FT- Indigenous Liaison Worker- (Kingsway)

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.

Our Supportive Housing program provides safe and secure housing and wraparound supports to people at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness. This program offers 24/7 support services that are tailored to the self-identified needs and goals of each resident. 

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 culturally specific supports in the community and advocating for access and rights as needed. This position will also develop and implement short-term, issue-specific intervention plans within program guidelines to all facility residents.

HOURS  

Tuesday to Saturday 08:30-16:30

WHAT WE OFFER 

At Connective, we provide a range of benefits and support to our employees, including: 

• Employer-paid Criminal Record Check Clearance 
• Employer contribution to Municipal Pension Plan (MPP)* 
• Comprehensive employer-paid benefits package encompassing health, wellness, prescription medication, vision, and dental coverage* 
• Employer-paid support services, such as an in-house counsellor, Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and Critical Incidents Stress Management  
• Paid in-house training programs such as MANDT and Naloxone 
• Competitive wages, with a commitment to being a living wage employer 
• Opportunities for career and personal development, allowing you to explore diverse programs and departments 
• An inclusive work environment with team-building events and staff recognition programs 
• Access to On-Demand Pay, enabling you to withdraw earned wages before payday 
• Award winning organization: 2022 and 2023 Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice from NEOC and 2023 High-Performance Culture Award from SupportingLines 
• Participation in a portability program that allows employees moving from a CSSEA-member employer to Connective to carry over their service hours for vacation and wage purposes (within the last 12 months) 

*Benefits are for Full-Time and Part-Time employees working 20 hours per week or more

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

As an indigenous liaison worker your responsibilities will include:  

• 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.

REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to successfully complete a Criminal Records Check
• Current Emergency First Aid Certificate
• Proof of Covid-19 vaccination
• 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
• Willing to complete Food Safe Certificate (Level 1)

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduated with a Diploma in a related human/social service field and at least two years of related experience
• Experience working with First Nation communities
• Preference will be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as Indigenous (FirstNations, Inuit, Métis) 
• 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
• A demonstrated and clear ability to respond well in crisis situations
• An understanding of providing service to people with different learning abilities
• Demonstrated an ability to deal with potential violence
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

COMPENSATION: 

As Connective is a unionized environment, the starting wage is $25.95 up to $29.76 per hour. Plus benefits enrollment as per the Collective Agreement.