Lutheran Community Care Job Board
Cultural Wellness Worker (MIT)
Description
Job Class: Direct Support Worker (Union)
Job Title: Cultural Wellness Worker (CWW)
Position Summary:
The Cultural Wellness Worker engages with at-risk and vulnerable Indigenous young adults with mental health concerns and a developmental disability. The Cultural Wellness Worker uses culturally grounded approaches and direct hands-on engagement to promote life skills development and navigate the challenges of independent life. Life skills training and support covers three broad categories:
1) Core or basic skills (i.e., personal hygiene, health & wellness, numeracy, literacy);
2) Independent living skills (i.e., managing a household, budgeting, booking and attending appointments, dealing with correspondence); and,
3) Social skills (i.e., interpersonal skills, managing disagreements or disputes, developing self-confidence, and build social networks).
The position provides flexible, mobile and responsive support and engages with people whenever the need arises, whatever their situation, wherever they are in community, and wherever they are within the continuum of service.
The Cultural Wellness Worker networks with the Indigenous community and other service partners to provide opportunities for traditional practices and healing, life skill development for independent living, support positive community connections, and inspire people to build relationships that will improve their overall mental health and wellness.
Responsibilities:
A. Culturally Grounded Support
· Foster cross-cultural awareness within the organization, community, and with people engaging in service.
· Establish purposeful relationships and networks with local Indigenous, community, groups and service providers.
· Ensure that individuals are aware of the cultural resources available to maintain their identities and practices.
· Help individuals explore opportunities for traditional healing that focuses on the connection with family, community, spirituality and nature. Connect individuals with traditional healing resources such as engaging with Elders, ceremonies, songs, stories, dances and prayers, land-based and peer-based activities, healing circles, talking circles, and other traditional medicines and methods.
· Maintain a strong knowledge and awareness of Indigenous culture and history.
· Maintain knowledge of developmental disabilities, mental health and associated community resources/services available to Indigenous young adults with mental health concerns.
B. Life Skills Training and Support
· Using a flexible and proactive approach, provide direct hands-on assistance to teach individuals the skills necessary to achieve their personal goals.
· Plan and implement activities to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs of Indigenous young adults with mental health concerns. Activities may include healthy peer interactions, one-to-one support or group facilitation.
· Identify needs and trends for life skills training opportunities.
· Promote interdependence which leads to self-reliance and sustainability.
· Encourage adaptability and resourcefulness to assist people with accessing community services relevant to their situation.
· Create resources and tools that could assist people with learning.
· Create opportunities for learning that are inclusive, involve people supported and other service sectors.
· Help people identify their life skills training goal. Ensure goals are specific, measurable, attainable, and relevant to the person. Track and record progress to achieving goals.
C. Community Capacity Development & Networking
· Develop partnerships with Indigenous and mental health groups and services with the goal of improving inclusion, increasing community capacity, decreasing barriers, and providing more opportunities for Indigenous young adults with complex multi-sector needs.
· Create and facilitate cultural community events and projects in support of cross-sector collaboration.
· Assist individuals to navigate community resources and facilitate formal and informal introductions or referrals.
B. Communication
· Communicate securely and confidentially with people receiving service, including their networks of support.
· Communication with people receiving service will be clear, appropriate, respectful considering the goals, limitations, and boundaries of the helping relationship.
· Maintain excellent daily communication with team members and Supervisor.
· Respond to phone calls, messages, and emails in a timely manner.
D. Documentation and Data Collection
· Collect and track data that will be used to develop material for presentations and general education.
· Maintain up-to-date required program documentation and record daily interaction with individuals in service using a client information database.
E. Team Work
· Cultivate a team environment that is flexible and responsive.
· Develop and maintain a supportive working relationship with other LCC program staff and the community.
· Contribute to the vision, goals and objectives of LCC programs and services.
· Identify trends, improvements and best practices in an effort to better meet the needs of adults with a developmental disability.
· Provide support and training to all new members of the team.
Expectations:
The expectations of the responsibilities for this position are contained in the CWW personal tactical plan.
The Cultural Wellness Worker is also expected to adhere to the following standards:
- Maintain current and concise records of all interactions with clients.
- Participate in the statistical collection of data or the completion of forms as it pertains to the services being provided.
- Attend regularly scheduled meetings with the MIT Supervisor.
- In co-operation with other staff, maintain security of all confidential information – written and verbal.
- Be respectful of and contribute to the promotion of the philosophy, aims and objectives of Lutheran Community Care to the community at large.
- Model and share the organization’s values and the values of affirmation, involvement and servant leadership.
- Co-operate with other service providers in order to enhance service delivery to individuals and families.
· Attend training, conference, seminars and workshops related to professional development goals and learning deeds identified by the Program Supervisor.
Qualifications:
Post-secondary degree/diploma in an acceptable Human Service discipline such as Social Work, Social Services, Child and Youth, Indigenous Studies, Mental Health, or a combination of education and experience, is required. A genuine respect for and knowledge of Indigenous culture, traditions, and community is required. Excellent communication skills and the ability to manage conflict and crisis situations are required. Demonstrated ability to relate to young adults with a developmental disability and severe mental health concerns is required. Familiarity with other community sectors and services and a demonstrated aptitude for broad exploration of new and unique means of attaining goals is required. Ability to initiate the helping process with a wide variety of individuals, work co-operatively and effectively with other professionals, and organize self to respond to high work demands is required. Intermediate knowledge of personal computer operation including word processing, data entry, and file management is required. Excellent written, verbal communication, and conflict resolution skills are required. Preference will be given to people who can write or speak Ojibwe or Oji-Cree. Ability to speak French will be considered an asset.
Conditions of Employment:
Successful completion of Police Records Check – Vulnerable Sector screening, Physical Examination report, Conflict of Interest declaration and Oath of Confidentiality is required. A valid driver's license, use of a vehicle and appropriate insurance coverage is required.
Remuneration:
$33.01 – $35.89 per hour dependent on experience
Compensation
$33.04 - $35.89 per hour