C82 - Indigenous Cultural Liaison (Casual)

Job Title: Indigenous Cultural Liaison (Casual)

Number of Positions: 2
Competition Number: C82

Location: Phoenix Center (Main Campus)

Position Status: Casual

Reports to: Sr. Manager & Director, Mental Health and Substance Use

Compensation: (Grid 31) $30.20- $31.89

Job Summary:

The Indigenous Cultural Liaison at Phoenix Society offers Indigenous knowledge and perspectives and works closely with Indigenous service recipients to connect them with culturally specific supports in the community, while advocating for their access and rights as needed. This support includes but is not limited to; coordinating and supporting cultural activities and programs, informing case plans, and connecting service recipients to external organizations and agencies that provide additional assistance.

Service Recipient Services:

• Act on issues that affect the Indigenous cultural safety in MHSU programs
• Act as a cultural advocate for Indigenous service recipients during their stay at MHSU programs
• Provides information to service recipients, families and communities regarding the provision and access to culturally safe, trauma informed mental health and substance use care programs and services.
• Coordinates service recipients/family spiritual care requests and/or access to sacred spaces within and around the program to support Indigenous practices, beliefs and customs.
• Maintain accurate client records (e.g., assessment data, client care plan, goal setting, case notes and discharge summaries, behaviour contracts, incident reports, etc.), reports, and statistics required by management
• Ensure that all required documentation is complete and on time
• Demonstrating knowledge of Indigenous traditions by teaching crafts and traditional handwork.

Program Management:

• Contributes to the development and implementation of cultural programming, teachings and events, including presentations; information sessions; workshops; and activities.
• Participates in planning, development and implementation of culturally safe, trauma informed activities at MHSU programs
• Maintain database of cultural diversity activities, participation and referrals or connections.
• Provide monthly and annual reports to the Senior Manager, Mental Health & Substance Use Programs as requested
• Participates in the planning and development of quality improvement activities through methods such as providing input to the planning processes and participates in program wide quality improvement initiatives, as required
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Community Relations:

• Establishes effective working relationships with community-based agencies and Indigenous groups to facilitate accessible and effective culturally safe, trauma informed service recipient care.
• Works in collaboration with other disciplines to develop and maintain a list of relevant Indigenous community-based agencies. Provides a link and liaison service between service recipients and these agencies.
• Maintain current knowledge of social, economic, recreational and educational resources in the community.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary diploma (e.g., 2 to 3 years) in community social service, counselling, social work, psychology, etc.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience working with Indigenous populations and comprehensive understanding and experience delivering culturally safe, trauma informed care.
• Priority will be given to applicants of Indigenous Ancestry
• Demonstrated knowledge of cultural competency principles and practices
• Satisfactory completion of a criminal records check with vulnerable sector screening is required
• Satisfactory completion of a Tuberculosis Screening form is required
• Satisfactory completion of Employee Immunization Record form is required
• First Aid certification with CPR is required
• Valid driver’s license is required

Skills & Knowledge:

• High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation
• Strong skills in Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, and donor database systems
• Strong problem solving, analytical, and creative skills with the ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions based on accurate and timely analyses
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally in English
• Demonstrated commitment to the social sector with a passion for the organization’s mission is essential

Competencies:

Approach to Work

• Demonstrates initiative, flexibility, adaptability and resourcefulness
• Actively seeks and incorporates feedback to inform continuous self-improvement
• Sets goals, creates and implements action plans, monitors progress, and evaluates results
• Adeptly manages competing tasks and uses time efficiently and effectively

Job Knowledge & Quality of Work

• High degree of relevant and current job knowledge and skill
• Consistently produces accurate, thorough, high-quality work in a timely manner
• Builds and promotes a culture of health and safety in the workplace
• Implements and enforces best practices in health and safety within the workplace

Judgement & Decision-Making

• Models independent thinking and creativity
• Demonstrates effective problem-solving skills
• Makes clear, consistent, transparent and timely decisions after contemplating various available courses of action
• Exercises sound judgment in the best interests of the organization

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Expresses themselves clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing
• Displays high emotional intelligence; uses tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential situations
• Has a manner, style and presence that makes a positive impression
• Listens to and considers others’ views 

Personal Leadership

• Models the organization’s core values of social justice, teamwork, social innovation, and strength-based practices
• Fosters enthusiasm, energy and commitment
• Takes responsibility for personal actions, performance and health
• Is reliable and accountable; shows up on time ready to work

Teamwork & Collaboration

• Effectively works with their colleagues to ensure organizational success
• Champions positive working relationships with staff and external partners
• Supports an environment of openness, and champions teamwork and communication across programs
• Leverages the expertise and experience of others for organizational success 

Closing Details:

Closing Date

Internal applications will be accepted until December 11th, 2025, 04:00 pm.

“All employees, including laid off and displaced employees, are entitled to apply on the vacancy and be considered pursuant to the provisions of Article 12.9.” Internal applicants must notify the manager of intent to apply.

External applicants will be reviewed after internal applicants have been reviewed and interviewed.

All qualified applicants are welcome to apply.

Priority will be given to applicants of Indigenous Ancestry.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process may contact our HR department. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

While we thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.