Who We Are

The Mikisew Cree First Nation (Mikisew) has lived on the ancestral lands of the Athabasca Delta and Wood Buffalo National Park in northeastern Alberta since time immemorial. The lives of our members are linked to the land and to a close understanding of traditions, history and a natural way of life. Many of our members live in the hamlet of Fort Chipewyan, and our traditional lands range over a large portion of Athabasca oil sands deposits.

Who You Are

Mikisew is currently seeking a dedicated Early Childhood Learning and Development Support Worker based in Fort Chipewyan. The Early Childhood Learning and Development Support Worker will report to the Wellness Manager and primarily be responsible for assisting with the design, development and facilitation of Indigenous-focused, culturally safe early years drop-in parent/caregiver participation program and outreach to support Mikisew Cree First Nations children aged 0-6.

This position is in Fort Chipewyan but a hybrid model of working remoting from Fort McMurray with frequent travel weekly to the community will be considered.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Incorporate and coordinate activity-based programming for the different stages of a childs developmental growth including socio-emotional and cognitive development and inclusion for children who require additional support.
• Deliver culturally safe, wholistic early years drop-in and outreach programming
• Provide involvement of Indigenous Elders/Knowledge Keepers to honor the teachings of our ancestors, incorporate traditional storytelling, culture, values, practices, Cree language, foods and child development activities into the program.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of community-based early childcare educators, health and service providers, community organizations, agencies and at the municipality, provincial and federal level.
• Prepare and submit annual work plans/budgets and manage program according to funding terms and conditions.
• Assist with program evaluation and quality improvements, continue researching the best practices in the early years field.
  
• Participate in Health Department Team meetings.
• Other duties as required.
  

Qualifications

• Education in Early Childhood Development diploma, Social services diploma or a related field, or an acceptable combination of education, training and professional experience.
• Must have a valid First Aid and Infant CPR certification (or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment).
• Must obtain Satisfactory current Criminal Record, Vulnerable Sector and Child Intervention Record Checks. (or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment).
  
• Must have a valid Food Safe certificate (or ability to obtain within 90 days of employment).
• Valid provincial class 5 drivers license, and clean drivers abstract required.
• 1 or more years experience working with families and children aged 0 6.
• Working knowledge of Early Childhood Development and assessment tools.
  
• Understanding about child development and the impact of disability and delay on growth and development.
• Understanding and knowledge of Indigenous culture, traditions, and social determinants of health.
• Knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canadas Call to Action #12.

Other Requirements

• Ability to organize time, set priorities and multi-task to meet various timelines.
• Ability to work in a team environment with children, youth and families, and other professionals.
• Ability to be self-motivated, work well independently and be an active team member.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, Teams and virtual meeting platforms.
• Possess exceptional judgement and always maintain high confidentiality in all interactions.
• Must be reliable and be prepared to work irregular hours depending on job demands.
• Previous related experience is considered a definite asset.
• The ability to speak Cree is an asset.
• Direct experience working with Mikisew Cree First Nation and in Fort Chipewyan is an asset.
• Willing and able to work a flexible schedule and some overtime.
• Comply with WCB health and safety standards to maintain a healthy and safe environment, COVID-19 safety plan and willing to participate on Health and Safety Committee.
• Willingness to participate in continuing education training.
• Must sign Oath of Confidentiality form.

Position is open until a suitable candidate is found. All applications will be reviewed, although only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Mikisew Cree First Nation is committed to equal opportunity employment and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Final candidates for this position will be required to complete a security screening, which includes a criminal background check.

Kinanskomitin (Thank you) for your interest.