Director of Health & Wellness

Amanda Larocque has been hired as the new Health Director since November 30, 2015. The Director of Gesgapegiag Health and Community Services is responsible for providing leadership in all aspects of health promotion and disease prevention. She must be sensitive to community needs and well-informed of recent developments in the field of health services.

The Director of Gesgapegiag Health and Community Services coordinates the development, implementation and evaluation of the philosophy, vision, mission, goals and objectives of the Gesgapegiag Health and Community Services in collaboration with the Band Council, Health staff, Community Health Committee, and community members.

The GHCS just submitted their 5-year health plan to Health Canada. The health plan covers 2016-2021 with an approximate annual budget of 2 million dollars for operations and services for Health and 2.5 Million for Social Services

The Staff has worked hard in helping prepare this newsletter. I hope it’s helpful in helping you access any of their services at the Gesgapegiag Health and Community Services.

Assistant Director of Health & Wellness

Under the general supervision of the Health Director, the function of the Assistant Director is to provide direct assistance with the implantation of the leadership and vision necessary for meeting the health needs of the community. The Assistant Director will oversee and assist with the planning and delivery of the Gesgapeigag Health and Community Services, including the day-to-day administrative and operational support necessary for the staff to deliver quality health and programs and services to the community.

Executive Administrative Assistant

The administrative assistant work with the Health Director in taking care of some of the duties of filing. The administrative assistant prepares weekly payroll and weekly Check requisitions. The employee tracking system is updated weekly with the employee’s timesheet the admin assistant replaces medical archives and medical transportation if need be. Assist in problem-solving with either the department staff. Maintain office supplies and order supplies as needed by staff. Assist the Director in planning and organizing meetings on his/her behalf according to his/her instructions and availability Preparing draft letters from the oral direction. Preparing documents for meetings, help to organize and preparing for the meeting and ensuring that the notes are taken during the meetings Preparing the ordering supplies for the janitor and office supplies Ensuring and verifying that all signatures required of the Health Director have been executed, and the service contracts and contribution agreements have been forwarded

Health Receptionist

The Receptionist arrives five minutes prior to the official opening, so as to be ready to open the Health Centre door for clients and employees. During the day, the Receptionist keeps the reception office clear in order to ensure confidentiality. At the end of the day, the Receptionist secures confidential information at the reception area and does a spot verification of all offices for security reasons. Greet clients who come to the Health Centre, directing them to the waiting room or to the appropriate staff or services. If possible, the Receptionist will give the client an approximate wait time. Record each client and who they are meeting with. Receive and record incoming calls and transfer them to the appropriate personnel. Take messages as required, passing them on to staff members based on urgency.

Healing lodge Receptionist

The Receptionist arrives five minutes prior to the official opening, so as to be ready to open the Health Centre door for clients and employees. During the day, the Receptionist keeps the reception office clear in order to ensure confidentiality. At the end of the day, the Receptionist secures confidential information at the reception area and does a spot verification of all offices for security reasons. Greet clients who come to the Health Centre, directing them to the waiting room or to the appropriate staff or services. If possible, the Receptionist will give the client an approximate wait time. Record each client and who they are meeting with. Receive and record incoming calls and transfer them to the appropriate personnel. Take messages as required, passing them on to staff members based on urgency.

Healing lodge Janitor

The Community Health Center Janitor provides custodial services in order to ensure a safe, clean, healthy and pleasant working environment for Health Center Staff, visiting professionals, service providers and community members.

• Cleans assigned facilities (washrooms, offices, kitchen, waiting room, entrance area, hallways) and adjusts cleaning methods based on need and season.

• Inspects facilities to ensure safe operations.

• Removes garbage and places it in dumpster outdoors

• Maintains the Health Center in an attractive and clean condition

• Identifies necessary repairs due to vandalism, equipment breakage, weather conditions, and reports them to the Health Director

• Securely locks facilities for the purpose of minimizing property damage, equipment loss and potential liability for the Gesgapegiag Health Center.

• Arranges furniture and equipment for the purpose of providing adequate preparations for meetings and other events (when required)

Health Janitor

The Community Health Center Janitor provides custodial services in order to ensure a safe, clean, healthy and pleasant working environment for Health Center Staff, visiting professionals, service providers and community members.

• Cleans assigned facilities (washrooms, offices, kitchen, waiting room, entrance area, hallways) and adjusts cleaning methods based on need and season.

• Inspects facilities to ensure safe operations.

