Cultural and Healing Services Specialist at The Link: Youth and Family Supports

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Northern Operations, the Cultural and Healing Services Specialist is responsible to support the cultural knowledge wellbeing of participants through grounded, respectful and relational practice. The role contributes to a wholistic approach to care that reflects First Nations ways of knowing and being while aligning with contemporary, inclusive and evidence-informed wellness principles. Working under the guidance of the Director and in collaboration with the Manager and Program Supervisors, the Cultural and Healing Services Specialist provides individual and group based support, facilitates wellness-focused activities, and assists in the integration of culturally grounded practices within the organization in a way that is inclusive, trauma aware and responsive to diverse lived experiences.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Director of Northern Operations, this position has the following duties and responsibilities:

Program Operation & Development

• Develop regular reviews and, when necessary, adjust healing plans for youth and young adults;
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure wellness support aligns with healing plans and organizational values;
• Assist with program coordination tasks such as scheduling, communication, resource preparation and documentation as required;
• Works in consultation with Program Supervisors to identify training needs of staff;
• Works collaboratively to ensure an effective participant transition plan is established and implemented;
• Provides consultation to identify proper support and appropriate plans to meet the individual needs of program participants, caregivers and significant others;
• Works collaboratively to support wellness-focused programming and activities;
• Support the delivery of individual and group wellness supports that promote emotional regulation and connection;
• Assists with the coordination and facilitation of group discussions and culturally grounded activities when requested;
• Support ceremonies, gatherings or community events ensuring respectful, inclusive and safe practice;
• Model healthy relationships accountability, emotional awareness, and respectful communication;
• Participate in ongoing learning, reflection, and organizational training related to wellness, culture and practice development;
• Establishes indigenous activity-based programming for the participants

Administration

• Assist in the development of the annual budget for the cultural program
• Ensure spending is within the approved budget
• Prepare reports and ensure that daily records are maintained and documented according to program guidelines

Community Liaison & Relation

• Liaise with the placing agency and other community resources as needed
• Co-ordinate inter-agency planning/meetings around the needs of the participants
• Always representing the program and the organization in a professional manner
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with neighbors, schools and community groups and organizations

Professional & Personal Development

• Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to increase knowledge of the field and to increase the skill level needed to continue meeting developing employment needs
• Become familiar with The Link philosophy, organization policies and program protocols

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant discipline
• Minimum of 3 years progressive leadership experience
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working within complex systems
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working within a child welfare setting
• Combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated knowledge of family and social challenges facing Indigenous children, youth and families, including intergenerational impacts
• Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous cultures and a broad-based knowledge of Indigenous healing modalities, practices and ceremonies
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of therapeutic needs of youth in residential care settings
• Ability to be an effective team player, and operate from a systemic framework
• Excellent organizational, leadership and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated proficiency working with Microsoft Office at an intermediate level
• A valid driver’s license
• Clear Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse Registry Check and Prior Contact Check

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of Indigenous cultures, languages and values; respectful and collaborative working relationships within indigenous communities and/or systems would be an asset.
• The ability to remain calm and focused on all times and making judgements based on facts and reason.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all staff and participants at The Link: Youth and Family Supports, and with the public.
• Working knowledge of leadership skills including communication, motivation and performance feedback.
• Ability to think logically under difficult situations or under pressure.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize job duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English – (verbally, reading, listening, and writing)
• Ability to understand and follow oral instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret documents.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team, with other community, and related organizations to achieve The Link’s goals and objectives.
• Writing and numeracy skills to satisfactorily record and maintain accurate data, correspond in writing via email or text; complete timesheets, incident reports, forms and other documents accurately as required; and calculate and complete expense claims as needed.
• Possess the capacity (ability) to be aware of and control one’s own emotions, maintain professional boundaries, and to handle interpersonal relationships respectfully, empathetically and professionally.
• Ability to participate in stand-by duty and report back to work if called.

Key Competencies

• Empowering others at every opportunity
• Being supportive of all staff, participants, and the community
• Resilience and Adaptability
• Organization and the ability to prioritize
• Detail oriented
• Empathy for all in all situations
• Motivation to keep everyone engaged
• Open to the thought, and opinions of others.
• Being honest and showing humility in all of our interactions
• Showing courage when faced with uncertainty
• An Awareness of our own strengths and weaknesses, the use of self-reflecting on a regular basis
• Able to give and receive constructive feedback

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Working in a variety of environments; offices, homes, and out in the community
• The ability to handle challenging situations with medium to high-risk individuals in some work environments.
• Satisfactory Child Abuse and Adult Abuse Registry Check, Prior Contact Check and Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.
• Valid Manitoba Driver’s Licence and satisfactory driving record.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification.

Physical, Visual And Auditory Requirements

• Ergonomic requirements may include pushing, pulling, crawling, lifting, and carrying objects, crouching, bending, standing, stooping, reaching, grasping, kneeling, climbing, balancing, walking, running, walking, reaching above shoulder, and twisting the body.
• Repetitive motions
• Standing or sitting for continuous periods of time.
• Speaking clearly in conversation or with instructions to a co-worker, supervisor, or customer.

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