Indigenous Mental Health Liaison Nurse

Detailed Overview

Reporting to the Coordinator or designate, the Indigenous Mental Health Liaison Nurse participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in a variety of community, hospital and Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) settings.

Within the context of an Indigenous health care perspective, provides culturally appropriate nursing and intermediary services to First Nations, Metis and Inuit clients.

Nursing care includes planning, organizing, and evaluating health care needs and services for Indigenous clients involving assessments, health teaching to clients, support, consultation, liaison, and referral to appropriate services.

The Liaison collaborates with other programs across Fraser Health as well as Indigenous partner organizations such as First Nations Health Authority and Metis Nation BC.

This position will facilitate connections between Indigenous clients and service providers to enhance access to Fraser Health services, with a culturally appropriate approach.

Responsibilities As a member of a multi-disciplinary team acts as Indigenous Health liaison for clients, families, service providers, and community agencies to enhance service delivery by consulting with the client, family and service providers to develop a care plan and forward necessary information to appropriate community services / agencies.

Clarifies client and family expectations and acts as a client advocate. Conducts client assessments and screenings that include evaluation of emotional, physical, spiritual and mental status of client using information from all available sources.

Clarifies client and family expectations and acts as a client advocate. Participates in multidisciplinary team regarding Indigenous Health.

Identifies clients and refers to appropriate services, as eligible. Communicates with and obtains assistance from appropriate community agencies and FHA programs to ensure the best possible care for clients and families after discharge from hospital.

Provides education and promotes health promotion initiatives / services to individuals, families, and Indigenous communities to increase knowledge, capacity and resources to maintain holistic wellness.

Encourages informed decision-making, personal growth and learning, empowering the client to improve their quality of life.

Acts as the point of contact to assist with health system navigation and liaises with programs and services across FHA as well as community partners.

Acts in public relations and advocacy capacity to represent Indigenous Health to medical, care and support staff and other service providers, and to community agencies and their staff, by maintaining up to date knowledge of Indigenous Health.

Provides collegial sharing of information to staff for the purpose of enhancing knowledge of Indigenous cultures and health beliefs and improving cultural safety of FHA services.

Provides information on services available in the community for Indigenous people. Participates in committees that integrate Indigenous Health with hospital, community and MHSU programs by providing input and addressing Indigenous Health issues.

Provides information, interpretation and guidance to general public, agencies, Boards, etc. on Acts and Regulations applicable to nursing functions.

Reviews and adapts relevant information material. Participates in continuing education programs to keep up to date with current trends and research.

Assists with orientation of new staff, students, and other health care professionals. Maintains knowledge of community health services and resources.

Maintains related records, documentation and statistics. Prepares reports as required, and in accordance with established standards and procedures.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse and / or Registered Psychiatric Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

Two years' recent, relevant nursing experience and related experience providing support services to individuals with mental health and / or concurrent disorders.

Knowledge of Indigenous health approaches, protocol and cultural issues. Valid BC Driver's Licence and have access to own vehicle.

Skills and Abilities Demonstrated knowledge of nursing process, epidemiology, family health, health promotion, and community development.

Ability to provide consultation to patients, families and healthcare professionals. Ability to make effective referrals, reflecting in-depth knowledge of community resources and strong collaborative skills in working with hospital, community and MHSU personnel.

Ability to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate. Ability to organize and problem solve. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Demonstrated teaching skills. Ability to deal effectively with individuals, groups, and other professionals within a multi-disciplinary environment in a diverse community.

Ability to prioritize workload, keep accurate records and write reports. Comprehensive knowledge of Indigenous culture and community resources and agencies.

Ability to deliver culturally sensitive services to Indigenous populations. Knowledge of Indigenous perspectives of health and wellness, cultural practices and protocols.

Physical ability to perform the duties of the position. Ability to operate related equipment, including personal computers and related software.