• Removes garbage and places it in dumpster outdoors

• Maintains the Health Center in an attractive and clean condition

• Identifies necessary repairs due to vandalism, equipment breakage, weather conditions, and reports them to the Health Director

• Securely locks facilities for the purpose of minimizing property damage, equipment loss and potential liability for the Gesgapegiag Health Center.

• Arranges furniture and equipment for the purpose of providing adequate preparations for meetings and other events (when required)

Wellness Prevention Team Leader

Under the direct supervision of the Health Director, the Wellness/Prevention Team Leader is responsible for the management and coordination of the Prevention/Wellness team and the prevention programs for the Gesgapegiag community.

The Wellness Prevention Team Leader is responsible for administering the Prevention Programs and support all relevant projects for the Gesgapegiag Band under his/her team.

He/she is responsible for overall planning of activities for the program, and coordination of those activities with the team and other community resources and institutions such as Wejgwapniag School, the Police Department, Gesgapegiag Health and Community Services, the Gesgapegiag Early Childhood Center, community committees, and surrounding communities.

He/she develops policies and procedures for the administration of the Recreation Programs and the guidance of its workers to ensure the safety and the healthy social development of the community’s youth.

He/she helps develops policies and procedures for the delivery programs and services within his/her team’s programs.

He/she develops policies and procedures for the purchase, inventorying, and maintenance of equipment, and ensures all such equipment is safely stored and properly insured.

He/she ensures that any community infrastructures are used with care and kept in good repair by the Front-Line Educators and Youth Center Monitors and clients, such as the Youth Centre, the gymnasium, the ball field, the skating rink, etc.

He/she communicated regularly with the team and clients about the policies that must be applied.

He/she coordinates and helps organize the FNEC Games, Indigenous Games and the Mi’kmaq summer games. The responsibility will be to develop policies and procedures for a selection of athletes for these activities.

Planning, organizing and facilitating the team meetings and ensuring the proper circulation of the information

He/she is responsible to developing an annual action plan with team.

He/she also ensures that the activities include an informational and educational component.

Responsible for reporting to the Health Director on the team’s progress and activities

Front Line Educator

Under the direct supervision of the Wellness/Prevention Team Leader, the Front-Line Educator works with the Wellness/Prevention Team to provide programs for children 0-4 years old 5 -11, 12-17 years old and with the Community elders.

·Prepare activities for the children.

·Participate in activities with children.

·Supervise the children during their meals and snacks when provided during activities.

·Keep a record of children coming in and going out daily.

·Watch the children who are assigned under your responsibility.

·Include all children in all activities and tailor the activities to them if need be.

·Responsible for cleaning and maintaining the buildings and area used during the activities.

·Work with Summer Camp programs.

·Work with Home Care support to help organize weekly activities for the Elders.

Front Line Educator

Under the direct supervision of the Wellness/Prevention Team Leader, the Front-Line Educator works with the Wellness/Prevention Team to provide programs for children 0-4 years old 5 -11, 12-17 years old and with the Community elders.

·Prepare activities for the children.

·Participate in activities with children.

·Supervise the children during their meals and snacks when provided during activities.

·Keep a record of children coming in and going out daily.

·Watch the children who are assigned under your responsibility.

·Include all children in all activities and tailor the activities to them if need be.

·Responsible for cleaning and maintaining the buildings and area used during the activities.

·Work with Summer Camp programs.

·Work with Home Care support to help organize weekly activities for the Elders.

Cultural Educator

Under the immediate supervision of the Wellness/Prevention Team Leader, the Cultural Educator provides the Wellness and Prevention Team with a holistic approach incorporating cultural and traditional ways, by providing information and resources based upon Mi’gmaq worldview, values, legends, stories and history. He/she works with all age groups of the community to help them better understand the culture and history, while at the same time learning from them. He/she also promotes physical and mental wellness through pride in the history, language and culture of the community.

Youth Centre Educator

Youth services has always been an important part of Gesgapegiag Health and Community Services. We serve our community members by providing a safe and healthy place for our Youth to express themselves at the Gesgapegiag Youth Center through its activities and programs. Through Youth Center programming we aim to empower our Youth to become contributing members of Gesgapegiag. The Youth Center is also used to as a place where community members may come to share their knowledge and teachings in various areas. We recently extended or services to include the 18-35-year-old age group. Youth Services is the bridge to other services and departments in and around Gesgapegiag. We continuously encourage and promote wellness in all aspects while keeping a close connection to our cultural beliefs.

What we have done: Homework Club, Hiking trip, Babysitting course, Fit Kids, Music program, Short films, hosted a Canadian Wrestling Federation event, and different fundraisers.

