Community Mental Health Worker - Indigenous Liaison

at  Coast Mental Health

SUMMARY:

The HUB Indigenous Liaison works as part of the HUB team. The HUB is a community space in Maple Ridge, dedicated to providing basic needs for the underserved population in the area.
The Indigenous Liaison acts as a resource for Indigenous clients and staff to ensure the care and services provided are culturally safe, trauma-informed, and client-centered. The liaison should have knowledge and understanding of indigenous needs, cultural safety, and support clients in obtaining their basic needs. The Indigenous Liaison will also support clients to form connections to local Nations in support of their personal recovery.

EDUCATION / TRAINING / EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrated knowledge, experience, and understanding of Indigenous people and their culture.
• Comprehensive understanding and experience delivering culturally safe, trauma informed care
• Have a solid understanding of the historical and current effects of: Colonization, intergenerational and direct effects of residential schools and homelessness.
• Degree or diploma in a relevant Social Sciences discipline or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Recent, related experience of two years
• Ability to provide/obtain the following upon hire
• Certificates in First Aid + CPR, WHMIS and FoodSafe
• Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Clearance
• TB Clearance
• Immunization Records
• Medical clearance
• Access to a vehicle and class 5 license.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• Awareness of and commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight Report (2020), BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), and other related reports.
• Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities
• Demonstrated understanding of Canadian colonization, Indigenous specific racism and its impact on the current health and wellness of Indigenous peoples.
• Knowledge of BC Indigenous peoples’ demographics, languages, cultures, customs and traditions.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with Indigenous (First Nations, Metis and Inuit) communities and organizations
• Knowledge of Indigenous health issues impacting Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge of community-based Indigenous organizations across BC, including organizations mandated to provide mental health and substance use care services.
• Interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, staff and the public.
• Ability to work independently and co-operatively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others tactfully and with demonstrated sensitivity.
• Ability to organize and problem solve.

• Initiate and maintain working relationships with Indigenous clients to assess their needs for support in a culturally-safe manner.
• Coordinate client spiritual care requests and facilitate access to sacred spaces to support and cultivate Indigenous practices, beliefs and customs
• Advocate and counsel clients concerning emotional and practical problems.
• Identify clients’ needs for services and supports; develop alternate strategies for client support, when required.
• Act as a resource for staff regarding the provision of culturally respectful care.
• Establish effective working relationships with community-based agencies and health care providers who provide services for Indigenous clients and communities.
• Develop and maintain a list of relevant community referral services and Indigenous community-based agencies that may serve the HUB clients.
• Daily Documentation of client care activities.
• Perform other duties as requested.