Cultural Support Worker - Edmonton, Canada - Bissell Centre

Bissell Centre

Verified Company

Edmonton, Canada

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

ABOUT US

Through the vision to eliminate poverty in our community and guided by a passionate concern for the dignity and well-being of each individual, Bissell Centre's work is based on building relationships, hope and trust.

Our mission is to work with others to empower people to move from poverty to cultural, social, and economic prosperity.

We empower people to meet their own basic daily needs, participate in community and have sustainable livelihoods, secure housing, feel hope for the future and make plans for a prosperous life.

By joining Bissell Centre, you will become part of a fast-paced and dedicated team that works together to realize our vision.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this role is to provide both direct and indirect supports to participants wishing to have a greater connection to Indigenous culture, language, and world view.

Through 1-on-1 conversations, group workshops, drop-in workshops, sharing circles, regular practice of Indigenous ceremony, and critical analysis of the Workforce Development curriculum, the Cultural Support Worker will ensure participants have the support they need to fully engage with their Indigeneity or explore aspects of Indigenous culture that will be helpful to their success in the program.

Duties and Responsibilities

In consultation with the Workforce Development Team Lead and Employment Services Manager, develop an engagement process that empowers participants, reflects Indigenous world view, and provides the tools and skills they need to better engage with Indigenous culture.
Provide guidance and assistance to participants based on their cultural and spiritual needs.
Promote cultural and spiritual development workshops internally and externally.
Engage participants in intentional and purposeful conversations that promote them exploring employment opportunities that align with their employment goals.
Support participants to meet their own immediate needs and resolve challenges in a sustainable manner
Refer participants to suitable support services as needed.
Support the development of priority initiatives for Bissell's Indigenous Engagement Strategy across the organization.
Attend Bissell Centre monthly Ingenious Engagement working group.
Follow a harm reduction model of care.

Facilitating Group Workshops

Develop a series of teachings and workshops on culture and spirituality for participants accessing the program.
Facilitate workshops as standalone sessions and modules that can be incorporated into the curriculum of the Workforce Development Skill Development program.
Facilitate smudge and sharing circles following Indigenous protocols to participants accessing the program.
Develop opportunities and support an environment where participants can build support networks.

Administration

Maintain a database of current and relevant cultural support services and resources
Enter detailed and accurate client data into appropriate databases

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills

Enthusiastic and dynamic presenting skills

Excellent time management with strong organizational and problem-solving skills

Self-motivated and results oriented.

Analytical and Decision-making skills.

Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook

Education and Experience

A Diploma or Degree in Native Studies (or equivalent) or other related field and a minimum of 1 year experience in a similar role. An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
An understanding of issues of poverty, homelessness, and Edmonton's urban core
An advanced knowledge of local Indigenous cultures, ceremonies and world view is required.
Sound working knowledge of TRC's Calls to Action
Working Knowledge of Indigenous languages would be an asset.
Familiar with landbased teachings and medicine
Facilitation experience will be considered an asset.
Lived experience will be considered an asset.

Personal Characteristics
The Cultural Support Worker should demonstrate competence in all of the following:

Behave Ethically:

_ Understand ethical behavior and organizational practices and ensure own behavior is consistent with these standards and aligns with the mission and core values of Bissell Centre.

Build Relationships:

_ Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.

Communicate Effectively:

_ Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.

Focus on

Participant Needs:

_ Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of participants and the community to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.

Foster Teamwork:
_ Foster, sustain and role model productive team management practices, and contribute to a positive te