The youth monitors work closely together under the direct supervision of the Wellness Prevention Team Leader. The main purpose of the position is to assist the coordinator to provide a program for the age group 12 -17 while promoting healthy life styles and embracing the culture of the community.

Mental Wellness Team Leader

Under the authority of the Health Director, the Mental Health and Wellness Team leader is responsible for the overall coordination and delivery of the Mental Health programs, services and activities according to the approved Health Plan. The Mental Health and Wellness Team Leader will supervise team members and will work as part of the management team to develop and deliver effective

specialized services for individuals with Mental health illness and /or problems with addictions and or suicide ideations/attempts. The Mental Health and Wellness team leader has a responsibility to remain aware of and adhere to all policies and procedures, including those that relate to patient safety, staff safety and risk management.

The objective is to lower the incidence of abuse (wrongful practices, physical or verbal maltreatment, imbalance of power with one or more individuals, financial causing harm or distress of an older person), reduce incidences of case related to abuse and increase the use of community-based services while maintaining a holistic approach philosophy.

Mental Health and Wellness Team Leader goal is to implement a variety of programs and community services and assist clients/individuals/families with personal and social problems. It is to develop the skills of the individual while providing counselling, support and resources they need in order to enhance social functioning.

Family Support Worker/ Jordan Principal Coordinator

The role of the Family Support Worker is to attain community wellness and reduce social isolation by offering support and services for families with children ages 0-5 who are at risk. Support will consist of a range of programming that includes promotion, prevention, support and follow-up through other existing programs. The goal of this job is to improve child development and create a better home environment. The Family Support worker provides home visits during pregnancy, the postpartum period and early childhood to provide support and service and education on services available to the mother and child. Expected outcomes include lowering the incidence of neglect and abuse, improving parenting skills and increasing the use of community-based services.

NADDAP

The NNADAP Coordinator works in collaboration with other interveners in order to help everyone who has an addiction or/and a mental health problem and to help, educate and support family, friends and community members closely involved with someone suffering from an addiction or/and a mental health problem. One on one counselling is provided as well as any referrals to treatment programs. Clients may contact the Health Center or the Healing Lodge in order to obtain the guidance they need.

Under the direct supervision of the Mental Wellness Team Leader, the NNADAP Coordinator is responsible for coordinating all aspects of Addictions Prevention for Gesgapegiag, in cooperation with

other resources in the community. More specifically, the NNADAP Coordinator creates a healing atmosphere for clients suffering with addictions of all kinds by respecting the diverse needs of the clientele and by using effectively a wide variety of resources both within and outside the community to help people overcome their addictions.

Psychosocial-intervener

To provide home visits during pregnancy, postpartum and early childhood. To provide support and service and education on services available to the mother and child.

The goal of home visiting to be part of the range of community services, improve child development and create a better home environment.

The objective is to lower the incidence of neglect and abuse, reduce low birth and increase the use of community-based services.

Family Visitors are important to the Maternal Health Care Program as they understand First Nations culture and the challenges that families face

Promotion & Prevention Team Leader

The Clinical Team Leader leads the medical team to deliver quality community health programs. He ⁄ she works with the medical team, management, Community Health Committee and community members to design and deliver health programs that are professional, ethical, and culturally sensitive while providing responsive care. This is the key liaison position with Health Canada, INAC, the regional Public Health Department, and local health organizations such as the Centre de santéé et des services sociaux de la Baie-des-Chaleurs, Health Commission.

Community Nurse

The Community Health Nurse Provides clinical care and health education to community members through the walk-in clinic at GHCS. The goal is to promote both physical and mental wellness by providing education, making refills to other members of the health care team such as the Diabetes Educator, NNADAP worker, dietician as per the needs of the community member. The Community Health Nurse is able to provide clinical procedures such as blood test, administering intramuscular, subcutaneous and intravenous medications, dressing changes, suture/staple removal, immunizations and many other clinical procedures. The nurse is always available to the community members to assist with appointments, offer clinical advice, provide information and answer any questions you may have.

She provides education to community members in order to promote wellness.

She is responsible for providing nursing services for the following programs: Diabetes, Addictions and Suicide Prevention

Maternal Child Health Nurse

The Maternal Child Health Nurse manages the Vaccination Program with Public Health by ensuring that our children are vaccinated. She also coordinates the annual flu clinic when our community members receive the Influenza vaccine. She works with her colleagues to set up the pre-school screening. She organizes the Prenatal and postnatal follow-up with families.

