Community Wellness Worker
Henvey Inlet First Nation is seeking a full-time Community Wellness Worker to join our Administration. The Community Wellness Worker reports to the Health Director and is responsible for providing culturally appropriate programs and services to address and respond to existing and emerging family violence, health, healing and wellness issues, including intergenerational trauma. The Community Wellness Worker will work directly with clients to achieve and enjoy healthy and balanced lives through the promotion of positive change in values, attitudes and behaviours. This position requires exceptional interpersonal communication and advocacy skills and strong knowledge of First Nations culture, language and traditional ceremonies and practices.
Henvey Inlet First Nation offers competitive wages, paid vacation and personal emergency days, an incredible pension and benefit package, on-site daycare services for working parents, fifteen paid federal, provincial and First Nations holidays, annual cultural leave, paid Christmas break, and half-day workdays every Friday.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
The Community Wellness Worker will be responsible to:
- Support the reduction and prevention of family and community violence through 1-on-1 client support and group support initiatives
- Assist in planning, designing and facilitating various group-based workshops and activities focused on improving indigenous health and enabling participants to achieve and enjoy a healthy and spiritually balanced life
- Work collaboratively with HIFN colleagues and community partners to bring family violence and human trafficking awareness and prevention campaigns and resources into the community
- Build and maintain trusting and supportive client relations
- Assist with client intake and needs assessments, ensuring all necessary forms and documents are completed and inputted into appropriate files and electronic databases
- Maintain up-to-date electronic and paper-based client files, ensuring they are securely stored with restricted access
- Provide client-based services that utilize case management techniques such as establishing trusting relationships, case noting, advocacy and referrals
- Conduct home visits and provide home outreach services as appropriate
- Support clients to establish and maintain independent, safe and stable living environments where their basic needs are being met
- Assist clients with scheduling appointments and securing or providing transportation to/from appointment destinations
- Assist clients with applying for and obtaining personal identification such as birth certificates, health cards, status cards, etc.
- Encourage and support clients to make healthy choices and practices through methods such as harm reduction
- Support clients through their journey to healing traumas and assist them to connect with after-care support programs designed to help them achieve overall wellness
- Incorporate indigenous culture into healing and wellness activities
- Provide focused education and information to members seeking to learn about and participate in their indigenous culture through individual and group counselling sessions
- Work collaboratively with the Cultural Coordinator to coordinate and facilitate ceremonial and traditional activities, including sewing and beading groups, healing/cultural teaching circles and/or support groups
- Provide culturally appropriate life skills training, support services, resources, educational materials, and workshops to address community wellness needs
- Help to organize and facilitate all major community events such as the Community Christmas Party, Easter Breakfast, Loonie Auction, Community Powwow, Remembrance Day Ceremonies, etc.
- Establish committees to help coordinate all major community events and recruit and train volunteers
- Work collaboratively with staff, band members and Elders to establish and maintain documentation of HIFN historical projects, events, family histories and other relevant historical archives
- Assist members with establishing and maintaining up-to-date ancestry records when requested
- Provide members with culturally centered support services for funeral and estate planning when requested
- Plan the annual Seven Grandfather Teaching awards ceremony and oversee the nomination and selection process
- Prepare and submit grant proposals to funding agencies for community wellness and fitness initiatives
- Order and purchase supplies required to facilitate community events, workshops and other approved items for clients as needed
- Distribute information on community wellness workshops, community events and other departmental initiatives via the community newsletter, website, bulletin boards and other multi-media platforms as required
- Ensure all Ministry reporting requirements are met in a timely manner, including the completion and submission of all required agency forms, agreements, budgets and reports
- Prepare and monitor annual community wellness program budget and present quarterly program financial reports to the Director of Finance/Administration
- Behave in a professional manner when acting as a representative of Henvey Inlet First Nation
- Develop and maintain professional working relationships with external agencies and program sponsors including the Union of Ontario Indians
- Liaise and consult with the Union of Ontario Indians on issues and available opportunities to enhance the community wellness program
- Prepare and submit all mandatory reports required on behalf of the community wellness program to the appropriate government ministry and funder
- Work collaboratively and cooperatively with all community professionals, departments and colleagues
- Prepare full briefing notes for the Health Director, Director of Finance/Administration and Chief and Council on program statistics regarding program participation and attendance, and other issues and concerns
- Develop and maintain accurate, up-to-date and concise work files
- Create and maintain a secure filing system with gathered information on all clients accessing services in accordance with PIPEDA regulations
- Maintain strict confidentiality at all times
- Adhere to all HIFN Policies and Procedures
- Attend and actively participate in external continuous learning opportunities that affect the delivery of the community wellness program and maintain up-to-date knowledge on current industry regulations, trends and practices
- Participate in mandatory training workshops as required
- Attend and actively participate in team, staff and community meetings
- Perform other duties as assigned from time-to-time by the Health Director, Director of Finance/Administration or Chief and Council
QUALIFICATIONS
- Grade 12 diploma or equivalent required; Post-secondary degree or diploma in Social Services, Human Services or other related field preferred
- 2-3 years of experience providing health and social support services to clients, preferably in an Indigenous setting
- Previous experience working with volunteers in a non-profit setting an asset
- Valid Ontario Class G Driver's License with access to a reliable, insured vehicle
- Current and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check
- Current First Aid and CPR Level C an asset
- Current NVCI training certificate an asset
- A strong understanding of First Nations’ cultures, values and history required
- Knowledge of Henvey Inlet First Nation community and practices an asset
- Knowledge of current social issues affecting Indigenous people including trauma and addictions
- Previous experience working within a First Nations organization an asset
- A strong working knowledge of traditional ceremonies and practices
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to build professional relationships with HIFN members/clients, community agencies and affiliates
- Ability to mentor clients and intervene when additional support services and referrals are needed
- Knowledge of relevant community-based, and external support programs and services available
- Strong public speaking and advocacy skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Exceptional time-management, organization and administrative skills
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly
- Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking and conflict resolution skills
- Highly resourceful with the ability to adapt to changing work needs and demands
- Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion
- Effective financial literacy and budgeting skills
- Professional attitude and a strong work ethic
- Self-driven with the ability to work independently with little direction
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in all departments to support client needs
- Strong computer and typing skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Willingness to travel for work when needed
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including on-call, evenings and weekends when requested
HOURS OF WORK
Full-Time – 35.5 hrs/week
WORK LOCATION
In Office
REMUNERATION
Negotiable based on experience
START DATE
As soon as possible
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Open until filled
Those interested in applying should submit their resume and cover letter in confidence to:
Henvey Inlet First Nation – Human Resources
295 Pickerel River Rd.
Pickerel, ON P0G 1J0
Tel: (705) 857-2331
Fax: (705) 857-3021
Email:
We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Henvey Inlet First Nation gives preference to all qualified First Nations people in accordance with Section 24(1) (a) of the Ontario Human Rights Code.
