respectful approach that fosters allyship and supports organizational reconciliation efforts.
• Competence in documenting interactions and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and uphold cultural protocols with sensitivity.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to respond to emerging patient needs.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently.
• Capacity to engage with patients experiencing chronic illness, stress, or medical trauma.
• Provides compassionate, kind, and patient, non-judgmental listening and support, recognizing and meeting patients where they are in their healing journey.
• Ability to travel to local Indigenous communities for outreach and partnership work.
• Commitment to ongoing learning, reflection, and cultural humility.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Some responsibilities include the following:

• Support Indigenous patients and families throughout their kidney care journey, including hospital visits, dialysis, and transplant preparation.
• Facilitate access to Elders, Traditional Healers, and cultural practices (e.g., Thanksgiving Address, smudging, sacred bundles, sharing circles, longhouse teachings).
• Collaborate with the Kidney care team to ensure care is culturally safe, trauma-informed, and inclusive.
• Assist patients in understanding clinical procedures, treatment options, and care plans.
• Support informed decision-making and ensure patients’ and family voices are included in care planning.
• Identify and address barriers to care, including systemic and cultural obstacles.
• Connect patients with internal and community-based services that support kidney health, mental wellness, and chronic disease management.
• Maintain accurate records of patient interactions, cultural services, and community initiatives.
• Maintain ethical and professional conduct. .
• Participate in ongoing professional development and continuing education, including but not limited to attending workshops and conferences, specific professional training and certification events (e.g. WRAP, ASIST, CPI)
• Be an active participant in interdisciplinary team meetings, and adhere to Professional Practice Standards at SJHH.
• Facilitate  and maintain strong relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and external agencies.
• Collaborate on initiatives to improve access to kidney health services, promote early identification of CKD, and enhance community engagement in health programs.
• Provide education and guidance to kidney and urinary program staff on Indigenous cultural practices, worldviews, and principles of culturally safe care.
• Contribute to workshops, seminars, and team discussions on anti-racism, cultural humility, and Traditional Healing integration.
• Support program reporting, quality improvement projects, and data collection for kidney urinary program-specific metrics.
• Participate in hospital-wide Indigenous health initiatives, committees, and professional development opportunities.
• Contribute to policy development and program planning from an Indigenous health perspective.
• Other duties as assigned

RATE OF PAY:
$29.82 (min) - $34.58 (max)

Preference for this role will be given to qualified Indigenous candidates in accordance with Section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act. 
Candidates are encouraged to self-identify their First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis ancestry.
The assessment of Indigenous Identity will be conducted by an Indigenous-led review process, grounded in principles of respect, inclusion, and reconciliation, with the intention to support meaningful representation rather than create barriers or marginalization.