Home Care & Diabetic Nurse

The Home Care Nurse manages the Home Care Program by ensuring that home care clients receive good quality care. He/she supervises staff who work with Home Care Clientele. He/she also promotes autonomy among clients and encourages family involvement in the care of the client.

Liaison Nurse

Liaison Nurse is a tri-partite project with the CISSS, Listuguj and Gesgapegiag. One of her duties is to manages the discharge of clients from both communities. She will be setting up protocols with the Maria Hospital in areas of mental health, addictions and general health. She will act as a Liaison for both communities. She will meet on regular basis with both Head Nurses from the two communities to better understand the gaps in services in regard to addiction, mental health and communication when it comes to discharging of clients from the communities. This project is funded by Health Canada. She will also be helping out with the Nursing staff at the GHCS.

License Practical Nurse

The Licensed Practical Nurse provides nursing services, within her/his defined scope of practice, to patients based on patient assessment and care planning procedures including the Therapeutic Nursing Plan.

Personal Support Worker

The Personal Care Worker undertakes activities of personal care for the client according to their needs recognized in the approval care plan. The objective is to encourage the capacity of the client to live at home in the autonomous possible way. The Personal Support Worker undertakes activities of personal assistance services for the client according to their multi-clientele autonomy assessment and their admission to the Gesgapegiag Home Care Program. The tasks performed are based on the client’s specific care plan which is elaborated by the Home Care Nurse

Personal Support Worker

The Personal Care Worker undertakes activities of personal care for the client according to their needs recognized in the approval care plan. The objective is to encourage the capacity of the client to live at home in the autonomous possible way. The Personal Support Worker undertakes activities of personal assistance services for the client according to their multi-clientele autonomy assessment and their admission to the Gesgapegiag Home Care Program. The tasks performed are based on the client’s specific care plan which is elaborated by the Home Care Nurse

Personal Support Worker

The Personal Care Worker undertakes activities of personal care for the client according to their needs recognized in the approval care plan. The objective is to encourage the capacity of the client to live at home in the autonomous possible way. The Personal Support Worker undertakes activities of personal assistance services for the client according to their multi-clientele autonomy assessment and their admission to the Gesgapegiag Home Care Program. The tasks performed are based on the client’s specific care plan which is elaborated by the Home Care Nurse

Personal Support Worker

The Personal Care Worker undertakes activities of personal care for the client according to their needs recognized in the approval care plan. The objective is to encourage the capacity of the client to live at home in the autonomous possible way. The Personal Support Worker undertakes activities of personal assistance services for the client according to their multi-clientele autonomy assessment and their admission to the Gesgapegiag Home Care Program. The tasks performed are based on the client’s specific care plan which is elaborated by the Home Care Nurse

Medical Archives

Under the direct supervision of the Head Nurse, the Medical Archives and Appointment Coordinator calling all clients for

Gesgapegiag Health and Community Services and prepares daily, weekly and monthly schedules for all clinical staff.

Diabetic Educator

Alisah works with Carole Cormier, for the retinopathy eye exams to our diabetes clients. She also works with Mallory Campbell under the nutrition programs at the school here and also the day care and works with her regarding her clients diets as well.

The objective is to increase the awareness of the importance of active living and healthy eating, to prevent diabetes and to reduce the number of complications associated with diabetes. Under the guidance of the Promotion and Prevention Team Leader, the Diabetes Educator conducts a variety of activities in the community to educate clients with diabetes and to increase awareness of the disease.

Dietician (Nutritionist)

The Dietitian works as a part of a multidisciplinary team to assess, develop, implement, and evaluate nutrition care plans for patients

She provides clinical nutrition care through the walk-in clinic at GHCS.

She provides nutrition education to community members

She is responsible for providing nutrition services for all the GHCS clinical care programs, including diabetes, addictions, pre-natal, etc.

The function of the Dietician is to provide nutritional counselling and support for high risk clientele identified through existing programs and services within the framework of the Gesgapegiag Health and Community Services. This includes services and/ or activities in the following health areas: Home and Community Care Program; Community Clinic, Immunization Program and Diabetes Program. There is local travel required.

