Wellness Worker - RHSW/IDS/MMIWG

Wellness WorkersRHSW/IDS/MMIWGFull-Time Position(s)For the following regions:
Fraser-Salish - Chilliwack and Northern - Prince George As a health and wellness organization, the Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) a mandatory Communicable diseases policy for all employees at IRSSS. This policy requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against all Communicable diseases. If selected for employment, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination by providing a copy of your BC Vaccination Card Passport with the QR code.
JOB SUMMARYThe Wellness Worker (WW - RHSW/IDS/MMIWG) will provide or facilitate support services to former Indian Residential School (IRS) students and their family members. This may include emotional support, cultural support, and other types of short-term crisis support to Survivors, Intergenerational Survivors, and families in First Nations communities both rural and urban. The WC also provides presentation and workshop facilitation services on a variety of culturally safe and appropriate topics and practices. Travel throughout BC is a requirement of the WW positions.
KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 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.

We strongly encourage applications from and prioritize hiring people from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including applicants with lived experience, Indigenous people, racialized people and 2SLGBTQIA+ peoples. We encourage, though don’t require, applicants of these identities to indicate this on their cover letter. WHAT TO EXPECTTerm: Full-Time PositionOffice Locations: Chilliwack or Prince George – position involves extensive travel throughout the province of BC, in urban and rural communities.Salary: $60,000-$65,000 to start and dependent on skills and experience.Benefits: Annual Leave, Sick Leave, Wellness Days; after 90 days - Employer paid benefits plan and GIC matched savings.Status: Hybrid position – combination of office, workshop and travel daysDeadline: Until filled with a qualified candidate. We offer a great place to do your best work:We believe in providing a supportive and fulfilling work environment for our team members. As a Wellness Worker with the IRSSS, you can expect:

• 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.

Come work with us! If you are inspired by our mission and values and feel that you align with this role, we encourage you to take the first step towards making a positive impact and submit an application on the website link ‘Work For Us’ on www.irsss.ca If this opportunity isn't for you but you know someone who would be a perfect fit, please feel free to share this posting with them. We believe that great people recognize great people! We would love for our successful candidate to be of First Nations ancestry, but we are a proudly diverse organization and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply. In accordance with S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of aboriginal ancestry.