Job Description

Cultural Connections Liaison Worker

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is primarily responsible for guiding and engaging families, children, youth, and staff of Spirit of the Children in a spiritual, healing, loving, ethical manner. The Cultural Support Worker provides knowledge of Indigenous and urban Indigenous culture, traditions, history, and protocols. The Cultural Worker will assist the Spirit teams by designing age appropriate activities that meet the cultural needs of the children and family, as well as connecting culture to early childhood, cultural connections and supported visitation programs. Customs, items, beliefs and values that accurately portray Indigenous people will provide the foundation to program activities.

The Cultural Worker will provide outreach and activity coordination within the ECD, Cultural Connections and Supportive Visitation programs with Spirit of the Children.

REPORTS TO:

Program Manager

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Promote and support traditional Indigenous cultural teachings and practice for our families, Society staff, and community. Clearly articulates and demonstrates Indigenous culture in all activities relating to Spirit of the Children.
Assist the ECD teachers to facilitate appropriate cultural practices within the programs.

Assist the ECD teachers to develop culturally and developmentally appropriate craft and activities for children 0-6 years old.

Assist in singing and drumming groups within all family ECD programs. Assist in the overall care of ECD area and equipment. Responsible for creating and maintaining an environment of safety and wellness in the ECD Drop-In, including overall group dynamics and when supported visits are taking place in Drop-In.
Work with children and families to provide cultural teachings and assist in the development and implementation of cultural components to the program using the Medicine Wheel and Seven Sacred Teachings.

Reaffirms the cultural context of Indigenous people and rights when carrying out duties and responsibilities Provides supportive professional relationships with the parents and extended family of the children in the program's care. Utilizes a number of spiritual practices including smudging, medicine wheel, seven sacred teachings and healing circles. Assist staff to facilitate appropriate cultural practices in support of Early Childhood Development, Cultural Connections, Supportive Visitation and other programs provided by Spirit Develops and leads groups in various ceremonies during significant benchmark events in Spirit programs and the broader community. Engages in collaborative community partnerships to promote cultural teachings and practice. Provide outreach services to families and communities as needed, such as, but not limited to: providing information of local community resources or referrals to programs within the Society according to MCFD contract requirements.
Participate in team meetings, agency meetings and training deemed necessary for this position.

Adheres to the policies and standards of Spirit of the Children Society, as established in policy and program manuals, Health & Safety Guidelines, job descriptions, written memos, and verbal agreements.

To maintain a healthy and safe environment. Comply with WCB health and safety standards.

Participate in agency event planning such as but not limited to: Annual Mini-Teaching Pow-wow and Family Christmas Gathering.

Maintain an appropriate record and information system. Prepare annual program reports and provide accurate data when needed. Ensure that accurate program and client records are maintained and that confidentiality is a priority. Ensure that all pertinent registration requirements and documentation is complete.

Maintain health records and administer first aid and medications as required. Observe and remove potential hazards.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

Completion of High School and some post-secondary education in a relevant field. Teachings and experience in traditional Indigenous/Aboriginal healing practices and wisdom. Experience working with children, youth and families. An outgoing, energetic individual who is a team player and has an excellent understanding of Indigenous culture and traditions. Group facilitation and instructional experience. Administrative, computer and office skills. Reliable transportation and current valid Driver's License and willing to obtain business insurance and liability coverage. Driver's Abstract required. Criminal records check required.

Job Skills and Attributes

Demonstrates practical knowledge of traditional Indigenous and main stream healing practices relating to emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual wellness. Demonstrates practical knowledge counselling and strength-based practice along with principles of intergeneration trauma and stress (trauma informed practice). Has a theoretical and historical knowledge of concepts of colonization and cultural repression. Promotes cultural values and increases staff awareness about Indigenous cultural traditions and spirituality. Strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task in a dynamic working environment; self-motivated personality; ability to work independently and as a team player. Demonstrates an ability to maintain composure and performance while under stress or pressure. Manages personal stress by utilizing various appropriate coping skills. Reliable transportation and current valid BC Driver's License and willing to obtain business insurance and liability coverage. Driver's Abstract required. Criminal records check required.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This is a full time position at 35 hours per week, during the contract year from April 1 - March 31. This position is dependent upon negotiated funding. The successful candidate is eligible for benefits after completing a 6 month probationary period.

TO APPLY:

Send an email with your cover letter, resume and three references to t.bell@sotcs.ca Candidates of Indigenous ancestry strongly encouraged to apply; please self-identify in your cover letter.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $34.90-$38.75 per hour

Schedule:

Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

35 hours per week

May be required to work some evenings

Posting open until position is filled.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $34.90-$38.75 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Flexible language requirement:

French not required
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person