Job Description
The Position
Reporting to the Social Development Manager, the Outreach and Program Coordinator leads community-based programming, events and crisis response efforts that support mental wellness and harm reduction among the shishalh community. The successful candidate will rely on the MWSU Social Worker (and other health professionals) for higher-level guidance, ensuring that support strategies align with established client care plans. The coordinator provides day-to-day work direction to volunteer students and assistants.
- Lead and coordinate a variety of harm reduction initiatives, such as peer support programs, community education/awareness campaigns, community wellness events, sharps clean-up and the provision of harm reduction supplies.
- Ensure effective coordination of logistics for events/activities, including facility booking, program supplies, food, set-up/clean up, and providing transportation and child minding supports to ensure client participation and smooth program operations.
- Provide day-to-day work direction to staff assistants, peers, students, volunteers and others.
- Develop and implement healing, wellness, client recovery groups and other program activities in collaboration with internal and external resources. Facilitate groups and activities.
- Collaborate with Knowledge Keepers, Elders, and traditional wellness experts to ensure cultural supports are provided, with a focus on incorporating Indigenous knowledge, healing modalities, and cultural considerations into programming and daily practices.
- Promote activities, events, and support groups to the community.
- Develop communication materials and outreach strategies to raise awareness among community members about available support.
- Make referrals to social workers and health professionals to plan care for needy individuals.
- Implement care plans created in collaboration with clients, social workers, and health professionals, providing follow-up support and advocacy as necessary.
- Coordinate with other health professionals to successfully implement established care plans.
- Take the lead in crisis response and intervention, providing immediate assistance and support.
- Ensure community members, families, and staff can access external crisis support during non-working hours.
- Coordinate outreach efforts to individuals who use drugs/alcohol and their families, offering support in various settings, including homes, hospitals, and homeless encampments.
- Communicate with and provide front-line support to members in their homes, hospitals, and other locations.
- Attend internal team meetings to collaborate and discuss ongoing activities and strategies.
- Participate in collaborative meetings with external partners and agencies, including mental health service providers, FNHA regions, and other health and social service organizations.
- Provide support to the Social Development Manager in program development, implementation, and evaluation, maximizing available resources and based on plans.
- Utilize databases and other processes to accurately chart client progress and maintain effective and confidential record keeping.
- Create and manage budgets for programs, projects, and activities.
- Schedule and track the hours of volunteers, students, and junior support staff.
- Submit accurate payment requests in a timely manner.
- Prepare materials and write reports as necessary.
- Participate in the performance evaluation of all programs and activities within the department.
- Bring any practices that are not consistent with current knowledge of acceptable professional standards to the attention of the Manager,
- Perform other duties within the scope of the position, as assigned.
Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:
- Must have experience developing drug abuse prevention, harm reduction and intervention strategies, usually acquired over 3- 5 years.
- Experience in the health systems/services, and working with First Nations individuals, communities or organizations on issues related to health and wellness.
- Coordination and leadership skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary service partners and stakeholders.
- Your understanding of First Nations history, intergenerational trauma, and positive approach to supporting communities will be a great asset.
- Knowledge of Federal and Provincial Government policy regarding the First Nations Health Sector
- Demonstrated ability to do presentations to groups/community.
- Knowledge and awareness of mental health priorities for the shishalh community.
- Must be computer literate with Microsoft programs, Word, Excel, PPT and Outlook.
- Must have experience with electronic health records (e.g., Mustimuhw Charting).
- Ability to organize and manage multiple resources, groups and community data.
- Ability to work independently, think creatively, take initiative, and motivate others.
- Must have a reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license and safe driving record.
- Criminal Record Check is required.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings.
- Ability to write clear and accurate reports.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and expeditiously under tight timeframes, deadlines and competing priorities.
- Project Management experience is an asset.
- Conflict resolution training or experience.
- Analytical skills, sound judgement and decision-making skills are required to assess situations and determine the best possible outcomes.
- Knowledge and understanding of residential schools/colonial practices and the enduring intergenerational impacts.
- Experience working in a First Nations government or other indigenous-led organization is preferable.
- Knowledge of shishalh culture and community members is an asset.
If you are interested in the position, please send your cover letter and resume to the Human Resources Department.
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