Position Title: Indigenous Lower Limb Preservation Navigator – Full Time Temporary (24 months) with opportunity for permanent placement.
Reports to: NDFHT Executive Director
Wage: Hourly range $45.36 to $50.40 (37.5 hours/week or 1 FTE)
Benefits: The NDFHT is a participating employer of the Health Care of Ontario Pension Plan (“HOOPP”).
Position Overview:
The Indigenous Navigator – Lower Limb Preservation will provide culturally safe navigation, advocacy, and care coordination for Indigenous patients at risk of or experiencing lower limb complications, including diabetes-related foot disease, chronic wounds, vascular disease, and risk of amputation.
Embedded within Gchi-twaa Dadaakokiid: Sacred Steps project, this role supports an Indigenous-informed, collaborative approach to early identification, prevention, and management of lower limb conditions. The Navigator will work closely with Indigenous patients, families, primary care teams, wound care and vascular services, community partners, and Indigenous organizations to improve access to care, continuity, and health outcomes.
The Indigenous Navigator is an employee of North Durham Family Health Team and works across organizational boundaries as part of a regional partnership model.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Patient, Family, and Community Navigation
• Provide culturally safe, trauma-informed navigation and advocacy for Indigenous patients and families involved in lower limb preservation care
• Support access to primary care, diabetes management, wound care, foot care, vascular services, rehabilitation, and home and community supports
• Facilitate timely referrals and coordination across care settings, advocating for patient needs and preferences
• Collaborate with patients, families, and care teams to individualize care pathways that respect cultural values, safety, privacy, and holistic wellness
• Support patient understanding of treatment plans, prevention strategies, and follow-up care related to limb health
Collaboration and Partnership Development
• Establish and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous health organizations
• Build collaborative working relationships with primary care providers, wound care clinicians, vascular services, community paramedicine, home care, and allied health professionals
• Act as a liaison between Indigenous patients, North Durham Family Health Team, and partner organizations to support seamless, coordinated care
• Contribute to a shared, patient-centred approach to lower limb preservation across the Sacred Steps partnership
Program Development, Evaluation, and Knowledge Exchange
• Contribute Indigenous perspectives to the development and refinement of lower limb preservation pathways, education resources, and care models
• Identify barriers and gaps in access to lower limb preservation services and support strategies to address them
• Develop and maintain an inventory of relevant lower limb preservation, diabetes, wound care, and community support services for Indigenous patients
• Monitor and document navigation activities, service utilization, and emerging themes related to patient needs and system barriers
• Support evaluation of the Sacred Steps project through data collection, qualitative insights, and patient experience contributions
• Document patient stories (with consent) to support quality improvement, learning, and Indigenous-led storytelling approaches
• Where appropriate, support patient perspectives or representation at advisory tables or working groups related to the project
Qualifications and Relevant Experience:
• University degree in health, social sciences, Indigenous studies, or a related field; or a college diploma with a minimum of five (5) years relevant experience in health, community services, or social services
• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous peoples and communities, with strong understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and ways of knowing
• Experience navigating healthcare and community-based systems, particularly within primary care or chronic disease management settings
• Experience supporting patients with complex care needs and multiple service providers
• Experience related to diabetes care, wound care, vascular health, or limb preservation
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
• Professional Liability Insurance
• A clear criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening
Assets:
• Fluency in an Indigenous language
• Lived experience or strong community connection within Indigenous communities
• Experience in program development, evaluation, or quality improvement initiatives
• Indigenous Cultural Safety training
Skills, Knowledge Requirements:
• Strong interpersonal, advocacy, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary and cross-organizational teams
• Knowledge of culturally safe, trauma-informed, and equity-focused care approaches
• Understanding of Indigenous health priorities and the social and structural factors impacting access to care
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while working independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to Indigenous-led, patient-centered, and holistic approaches to care
The North Durham Family Health Team is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and inclusive work environment. We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace, and we welcome applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ persons. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.