FT - Cultural Support Worker (Vancouver)

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

This position will provide assistive outreach support to residents of the supportive housing program to enable their adjustment and success with life in the community. This support worker will provide a proactive approach to bridging residents and their culture by consulting with residents to provide/connect them with a range of cultural 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 for residents of the building.

LOCATION

Vancouver, British Columbia

STATUS 

Unionized; this position is open to applicants of all genders

HOURS

40 hours per week; Tuesday to Saturday, 1000 - 1800

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

• Works with residents, researches background material, and seeks the input of other professionals and family members, to identify needs and intervention possibilities, using person-centred and culturally-informed strategies.
• Works with residents and other staff to consider issues and create a mutually agreed intervention and support plan that has measurable short and long-term goals.
• Ensures Indigenous service users’ case planning is Indigenous-led and informed.
• 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.
• Liaises to organize and/or support cultural activities/programming.
• Interacts with other professionals, family members, First Nations service providers and other organizations to ensure services, admissions, and treatments are in the service user’s interest and supportive of their long-term goals.
• On the service user’s behalf, is a resource to other professionals, including but not limited to the courts, probation services, and community and institutional psychiatric services.
• Contributes to model of cultural safety for emotional vulnerability.
• Fosters awareness and understanding of the cultural context of trauma related addiction/mental health among Indigenous community members.
• Maintains extensive records and case notes.
• Completes monthly progress reports.
• 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. Facilitates physical, recreational, educational, social, and vocational activities and service navigation.
• 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 residents 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Functions independently, while remaining a crucial member of the care team
• Adheres to Connective’s policies and procedures
• Is available to work flexible hours as needed, which may include some evenings/weekends, as determined by program/service user needs and schedules
• Is a member of CUPE local 1936-11 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduated with a Diploma in a related human/social service field and one-year of related experience or a relevant combination of education and experience
• Experience with service users with a history of conflict with the law, developmental disabilities and/or spectrum disorders, experiencing homelessness, interaction with social agencies and/or experiencing mental health challenges
• Experience working with First Nation communities
• 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
• Experience in assessment, case/care plan development and implementation
• Demonstrated an ability to develop programs tailored to particular and diverse needs of individuals
• Extensive knowledge of community services in Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Preference will be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis)

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)