Dental Hygienist

The dental hygienist is responsible for going into the school and examining the children’s teeth with the approval of their parent/guardian. The dental hygienist can then make a clear observation and give feedback to the parent/guardian. GHCS in collaboration with COHI wants to work with parent/guardian to ensure that children’s teeth are taken well care of to the best of their advantage starting as early as possible which includes pregnant women. The Dental Hygienist is on Maternity leave and is being replaced by Luci Chouinard

Community Health & Wellness Social Worker

Various Domestic Workers

The domestic support workers work under the director of the home care program. They work for Community Members that are part of the Home Care program offering them aid with their domestic services. The Domestic Support Worker undertakes activities of housekeeping services for the client according to their Multi-clientele Autonomy assessment and their admission to the Gesgapegiag Home Care Program. The tasks performed are based on the client’s specific individual service allocation plan which is elaborated by the Home Care nurse and the Multidisciplinary Team. They also provide respite services to the caregivers according to their needs as required and recognized in the individual service allocation plan. The objective is to promote client autonomy while ensuring their safety.

Social Service Team Leader

Under the general supervision of the Health Director, the role of the Social Service Team Leader is to provide direct assistance with the implementation of the leadership and vision necessary for meeting the Health and Social Services needs of the community. The Social Service Team Leader will be responsible for the clinical responsibilities of the Gesgapegiag Social Services.

The Social Service Team Leader will focus is on planning, developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the social service programs. He/she will also assist in promoting health and wellness

according to the needs of the community established by the Gesgapegiag Health and Social Services and the MicMacs of the Gesgapegiag Band.

Youth Protection Art.32,33 Clinical supervisor

Under the direct supervision of the Social Service Team Leader, he/she is responsible for providing youth protection services in order to bring parents and families to take responsibility for the problems and stakes they are faced with. He/she takes responsibility for youth who are subjected to voluntary or mandatory measures in the context of the Youth Protection Act, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and An Act Respecting Health and Social Services.

Youth Protection Follow-up & regular service

Under the direct supervision of the Social Service Team Leader, he/she is responsible for providing youth protection services in order to bring parents and families to take responsibility for the problems and stakes they are faced with. He/she takes responsibility for youth who are subjected to voluntary or mandatory measures in the context of the Youth Protection Act, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and An Act Respecting Health and Social Services.

Youth Protection Follow-up & regular service

Under the direct supervision of the Social Service Team Leader, he/she is responsible for providing youth protection services in order to bring parents and families to take responsibility for the problems and stakes they are faced with. He/she takes responsibility for youth who are subjected to voluntary or mandatory measures in the context of the Youth Protection Act, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and An Act Respecting Health and Social Services.

Public Security Liaison Coordinator

Under the direct supervision of the Social Service Team Leader, he/she is responsible for providing services related to clients that fall under the mandate of Public Security of Quebec in Gesgapegiag, Listuguj and New Carlise Detention Center.

·Provide quick delivery of community hours support by transferring the clientele to the correct resources.

·Supervise the delivery of the community hours and provide support to the community resources and the clientele

·Provide quick delivery of other resources requested i.e., counselling and other social needs

·Regular monthly data and statistics gathering of coordinated services (community hours, counselling, detention center visits, and any other services provided through the program

·Establish and maintain a good partnership and relationship with the community members and resources whether it be for community hours, counselling, spiritual/traditional needs, and any other services provided through the program

·Establish a list of resources in Gesgapegiag and Listuguj for work placements and other social resources

Medical Transportation Driver

Under the direct supervision of the Health Director, the Medical Transport Team Leader is responsible for the coordination of the medical carriers for clients who need to have access to specialized health care outside the community, for maintaining the necessary records and statistics, and for performing other clerical duties.

·Analyze and evaluate the requests for services or the relevance related to maintaining services and carrying out appropriate follow-up;

· Actively participate in the development or improvement of the work systems, procedures and methods and then ensure their optimal application and provide the supervision necessary to ensure their maintenance;

·Compile and transmit complete data (including taxi receipts) regarding the utilization of the services for billing purposes;

·Prepare quarterly reports as per our contribution agreement to FNIHB;

·Implement all policies relating to the administration of the Medical Transport service, as approved by Health Canada or the Band Council;

Medical Transportation Driver

Under the direct supervision of the Health Director, the Medical Transport Team Leader is responsible for the coordination of the medical carriers for clients who need to have access to specialized health care outside the community, for maintaining the necessary records and statistics, and for performing other clerical duties.

·Analyze and evaluate the requests for services or the relevance related to maintaining services and carrying out appropriate follow-up;

· Actively participate in the development or improvement of the work systems, procedures and methods and then ensure their optimal application and provide the supervision necessary to ensure their maintenance;

·Compile and transmit complete data (including taxi receipts) regarding the utilization of the services for billing purposes;

·Prepare quarterly reports as per our contribution agreement to FNIHB;

·Implement all policies relating to the administration of the Medical Transport service, as approved by Health Canada or the Band Council;