Job Description

Job Title: Indigenous Cultural Liaison - Nanaimo Correctional Center (NCC)


Company: John Howard Society, Nanaimo


Location: In person, 3945 Biggs Road, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5N3


Job Type: Part-time, Permanent


Work hours: Tasks for this position are completed during a 21-hour workweek at Nanaimo Correctional Centre, however, some flexibility will be required according to the needs of the program and or John Howard Society


Salary: $34-$36 per hour

Who We Are:

John Howard Society, Nanaimo is a fast paced growing, dynamic and innovative social service organization that strives to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all. Our goal is to help individuals achieve greater independence by providing support with housing, life-skills, education, employment, and community-based services.


At John Howard Society, we come from various backgrounds and share a common goal of wanting to make things better in our community, for our community. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that adapts to your needs.

Our Vision, Mission, Goals, and Values:

Our Vision: A safe, healthy, and inclusive community for all Our Mission: We contribute to a safer, stronger and more sustainable communities by supporting people to achieve greater independence Our Goals:

+ Service Excellence: Improve the quality of life of the people we service through more relevant, accessible and sustainable services.
+ Organizational Sustainability: Realize a resilient operational and governance model that supports JHSV to consistently serve the end-to-end client journey.
+ Capacity: Increase our capacity to work effectively and efficiently as a team.
Our Values:

+ Our Service Commitments (How we provide services to clients) - Dignity, Advocacy, Empowerment
+ Team Values (How we work together) - Collaboration, Accountability, Resiliency

What We Offer:

Supportive Environment: Our Employee Assistance Program and professional development opportunities are designed to help you succeed both personally and professionally. We invest in our employees' growth through training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities. Engaging Culture: Be part of a friendly team that values your input! With numerous employee engagements, you can make your voice heard and contribute to meaningful change for our clients and our community. Employee Engagement: We often organize team and social gatherings to strengthen relationships and foster camaraderie to create a supportive network among colleagues. Impactful Work: Employees at JHS are driven by a shared mission to make a positive difference in the community. Engaging in meaningful work enhances job satisfaction and connects team members to a greater purpose.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a passionate and resilient Indigenous Cultural Services Coordinator to join our team in a fast growing and dynamic environment. This role is pivotal in enhancing the cultural services provided to Indigenous residents, promoting healing, community engagement, and reconciliation at NCC. If you have a passion for cultural connection and a commitment to supporting Indigenous communities, we want to hear from you! This is an in-person role with no opportunity to work-from home.



The Indigenous Cultural Liaison (ICL) provides the Indigenous lens and consults with staff and Indigenous residents at Nanaimo Correctional Centre (NCC) to provide/connect residents with a range of Indigenous specific supports. Using a culturally informed model that is rooted in harm reduction, the ICL walks alongside residents in their self-identified and self-determined goals for culture, connection/reconnection, and community integration; while advocating for access, rights, and Cultural Safety as needed.

What You'll Be Doing:

Cultural Services Development and Delivery (60%)

Identify, develop, and deliver Cultural Services that meet the needs of indigenous residents within the operational objectives of NCC. Cultural activities can include art, carving, sewing, beading, drumming, singing, healing circles, smudging, cedar brushing, or other ceremonies as approved by NCC. Build a partnership with leadership and staff at NCC and incorporate Indigenous activities and services into agendas, committees, and meetings to support reconciliation Provide spiritual leadership and counseling to individuals or groups of indigenous residents Provide a link between Indigenous residents and Elders for spiritual support Meet with Indigenous residents as requested by Correctional staff or the residents themselves to assist in the development of viable release plans Provide counselling for Indigenous residents specifically related to spirituality and life skills Meet regularly with the Indigenous population within NCC, utilizing appropriate resources to provide guidance and instruction Promotes improving outcomes for our Indigenous residents and community and inspires NCC staff to participate Support residents with case management and release planning supports

Community Engagement (40%)

Liaise with corrections staff in identifying and referring Indigenous residents to appropriate program(s) Plan and deliver cultural awareness activities that promote Indigenous cultural heritage and involve residents in traditional ceremonies; including, Talking Circles, Smudge, Pipe and Sweat Ceremonies Provide cultural information sessions to NCC staff Support relationships and connections to the local First Nations and Metis communities, families, and Indigenous Service Delivery agencies in support of reintegration into the communities.

Perform other duties and projects as required and not limited to the responsibilities as mentioned.

The assigned percentage of job responsibilities may vary based on organizational and operational priorities.*

What We're Looking For:

Qualifications:

Post-Secondary Diploma in Social Services or another relevant diploma. Two years of recent, related work experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Knowledge of legislation and regulations related to Indigenous persons, including residential schools, the 60's scoop, child and family welfare system, knowledge of indigenous cultures, services, ways of holism and recovery. Working knowledge of cultural, policies, and procedures of indigenous governments as it relates to health and well-being services. Proficient in verbal and written English at a professional level, with excellent communication and interpersonal abilities. High proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, SharePoint). Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check Clearance at the Institute. Emergency First Aid certification is an asset. Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information effectively and possess strong integrity.

Skills and Competencies:

Indigenous North American ancestry/identity is a bona fide occupational requirement for this position. Knowledge of Lelum practices and protocols. Excellent liaison, networking, and advocacy skills. Ability to establish workload priorities, create and review schedule of activities with leadership, adjust to new or unexpected events (dynamic environments), problem solve, and deal effectively with conflict situations. Well-developed listening skills with the ability to empathize and establish rapport with residents. Proven community development/networking skills. Fostering awareness and understanding of the cultural context of trauma related addiction/MH among Indigenous community members - work to create paths to holism. Excellent organizational, time management, and administration management skills.

Who You Are:

Compassionate and Empathetic: Ability to understand and share the feelings of others, fostering trust and rapport with residents Ethical and Trustworthy: Commitment to ethical practices, respect for confidentiality, and accountability in all interactions Flexible: Willingness to adapt to changing circumstances and respond to the needs of the program and residents Passionate for Community Service: Genuine dedication to improving the lives of Indigenous individuals and communities Culturally Sensitive: Awareness and respect for the diverse backgrounds and experiences of Indigenous residents Resilient: Ability to remain composed and positive in challenging situations, demonstrating perseverance Team Player: Collaborative mindset, willing to work alongside staff and community members to achieve common goals

Creating Safe, Healthy and Inclusive Communities

at JHS Victoria:

At John Howard Society of Victoria, we proudly embrace the rich diversity of the communities we serve, and we're excited to invite applicants from all backgrounds to join our team! We understand that everyone's journey is different, and we are committed to providing the support needed to ensure equal opportunities for success throughout the hiring process. John Howard Society of Victoria will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email hr@jhsvic.ca if you have a need for any accommodation. We're here to help!

Ready to Make a Positive Impact?

If you're passionate about making a positive impact in people's lives and meet the qualifications for this role, we'd love to hear from you!


Please submit your application though the portal . Submission deadline is September 03, 2025 and we'll be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. So don't wait--apply today and take the next step in your journey with us!