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.
Facilitate communication and coordination among patients, families, healthcare providers, and community partners.
Consultation and Clinical Support
Serve as a resource to providers, social workers, nurses, and interprofessional teams regarding MAiD legislation, processes, standards, and best practices.
Program Coordination and Quality Improvement
Coordinate program operations, referral tracking, documentation processes, and required reporting activities.
Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies, procedures, and clinical resources.
Collaboration and System Partnerships
Foster collaborative relationships with internal clinical programs, community providers, hospices, primary care teams, Ontario Health partners, and regional MAiD networks.
Position Requirements:
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.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive and emotionally complex situations.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in program development, quality improvement, policy development, project work, or practice change initiatives.
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.
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.
