Advisor, Indigenous Patient and Family Engagement, C&W

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority, improved patient experience is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously partner with patients and their supporters, providers and staff on quality and safety and improvements is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Advisor, Indigenous Patient and Family Engagement (IPFE) reports to the assigned Senior Director or Program Manager is responsible for developing, evaluating and sustaining engagement partnerships and opportunities between Indigenous patients, their families and/or supports, and healthcare providers and staff of the assigned program. The role builds awareness of Indigenous perspectives, bringing a lens of Indigenous cultural safety, diversity, equity and inclusion to the identification, exploration, education and resolution of identified areas for improvement. Working independently and in collaboration with healthcare leaders and practitioners, the Advisor IPFE supports and co-leads the development, implementation and evaluation of Indigenous patient experience and engagement strategies and activities for current and past Indigenous parents, families and support persons with the goal of creating a quality experience for Indigenous families.
Drawing on their unique experiences and ways of knowing, the Advisor IPFE welcomes, invites and offers peer support through information sharing, advocacy, and connecting patients and families with parent and family programing and Indigenous specific resources during their stay in the assigned specialized C&W area. The role supports program leaders and members of the health care team and support staff to create a safe and welcoming environment for Indigenous patients, families and supporters. The role facilitates meaningful partnerships, and mentors healthcare professionals to support active Indigenous stakeholder (patient, parents, families and supporters) participation in feedback, patient and family centered care initiatives, service planning, delivery and evaluation to support the ongoing development and advancement of an integrated model of patient and family centered care.
The Advisor, IPFE has a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between engagement, patient safety, improved patient and family experience, and patient and family health outcomes. and has respect for, and believes in the value of the patient and family and recognizes the parent (or designated caregiver) as the primary decision maker for their child, and a key member of their child’s core care (healthcare) team.

Duties/Accountabilities:

• Maintains a specific focus towards understanding and supporting Indigenous families’ unique healthcare experiences of the assigned specialized C&W area.
• Builds sustainable relationships with past and present Indigenous families in the program and advises program and applicable leadership on how to support the growth of patient, parent, family supporter/community networks in consultation with the patient experience teams and stakeholders.
• Provides proactive, holistic opportunities for Indigenous patients, parents, family/supporters to share their experiences and wisdom with the healthcare team for improved services and related initiatives. Develops relationships based in respect, reciprocity and collaboration.
• Identifies potential Indigenous patient and family concerns arising from existing systems/practices to program medical and administrative leadership, and collaborates to reach acceptable resolutions. Uses feedback from families to identify and inform service improvement opportunities.
• Refers families to the Indigenous Patient Navigator Service as appropriate.
• Participates and contributes to the evaluation of engagement partnerships and opportunities between Indigenous patients and/or their families and healthcare providers and staff of the assigned program.
• Participates in the development of culturally relevant information and educational materials developed for families, staff and providers.
• Supports Indigenous families with new volunteer initiatives in the programs and collaborates with initiatives leadership to support new volunteer opportunities, including opportunities to bring Indigenous worldviews into the program’s healthcare setting.
• Collaborates with Indigenous Health, Patient and Family Engagement Committee and other campus engagement advisors and supports local and site wide special initiatives and events involving the engagement of Indigenous patients, families and their supporters.
• Liaises with onsite services and programs with respect to service delivery for Indigenous patients and families. Participates in work related committees and community of practice initiatives that will lead to the improvement of services for patients and their families through the identification of current issues of concerns from patients/families for committees to address.
• Co-chairs or participates in relevant patient and family focused committees or advisory councils, including assigned program leadership committee by providing input and recommendations from Indigenous families. Voices improvement opportunities and helps to advance the Committee’s goals and priorities within the context of their mandate. Presents relevant material, promotes, and advocates for optimal support for Indigenous families within an inter-professional team environment.
• Leads, co-creates and participates in special projects and initiatives within the assigned program.
• Participates in staff orientation sessions to develop a comprehensive understanding of the role of the Advisor, Indigenous Patient and Family Engagement.

Qualifications:

Pursuant to Section 41 of the British Columbia Human Rights Code, preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal Ancestry.
Comprehensive knowledge of Indigenous Peoples history, cultures, communities, an understanding of the harms of colonization, systemic racism, social determinants of health, Indigenous health policy and familiarity with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) calls to action. Understanding and appreciation of Indigenous worldviews, holistic perspectives of health and traditional wellness practices.
A level of education, training and experience equivalent to high school graduation combined with related courses and 5 years’ related experience. Lived experience or knowledge of health care, communities and experience as a patient or parent, or family member and/or supporter of a child of a healthcare program.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively within an inter-professional care team that includes patients, parents and their families, other staff members, and members of the community. Demonstrated ability to share knowledge and experiences to diverse groups of health care professionals; exercise discretion; fosters trust for patients, families, and health care professionals. Demonstrated ability to be self-directed, strategic, collaborative, flexible, organized and highly motivated and visionary. Ability to operate related equipment and applicable software.