Acknowledging the historical impacts of over-medicalization, pathologization and discrimination faced by the trans community within colonial medical institutions, the Trans Health System Navigator assists “trans” (transsexual, transgender, non-binary, and intersex) clients and families with access to healthcare services and provides and/or advocates for support along care pathways. The trans health system navigator is a primary contact for trans patients, families and caregivers who require assistance in understanding and navigating the healthcare system. They provide information and guidance to patients, families and caregivers about accessing health services within Health PEI, the private sector, and out-of-province, as required. The trans health system navigator works directly with patients, healthcare providers, other service providers and organizations within and outside Health PEI. They serve as a liaison between trans patients, families, caregivers and healthcare service providers to connect trans individuals, families and caregivers with the most appropriate provider or service area. This position reports to the Gender Affirming Care PEI Executive Director.

Responsibilities

1. Building relationships of trust with trans clients and families and guiding them through the health system.

2. Ensuring early identification of client emotional, social and economic needs and seeking resources and support to address these.

3. Coordinating care and assisting with care transitions by serving as a liaison between trans clients, their treatment team and health and wellness system support:

- Hormone therapy

- In, or out of, province gender-affirming surgeries or procedures

- Non-gender-affirming healthcare navigation

- Finding trans-friendly healthcare practitioners

- Accompaniment for doctor appointments, as required

- Mental health services

- Harm reduction services

- Other information & resources

- Community groups & supports

4. Educating clients/family members on treatment options and follow-up care requirements.

5. Facilitating communication and cultural understanding with trans clients and families as well as with care providers.

6. Advocating for improvements in PEI health systems based on identified gaps facing trans clients and families.

Additional Duties

Fostering an environment of patient and family-centred care emphasizing teamwork, positive working relationships, and partnerships with healthcare providers.

Provides case management for patients in complex situations as necessary to bridge services across the health system and/or across government or private service providers.

Facilitating communication between healthcare providers (ie family physicians, surgeons, nurse practitioners, specialists) and services in PEI or out of province on behalf of the patient, family, or caregiver.

Participating in the development of communication materials for patients, families, and caregivers regarding services available and providing advice on opportunities for improved communication between services, providers and patients, families, and caregivers.

Linking and liaising with professional groups, community organizations and other government departments as required to connect patients with relevant information about access to health care services.

Partnering with other health and community navigators and liaison nurses in and out of the province to connect patients, families, and caregivers with the most appropriate resources and services.

Participating in education sessions to provide information to Health PEI staff, health care providers and the public on accessing health services within PEI.

Support the work of the Dept of Health and Wellness's Women and Gender Diverse Peoples Health Council, as required.

Other duties as required. 

Compensation and Term Contract

Compensation will be for 20 hours a week at $28.00 per hour, starting ASAP, 2024, and ending March 31st, 2025, with an opportunity for a contract extension and/or modified hours/compensation as required.

This position will take place in Central Bedeque, PEI with access to a shared space, and travel to communities throughout all three counties in PEI.  The position will include remote or “work-from-home” but you are required to hold regular office hours, have a reliable internet connection, and have reliable transportation.

Qualifications

We are seeking an individual with transsexual and transgender cultural knowledge, strong problem-solving and communication skills, and the ability to establish relationships of trust with clients, families and care providers.

Must have experience working within healthcare systems.

A broad knowledge and understanding of how to access healthcare services both within and outside Health PEI.

Excellent communication (written and verbal), conflict management, data evaluation and presentation skills are required.

Experience with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Discord).

Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.

A good previous work and attendance record.

Experience working with and advocating for trans clients, families and communities.

Awareness of trans community supports and Health PEI health and wellness programs and services.

Must demonstrate a profound understanding of transsexual, transgender, or intersex cultural experiences.

Well-organized. Good computer skills and ability to keep client files and information accurate/complete (Google Workspace: Docs, Meet; Experience with programs like Owl Practice would be considered an asset).

A degree or diploma in a health or social services-related discipline would be considered an asset. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

The ability to communicate in both official languages, French and English, will be considered an asset. 

How to Apply

Qualified candidates seeking to apply are invited to submit a cover letter along with a current resume with references (min. two) to Gender Affirming Care PEI, (jocelyn@gacpei.ca)(or mail: PO BOX 89 Kensington, PE, C0B 1M0) by Friday, April 26, 2024 at noon.  If you have any questions, please contact Jocelyn Adams by email or by txt. 902-213-2043.

We appreciate your time and interest in this position. All qualified candidates will be contacted, but only selected candidates will be asked for an interview. Candidates may also be contacted on an ongoing basis, so we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.