Job Description
WHO WE ARE
Are you an Indigenous Cultural Support Worker Professional looking to make an impact in your community? Do you have endless optimism, ready to move and create change in the community? Through the vision to eliminate poverty in our community and guided by a passionate concern for the dignity and well-being of each individual, Bissell Centre’s work is based on building relationships, hope and trust. Our community comes from all walks of life and so do we.
Through our programs we work to empower people from meeting their own basic daily needs to having sustainable livelihoods, secure housing, and feeling hope for the future and make plans for a prosperous life. By joining Bissell Centre, you will become part of a fast-paced and dedicated team that works together to realize our vision.
Currently, Bissell Centre is looking for an individual wanting to join the Bissell Centre’s Employment Services team. Are you ready to be our Indigenous Cultural Support Worker and make an impact in our community?
ABOUT THE ROLE
The purpose of this role is to provide both direct and indirect supports to participants and staff wishing to have a greater connection to Indigenous culture, language, and world view Through 1-on-1 conversations, group workshops, drop-in workshops, sharing circles, regular practice of Indigenous ceremony, and staff education. The Cultural Support Worker will ensure participants have the support they need to fully engage with their Indigeneity or explore aspects of Indigenous culture that will be helpful to their successes. The Cultural Support Worker will be accessible to all levels of participant facing programs that request or require Indigenous supports. They will create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants and act as a liaison for staff teachings and trainings.
WHAT IS THE ROLE
Duties and Responsibilities
One-on-one counselling
- In consultation with the Manager of Permanent Supportive Housing, develop a daily practice that empowers participants, reflects Indigenous world view, and provides participants with the tools and skills they need to better engage with Indigenous culture.
- Meet with participants and assess their needs for cultural support, explain the Cultural Support Worker process and supports available, and participate in ongoing care planning
- Provide crisis intervention supports to individuals as needed
- Promote cultural development workshops internally and externally
- Engage participants in intentional and purposeful conversations
- Support participants to meet their own immediate needs and resolve challenges in a sustainable manner
- Refer participants to suitable support services as needed
- Follow a harm reduction model of care
- Work in collaboration with Bissell’s Indigenous Engagement Team and other cultural support workers to contribute Bissell’s Indigenous Engagement Strategy
- Other duties as required
Facilitating Group Workshops
- Facilitate workshops as standalone sessions and/or modules
- In consultation with the Manager of Permanent Support Housing, develop a series of Indigenous cultural workshops that can be delivered to groups of participants.
- Develop opportunities and support an environment where participants can build support networks, build relationships with peers, elders and Knowledge Keepers
- Use de-escalation skills and provide crisis intervention as required
- Maintain a database of current and relevant cultural support services and resources
- Enter detailed and accurate client data into appropriate databases
Administration
- Maintain a database of current and relevant cultural support services and resources
- Enter detailed and accurate client data into appropriate databases
WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
- Enthusiastic and dynamic presenting skills
- Excellent time management with strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- Self-motivated and results oriented
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook
- Analytical and Decision-making skills.
Education and Experience
- A Diploma or Degree in Native Studies (or equivalent) or other related field and a minimum of 1 year experience in a similar role. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
- An understanding of issues of poverty, homelessness, and Edmonton’s urban core
- Familiar with the TRC’s Calls to Action
- An advanced knowledge of local Indigenous cultures, ceremonies and world view is required.
- Knowledge of Indigenous languages would be an asset
- Familiar with land-based teachings and medicine
- Facilitation experience will be considered an asset
- Lived experience will be considered an asset
Working Conditions
- Working closely with participants who are experiencing complex life situations
- Hours of work will vary based on the need of the community
Screening Requirements
- Criminal Record
- Child Intervention Record Check
- Alberta Class 5 driver’s license and satisfactory driver’s abstract is an asset
Training Requirements
- Conflict into Calm Training
- First Aid / CPR
- Harm Reduction / Naloxone Administration
- Mobius training
- Indigenous Awareness Training
The above-noted training must be completed during the first three months of employment or as agreed upon by the supervisor.
However, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.
As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, Bissell Centre continues to take action to protect person served and staff. Strategies related to Bissell Centre’s response to COVID-19 are driven by the guiding principle of taking all reasonable precautions and measures to protect the health and safety of both persons served and staff. In keeping with this intentional purpose, COVID-19 full vaccination is a condition of employment for new hires, except due to legitimate, established exceptions.
Bissell Centre is an equal opportunity employer who is committed to diversity within our community and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, or disability. Bissell Centre is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees, in accordance with provincially and federally legislated protected grounds.
Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 9 months
Salary: $25.64 per hour
Flexible Language Requirement:
Schedule:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Edmonton, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- Secondary School (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2023-07-26
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