Indigenous Wellness Navigator

at  Woods Homes

Wood’s Homes is a not-for-profit mental health centre based in Calgary, with locations across Alberta. Our mission is to build good mental health and well-being so everyone can thrive in their community. Are you a passionate and dedicated individual interested in making a difference in the lives of children, young people and families? Are you committed to cultivating an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates diverse voices at every level? Then we want you to join the Wood’s Homes team.
Wood’s Homes is searching for up to three (3) full-time Indigenous Wellness Navigators - Youth and Family Counsellors to join our Community Group Care, Therapeutic Campus-Based Care (TCBC), and Therapeutic Foster Care/Foster Care teams.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Cultural Knowledge and Lived Experience

• Has lived experience and self-identifies as an Indigenous person as guided by the constitution of Canada.
• Has cultural knowledge of many different nations and has (or acquires) the appropriate rites and permissions to share and use teachings that will benefit the clients we serve.
• Appreciates the cultural differences between Nations and promotes good relations within multiple communities.
• Comfortable speaking in front of people and sharing positive messages and benefits of connecting to culture.
• Has ability to connect and support Elders, Knowledge Keepers during ceremonies, and other cultural related engagements.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Diploma/Undergraduate Degree in Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Nursing, and other relevant Social Sciences (e.g., Psychology) and a minimum of two (2) years related experience.
• Extensive Indigenous Cultural and Ceremonial Practice Knowledge may be considered in lieu of post-secondary educational requirements.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Must have a class 5 driver’s license and own transportation.
• Criminal Record Check and Intervention Record Check required upon hire.
  Why choose us. We are committed to a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We empower and are advocates for our employees by welcoming, respecting and valuing their unique perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. At Wood’s Homes we embrace each other’s differences and strive to learn and grow from them. Should you need accommodation during the interview please inform your contact prior to the interview and let them know what you require. We offer competitive pay, great health and pension benefits, and a supportive and inclusive workplace environment with plenty of opportunities for professional growth. Bring your unique strengths, skills and passion to Wood’s Homes. Please visit us at www.woodshomes.ca for complete information about and our organization.
  We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those moving forward in the selection process will be contacted

File Maintenance and Research (Practice-based Knowledge)

• Supports the co-creation of Individual Case plans within the admission and assessment phase for all Indigenous children and youth through the review and completion of relevant Indigenous assessment and discussion materials.
• Complies with record-keeping and file management policies and protocols.
• Participates actively in supervisory meetings, agency team meetings, retreats, planning sessions, and designated in-service training.
• Coordination with programs and management in planning travel outside of the city limits.
• Communicates regularly with staff teams and supervisor in-person and remotely regarding daily tasks and objective completion.
• Ensures documentation of practice-based knowledge (written, story-gathering, photos and narrative creation of culture practice) through different mediums, including electronic; prepares documentation for annual funding report

ROLE SUMMARY:

Ensures the facilitation and support of quality Indigenous practices for children, families, and communities that are safe, developmentally appropriate, clinically relevant, and culturally sensitive.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Cultural, Clinical, and Milieu Support

• Has Indigenous cultural knowledge and experience that helps to support the healing journeys of children, families, and communities.
• Exercises sound judgement when sharing cultural practices and ensures they are relevant to the therapeutic goals of the client/family that are co-created with the clinical team.
• Appropriately manages the cultural offerings needed and can speak/teach to their relevance.
• Champions and prioritizes the communication of cultural ceremonial aspects agency wide.
• Attends Individual Case Plan meetings for review and progress updates.
• Works effectively with clinical and other front-line staff members to provide a culturally responsible therapeutic milieu.
• Supports the development and presentation of agency wide trainings and teachings.

File Maintenance and Research (Practice-based Knowledge)

• Supports the co-creation of Individual Case plans within the admission and assessment phase for all Indigenous children and youth through the review and completion of relevant Indigenous assessment and discussion materials.
• Complies with record-keeping and file management policies and protocols.
• Participates actively in supervisory meetings, agency team meetings, retreats, planning sessions, and designated in-service training.
• Coordination with programs and management in planning travel outside of the city limits.
• Communicates regularly with staff teams and supervisor in-person and remotely regarding daily tasks and objective completion.
• Ensures documentation of practice-based knowledge (written, story-gathering, photos and narrative creation of culture practice) through different mediums, including electronic; prepares documentation for annual funding report.

Cultural Leadership, Elder/Ceremony Support, Community Coordination

• Identifies appropriate cultural protocol to engage with community, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers before engagement begins and effectively communicates and teaches protocol to staff members.
• Co-facilitates large group teachings and presentations.
• Models appropriate dress code and professional presentation within the workplace and appropriate to engagement with Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
• Is an effective, mature, culturally connected, and appropriate role model for each client in support of their growth and healing journey.
• Maintains consistent and professional communication with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, staff, clients, and other stakeholders.
• Explores cultural connections available to children and families involved with Children and Family Services.
• Compiles a list of cultural connection opportunities both prior and during the initial admission meeting (based on the client’s history and referral documentation) and ensures family and/or guardian consent.
• Oversees the coordination of cultural connections to caregivers, family members, communities, and other applicable stakeholders.
• Evaluates and helps determine the possibility of cultural integration with additional Wood’s Homes positions.

Cultural System Oversight & Communication

• Creates awareness and cultural engagement opportunities amongst stakeholders and facilitates active attendance and participation through coordination and collaboration with program staff.