MAID Navigator

Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive health-care services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond.

WRHN is redefining the health-care experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community-driven health care.

At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. By listening to patients and partners, we strive to connect communities to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time.

Position Vacancy: Social Worker (MSW) - MAiD Navigator

Position: Permanent, 0.8 Full-Time Social Worker (MSW)

Location: WRHN All Sites

Posting Period: November 9 2026 - November 16 2026

Position Summary:

As a member of the Collaborative Practice Team, the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) Navigator is responsible for the coordination, navigation, administration, and ongoing development of Waterloo Regional Health Network's MAiD program. Acting as a centralized resource for patients, families, providers, healthcare teams, and community partners, the role supports timely, equitable, patient-centred access to MAiD services while ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, organizational policies, professional standards, and reporting requirements. Working within a team-based Collaborative Practice model, the Navigator facilitates MAiD requests from initial referral through assessment, provision, or alternate outcome. The role provides consultation and guidance to healthcare providers and clinical teams regarding MAiD processes, legislation, and leading practices; coordinates access to MAiD assessors and providers; and supports patients and families through system navigation, psychosocial assessment, decision-support, care planning, and complex healthcare decision-making related to the MAiD journey. The Navigator leads program operations across WRHN and contributes to policy and procedure development, quality improvement initiatives, education, resource development, stakeholder engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Reporting to the Manager of Collaborative Practice, the role supports a sustainable team-based approach to MAiD service delivery that enables cross-coverage with Specialized Social Work services, protects dedicated coordination capacity, and reduces single-provider risk while promoting consistent, high-quality care across the organization.

Responsibilities at a Glance

MAiD Navigation and Patient Support

Coordinate and facilitate MAiD referrals, assessments, provisions, and follow-up activities across WRHN.

Provide information, education, psychosocial support, and system navigation to patients, families, and substitute decision makers considering or pursuing MAiD.

Support patients and families through complex healthcare, ethical, and end-of-life decision-making processes.

Facilitate communication and coordination among patients, families, healthcare providers, and community partners.

Promote equitable access to MAiD services across care settings and patient populations.

Consultation and Clinical Support

Serve as a resource to providers, social workers, nurses, and interprofessional teams regarding MAiD legislation, processes, standards, and best practices.

Support healthcare teams in navigating psychosocial, ethical, and system-related issues associated with MAiD requests.

Contribute to staff education, mentorship, and knowledge translation activities related to MAiD practice.

Program Coordination and Quality Improvement

Coordinate program operations, referral tracking, documentation processes, and required reporting activities.

Ensure compliance with federal MAiD reporting requirements and organizational processes.

Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies, procedures, and clinical resources.

Monitor program activity and contribute to quality improvement, accreditation, and patient experience initiatives.

Support data collection, analysis, and reporting to inform program planning and evaluation.

Collaboration and System Partnerships

Foster collaborative relationships with internal clinical programs, community providers, hospices, primary care teams, Ontario Health partners, and regional MAiD networks.

Participate in organizational, regional, and provincial MAiD initiatives as appropriate.

Promote consistent and integrated approaches to MAiD care across WRHN and community settings.

Represent WRHN on committees, working groups, and collaborative practice initiatives related to MAiD and end-of-life care.

Position Requirements:

Master of Social Work degree from an accredited university.

Current registration in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Minimum five years of recent healthcare experience, including work with patients and families facing serious illness, end-of-life care, grief, loss, or complex healthcare decision-making.

Knowledge of MAiD legislation, federal reporting requirements, and applicable Ontario legislation, including the Health Care Consent Act, Substitute Decisions Act, and Personal Health Information Protection Act.

Demonstrated knowledge of consent, capacity, substitute decision-making, and ethical decision-making in complex healthcare situations.

Experience coordinating complex patient care across multiple providers, programs, and care settings.

Experience providing consultation, education, and support to interprofessional healthcare teams.

Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive and emotionally complex situations.

Strong organizational, critical thinking, problem-solving, and documentation skills.

Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and electronic health record systems.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a complex healthcare environment.

Excellent attendance, punctuality, and work performance record.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in program development, quality improvement, policy development, project work, or practice change initiatives.

Experience supporting Medical Assistance in Dying services.

Experience in palliative care, oncology, nephrology, geriatrics, critical care, or community-based healthcare settings supporting patients and families facing serious illness, end-of-life, or complex care decisions.

Experience supporting program evaluation, data reporting, accreditation, or quality initiatives.

Knowledge of provincial MAiD resources, clinical practice standards, and regional care pathways.

Experience supporting patients and families facing complex ethical, end-of-life, or capacity-related decisions.

Application Instructions:

Where applicable, as per the collective agreement, the internal recruitment process will be completed prior to the consideration of external applications.

WRHN is committed to fair and equitable employment and in our recruitment and selection practices. We strongly believe in inclusion and diversity within our organization, and welcome all applicants including, but not limited to racialized communities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, Indigenous people, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Hospital community. We are committed to providing and fostering a respectful workplace for all employees, free from violence and harassment.

Accommodations are available during all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code. WRHN is committed to complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) to provide an inclusive, barrier free workplace. We will accommodate the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities to support participation in all aspects of the recruitment process. Should you require this accommodation, please contact Human Resources.

International Applicants

If you are seeking employment on a temporary work or study permit we recommend reviewing work permit restrictions as it applies to healthcare organizations in Canada. Individuals holding a work or study permit seeking employment in the healthcare sector may be required to complete additional steps in the process. This may also apply to current employees seeking renewal of their work permits. It is the accountability of the applicant and/or employee to ensure they are adhering to their specific work permit restrictions.