Four (4)

Wellness Workers

RHSW/IDS/MMIWG

Full-Time Position(s)

For the following regions:

Fraser-Salish

Vancouver Coastal

Northern

Interior

• Attend community events, claim settlements, and court hearings as required.
• Provide counselling, mental health and emotional support services to former Indian Residential School (IRS) students (as well as Intergenerational Survivors and/or access to trained professionals. Wellness Workers are proficient in in assisting clients to develop and implement Wellness Plans, Community Safety Nets, and Resource Lists.
• Wellness Workers provide support at Reconciliation events and commemorative activities (i.e. NCTR, FPWC, UBC IRS H&D Centre, FNHA, etc).
• Work with the after-hours/crisis response team (and on-call resources such as IRSSS therapists, crisis line workers and traditional healers) to provide crisis response.
• Coordinate and/or refer to Support Services. Do intakes, assessments and, when required, refer former IRS schools students and their family members to professional counselling services and/or elders.
• Provide referrals to other front line healing programs, wellness programs, community workers when appropriate (Workshops, NNADAP, Treatment Centres, etc.).
• Facilitate Healing/Wellness and other Mental Health workshops as applicable.
• Assist with community events and service requests assigned and approved.
• Build relationships with all First Nations health and wellness stakeholders to raise awareness of available services to former IRS students and their families.
• Build networks and relationships with First Nations and other groups in the general public at the community level, while prompting awareness of IRSSS programs and IRS issues. Provide on-going assistance and information to communities and groups regarding support programs and issues.
• Provide monthly and quarterly program activity reports, daily and weekly schedule updates, event reports, as well as travel claims and reimbursement submissions as necessary.
• Maintain individual records of clients, including services provided ensuring that these records are safely locked and stored to ensure their confidentiality.
• Develop a monthly and quarterly work plan.
• Prepare personal wellness plan, recognize strengths, and identify areas that need to be improved; attend conferences and training workshops to enhance knowledge and personal capabilities.
• Duties will vary according to scheduling and priorities.
• Attend community events, claim settlements, and court hearings as required.
• Wellness Coordinators provide support at Reconciliation events and commemorative activities (i.e. NCTR, FPWC, UBC IRS H&D Centre, FNHA, etc).

• The Incumbent would have a minimum of 3 years counseling experience with Indigenous clients with extensive experience with First Nations clients.
• BA in the Social Sciences from a recognized university or equivalent education and years of experience.
• Extensive working knowledge of the history and impacts of the Indian Residential School system in Canada and effective methods for working with survivors, intergenerational survivors, and their families.
• Working knowledge of the impacts and issues surrounding Indian Day Schools, Indian Hospitals, Indian Day Scholars, the 60’s Scoop, Indian Boarding Homes, MMIWG2S+ (Missing Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people), and other oppressive institutional experiences that have affected First Nations peoples in Canada.
• Valid BC Driver’s License and Must Own Vehicle and Have Ability to Travel to remote areas.
• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to deal with individuals in a manner that shows cultural sensitivity, tact and professionalism, and demonstrates personal and professional boundaries.
• Basic computer skills and knowledge of MS Windows, MS Teams, MS Outlook, MS Office, Adobe Acrobat, and Internet Browsers.
• Knowledge of Indigenous Culture is mandatory.
• Must undergo a Criminal Record Check.
• Be double vaccinated.
• Extensive travel will be required by air or vehicle to many communities in BC.
• Demonstrate a wellness lifestyle and self-care plan.
• Ability to manage fluctuating workloads effectively, efficiently and independently, (including adjustments in work schedules).
• Respectfully represent the image and reputation of IRSSS, in-person, online, by phone, and in writing.
• Be organized, have good time management skills and record keeping abilities.
• Maintain strong and respectful relationships with colleagues, children, youth, caregivers, birth family members, community partners, and allies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and proven ability to establish rapport with people of all educational and occupational backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain a healthy working relationship with staff, community representatives/members and representatives of other organizations. Including collaboration with other IRSSS programs and staff as required.
• Maintain the confidentiality guidelines of all records, materials and communications concerning clients, staff and IRSSS.

• Competitive base salary and full benefits, including dental, health, disability, and life insurance.
• 8 annual personal wellness days and 3 annual cultural days to honor your well-being and heritage.
• Retirement savings matching, supporting your financial well-being.
• Flexible work arrangements, with the opportunity to travel throughout the province.
• The opportunity to be part of a purpose-driven organization making a difference in the lives of Indigenous people.