Summary
The Jordan’s Principle and Inuit Child First Initiative Navigator plays a critical role in ensuring that First Nations and Inuit children receive timely access to the health, social, and educational services they are entitled to under both Jordan’s Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative. The Navigator will work closely with families, service providers, and government agencies to bridge service gaps and remove barriers to accessing essential care and support. As an advocate for the children’s best interests, the Navigator will provide guidance throughout the entire application process and ensure that culturally appropriate, holistic services are available to support the child’s health, education, and social well-being.
The Navigator is also responsible for ensuring that these services align with cultural practices and community values. This role involves developing and coordinating individualized care plans, overseeing the delivery of services, and continuously advocating for improvements in the system.
This position is a full time, permanent opportunity based out of First Light’s headquarter location with occasional travel required to meet with families and service providers. This role is a standard Monday to Friday, 9:00 – 5:00 role requiring some flexibility outside of this as needed to support urgent cases or participate in community events and outreach. The successful candidate will require reliable transportation to commute between service areas.
Essential Responsibilities
Support and Advocacy:
- Empower families to effectively understand and navigate the services available under Jordan’s Principle and the Inuit Child First Initiative.
- Guide families through the application process, ensuring they have all necessary documents and information.
- Serve as a primary contact for families, offering emotional support and clear communication regarding their requests.
- Coordinate service delivery across health, education, and social service providers to ensure children receive essential support, including mental health services, specialized education, and medical equipment.
- Ensure all services provided are culturally appropriate and respectful of First Nations and Inuit traditions.
Case Management & Cultural Program Connection:
- Develop personalized care plans for each child, making sure services are delivered on time and meet the child’s needs.
- Track and monitor the progress of applications and services, following up with families and providers to ensure everything is in place.
- Connect individuals and families with First Light’s service delivery teams to ensure access to land-based activities, traditional healing, and cultural education that reflect Indigenous practices.
- Collaborate with schools to arrange specialized support, such as tutoring or transportation for children with special needs.
Community Education and Outreach:
- Raise awareness within the urban Indigenous community about the rights and services available under both initiatives.
- Conduct workshops and outreach activities to educate families on how to access services and advocate for their children.
- Advocate for the removal of barriers in the service process by advocating for simpler, more accessible systems.
- Provide feedback to service providers and government agencies to improve service delivery and address challenges.
Core Skill Set
- Direct experience working with Jordan’s Principle and/or the Inuit Child First Initiative is an asset
- Strong understanding of the challenges Indigenous families face in accessing healthcare, education, and social services
- Experience working directly with Indigenous communities, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers to deliver culturally relevant care and support
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Strong trust building relationship skills with families, service providers, and government officials - Ability to advocate assertively for families, prioritizing and respecting the needs of the child
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate complex systems and remove barriers to service access
- High level of emotional intelligence
- Highly organized and able to manage multiple cases simultaneously
- Strong time management and family support focus
- Technologically proficient and comfortable using digital tools for case management, tracking applications, and communicating with families and service providers
Qualifications
- Minimum of 3 years of experience working with Indigenous children and families, preferably in health care, social services, education or family services.
- Formal education in social work, health services, education, or a related field is valued but not required.
- Traditional knowledge, land-based learning, and Indigenous-focused training are equally respected.
- Completion of community-based training programs, Indigenous leadership initiatives, or workshops related to health, social services, and child advocacy are considered an asset.
- Informal education and training, including mentorship from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and cultural practitioners.
- Deep understanding and firsthand lived experience of the realities, challenges, and strengths within Indigenous communities, including lived experience in rural, remote, or urban Indigenous settings.
- A strong connection to the values, teachings, and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis communities
- A strong understanding of the impacts of colonialism, residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and other traumas on Indigenous families and communities.
- Ability to use this experience to foster empathy and provide support to families navigating these complex realities.
Apply
To apply please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected] by October 15.
Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.
First Light celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of our team. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of Indigenous identity or status, lived experience, national or other origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, or other characteristics. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who carry lived experience expertise, acknowledging the value and alignment with First Light’s organizational goals. We’re committed to supporting candidates throughout the application process by accommodating any disability-related requests.