FT - Indigenous Liaison Worker (Kingsway Supportive Housing)

Connective is a dynamic non-profit organization that provides innovative programming in the social services sector. We strive to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Indigenous Liaison Worker will provide a proactive approach to bridging Indigenous residents and their culture by consulting with Indigenous residents to provide/connect them with a range of cultural specific supports in the community and advocating for access and rights.

 As Indigenous culture expert, you will strengthen the understanding of the indigenous culture of all clients and their support network within our Supportive Housing one program in Vancouver. 

HOURS (40 hours per week)

Tuesday to Saturday: 0830 to 1630

WHAT WE OFFER?

• Committed Living Wage Employer
• 2022 & 2023 Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice Aware from NEOC
• 2023 High-Performance Culture Award from SupportingLines
• Competitive benefits package, including health, wellness, and pension plan
• Career and personal development, with the ability to grow in a diverse range of programs and departments
• Access to a range of staff mental health supports, including an in-house counsellor, Employee Family Assistance Program, and Critical Incidents Stress Management
• Access to On-Demand Pay to withdraw earned wages before payday
• Connective is part of a portability program where employees moving from a CSSEA-member employer to Connective will port their service hours for vacation and wage purposes (within last 12 months)

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Navigates paths to person-centered Indigenous work with residents using culturally informed strategies.
• Assists with creating an effective and supportive connection between the Indigenous/non-Indigenous service providers and community supports and residents.
• Engages in collaborative community partnerships to promote traditional healing, cultural teachings, and practice.
• Promotes understanding and respect for Indigenous culture, experience, and identity.
• Guiding and engaging families, children, youth, and community members in culture activities such as healing circles, talking circles, and smudges to promote spiritual healing in a supportive and ethical manner.
• Coordinates and/or delivers Indigenous/Cultural activities for staff and individuals served. Facilitates group activities based on culturally informed practices and coordinates the creation of specific materials and necessary supports.
• Provides one to one support to residents in navigating social, economic, recreational, physical, vocational, and educational services.
• Contributes to model of cultural safety for emotional vulnerability.
• Ensures Indigenous service user’s case planning is Indigenous-led and informed.
• Fosters awareness and understanding of the cultural context of trauma related addiction/mental health among Indigenous community members.
• Maintains an appropriate record and information system. Prepare annual program reports and provide accurate data when needed. Ensure that accurate program and service user records are maintained, and that confidentiality is a priority. Ensure that all pertinent registration requirements and documentation is complete.
• Works directly with additional staff (i.e., Social Workers and Outreach Workers), community service and support providers, government and non-government organizations, and First Nations service providers to inform the development and implementation of individual support plans consistent with harm reduction and Connective’s philosophies and practices.
• Assists residents with daily life skills, social skills, and/or behaviour management to function more independently in their own homes and in the community. Nurtures opportunities and assists residents with activities such as grooming, basic cooking, money management, shopping, household safety, and pet care. Coordinate physical, recreational, educational, social, and vocational activities.
• Recognizes, analyzes, and deals with potential emergency situations such as aggressive behaviour(s) to minimize potential harm to others and/or the public.
• Reviews and evaluates residents’ progress and adjusts programs as required. Provides feedback and support to residents and/or their families.
• Accompanies and/or transports clients to activities such as appointments, shopping, or leisure activities.
• Provide guidance to staff to assist in dealing with events or topics in the context of cultural practices.
• Participates in team meetings as instructed by the Program Manager.
• Other duties as subsequently negotiated. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduated with a Diploma in a related human/social service field and at least 2 years of related experience
• Experience with clients with a history of conflict with the law, developmental disabilities and/or spectrum disorders, experiencing homelessness, interaction with social agencies and experiencing mental health challenges
• Experience working with First Nation communities
• A demonstrated and clear ability to respond well in crisis situations

REQUIREMENTS

• BC Class 5 driver’s license
• Personal transportation that is in good repair, insured for business up to $1,000,000 for liability, and which can be used to transport residents
• Ability to successfully complete a Criminal Records Check
• Current Emergency First Aid Certificate (please refer to the Certificates accepted in B.C. - WorkSafe) 
•  Willing to complete Food Safe Certificate (Level 1)

COMPENSATION

 As Connective is a unionized environment, the starting wage is $27.54 per hour. The wage will increase with every 2,000 hours worked up to a maximum of $31.61 per hour. This position will be eligible for benefits. 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION 

At Connective, we value and accommodate unique differences to ensure that our staff have the opportunity and are supported to thrive. To build a strong and representative workforce, we strongly encourage applications from BIPOC, LGBTQ2S+ people, immigrants, and people with disabilities or other marginalized communities.

IMPORTANT:

 Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada, observe their weekly hours limit if under a temporary or study visa, and provide proof of eligibility if selected for the role.