Job Description

This position includes a comprehensive 100% employer-paid benefit package, enrolment in our defined benefit pension plan (Municipal Pension Plan), and four weeks of paid vacation.


Applicants must be authorized to work in Canada and at our organization on an ongoing basis.


The John Howard Society of North Island is an employment equity employer.


This position is open to applicants of all genders.


This position requires the completion of two criminal record checks.

Job Title: Indigenous Cultural Liaison

Work sites: Comox Valley, Campbell River

Reports to:Program Manager

Prepared date:June 10, 2025

Approved by: Executive Director

Approved date: July 4, 2025

Revised and Approved by ED:July 4, 2025

Reviewed:

Summary

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We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Indigenous Cultural Liaison to strengthen and deepen our relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and service providers. As a core member of our team, this position will guide the agency in fostering culturally supportive services to our clients. The Indigenous Cultural Liaison will support staff to build awareness, skills, and respectful partnerships with Indigenous peoples and communities. This role plays a critical part in the agency's commitment to reconciliation, equity, and inclusive practice.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

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Act as a liaison between the agency and local Indigenous communities, organizations, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers. + Facilitate meaningful, reciprocal relationships rooted in respect, trust, and accountability.
+ Represent the agency at community events, gatherings, and partnership meetings related to Indigenous engagement.
+ Work in collaboration with Indigenous partners to co-develop protocols and practices that ensure culturally responsive service delivery.
+ Provide support and coordination to the John Howard monthly Knowledge Keepers Circle and Advisory Circle.
Support the development of culturally supportive program practices and service models, grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. + Lead and coordinate the delivery of relevant trainings, workshops, and learning opportunities for staff.
+ Enhance internal capacity for cultural responsiveness by supporting teams in navigating culturally complex situations with humility and integrity.
+ Act as a resource for staff seeking guidance in engaging with Indigenous clients or communities.
Identify gaps and opportunities for continuous improvement in cultural responsiveness across the agency. Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

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The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience

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For this position, First Nations, Inuit, and Metis ancestry is regarded as directly relevant to the key duties, skills, and knowledge required, as the position directly impacts and informs services provided to Indigenous children, youth, and families. In accordance with John Howard's values and beliefs regarding the essential value of Indigenous knowledge, the requirements of this role emphasize an applicant's lived experience with Indigenous cultural ways of knowing, doing and being, and are considered in equivalency to a degree. Applicants without a degree are encouraged to apply. Post-Secondary degree in a related human/social services field Two (2) years' experience working with Indigenous children, youth, and families, including involvement with local Indigenous nations which should include: Knowledge and understanding of varied historical, cultural, spiritual, political and socioeconomic issues that affect diverse populations, and experience developing effective, inclusive and respectful working relationships with these individuals and groups. Experience in initiating and/or maintaining partnerships and alliances representing a diversity of individuals and perspectives to promote organizational objectives and delivery of culturally relevant and responsive services to children, youth and families. Knowledge and experience in using a variety of creative and effective facilitation methods to design and develop supported group environments for learning and sharing. Experience and skills in organizing and carrying out projects and events using effective communication, managing timelines and evaluating outcomes.

Other Skills and Abilities

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The Indigenous Cultural Liaison must:

Demonstrate a level of cultural sensitivity and understanding of the client population's cultural and socio-economic characteristics. Have the ability to form mutually respectful partnerships. Accept clients' rights to self-determination and individuality, and must not discriminate on the basis of Indigenous identity, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, socio-economic status, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age. Have a positive conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change. Have the ability to work respectfully in partnership with other team members, including referring authorities. Have basic computer and Internet skills.

Other Job Requirements

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Two completed, acceptable criminal record checks, one from the Criminal Records Review Program through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and one from the Canadian Criminal Record Search of the RCMP National Repository of Criminal Records, the Canadian Police Information Centre, and the Police Information Portal. Driving is required to enable contact with groups in the community. The Indigenous Cultural Liaison must have a valid driver's licence and safe, reliable transportation, and must obtain appropriate insurance as per Society policy. The Indigenous Cultural Liaison will follow the Code of Ethics and the Mission Statement of The John Howard Society of North Island.

Diversity

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The John Howard Society of North Island welcomes applications from all qualified applicants including but not limited by those of any gender, race, orientation, or disability. Multilingual skills and multicultural competence are assets.

Application

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Please attach a cover letter and 3 references to your application.



Monday - Friday 8:30am-4:30pm

35 hours / week