Cultural Wellness Worker (1.0 FTE)

We are seeking an individual who is passionate about promoting health and wellness equity in the Downtown Eastside (DTES) to join our Cultural Wellness (CW) program. This program provides Elder-led cultural wellness care to new and existing members of the Kilala Lelum Health Centre and the Downtown Eastside community (DTES) through a culturally-safe, trauma-informed, member-centered, and harm reduction approach.

Job Summary:

The Cultural Wellness Worker (CWW) is an integral part of the Cultural Wellness team, working directly with the CW Manager, Elders and Knowledge Keepers, Outreach Workers, and KL’s community partners. The CW program employs a spectrum of in-clinic (group and 1:1), outreach, and virtual approaches to connect our members, staff, and community members with culture-based health and wellness supports.

The Cultural Wellness Worker (CWW) performs a combination of duties to deliver cultural wellness care, including: building relationships and supporting members’ access to care through community outreach; acting as an Elders’ + Knowledge Keepers’ assistant; and facilitating outings and events. The CWW also performs a range of logistical support (ex: food preparation, preparing and caring for medicines and cultural materials) and some basic administrative and communication duties (ex: data entry, program support).

Responsibilities:

Establish relationships with new and existing Kilala Lelum members and the broader DTES community to provide culturally safe, kind, and empathetic support.
Provide care, support, and assistance to our circle of Elders and Knowledge Keepers by building safe and trusting relationships and ensuring their wellness is taken care of in their work for Kilala Lelum. Follow cultural practices and protocols related to caring for Elders and Knowledge Keepers and assist their work through a humble and respectful practice.
On designated days, act as the Elders’ and Knowledge Keepers’ assistant (main point-person and support) in their provision of group Cultural Wellness services. Build relationships with each Elder to determine what types of supports and assistance works best for them, including: greeting them when they arrive onsite; preparing and providing for them in terms of food/drinks, cultural materials, and medicines; arranging logistics for their groups (including video conferencing and room set up); and attending groups to provide support and follow-up debriefing.
Assist with the planning, organization, and delivery of Cultural Wellness outings and events and virtual initiatives (ex: land-based teachings, medicine harvesting, community gatherings, and ceremonies); facilitate or co-facilitate CW events as needed.
Perform outreach and engagement for the Cultural Wellness program by facilitating cultural activities and information-sharing in partner programs; provide 1:1 accompaniment and relationship-building services to new and existing members.
Work with Medical Office Assistants (MOAs) and the Cultural Wellness Manager to assist Elders and Knowledge Keepers with 1:1 appointments, documentation using the clinic EMR, and making referrals and follow-up appointments.
Collect and maintain program data for monitoring and evaluation and assist with progress reports as per agreements with funders.
Manage and operate program equipment (including digital devices) and maintain clinical, cultural, and non-clinical materials and supplies.
Distribute harm reduction and other supplies (food, socks, etc.); support with referrals and connections to other community services and supports.
Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with other Indigenous health and social services partner organizations, local First Nations, and wider Indigenous communities.

Qualifications & Skills:

Familiarity working with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers and knowledge of cultural protocols and Indigenous approaches to wellness.
Minimum of a Post-Secondary Diploma or equivalent, with preference for social services, community health, or Indigenous studies. Equivalent learning experiences, especially in cultural spaces and relationships, considered and encouraged. Please explain in your Cover Letter how your education or learning background has prepared you for this role.
Minimum of one year of work experience in a health or social service environment (ex: health centre, outreach, housing, community services) that serves Indigenous community members and/or communities with multiple barriers to health and wellness equity.
Desire to work with the residents of the Downtown Eastside (DTES) and bring cultural wellness services to people with multiple barriers to health and wellness equity, including ongoing substance use.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and to maintain good working relationships within the team and with community partners.
Training and ability to manage aggressive behaviour and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioural management techniques. Experience working with people with mental health and substance use an asset.
Excellent organizational skills and time management.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Good computer skills with strong willingness to learn, including word processing, email, social media communication, posters, video conferencing, spreadsheets, and/or Electronic Medical Records (EMR).
Demonstrated commitment to culturally-safe, trauma-informed, member-centered, harm reduction and recovery-oriented practices.
Experience and knowledge of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous culture would be extremely beneficial. Completion of a cultural competency course or willingness to participate required.

Working Conditions:

Administrative and preparation work will be performed at the Kilala Lelum Health Centre (626 Powell Street), with outreach services performed in and around the Downtown Eastside community. Working schedule is generally eight hour shifts on weekdays from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM with some evening and/or weekend shifts for outings and events (approximately 1 per month) based on programming needs.

Supervision Provided:

This position is supervised by the Cultural Wellness Manager and will receive support and mentorship from the Cultural Wellness team, the Administrative Lead, the Primary Care Co-Leads, and the Indigenous Health Lead.

Additional Information:

Successful candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check.
Competitive salary and extended health benefits for qualifying staff.
Kilala Lelum Health Centre is committed to equity and diversity, and we encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or membership or self-identification as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

To Apply:

Please send a resume and cover letter by Thursday, November 12, 2020 to lauren.leslie@uihhc.ca. Your cover letter should clearly articulate why you are interested in this role and working with Kilala Lelum, how your background is a good fit for this specific role and our organization, and your current availability and desired schedule (willing to offer less than full-time for the right candidate). Incomplete applications will not be considered.