PLEA Community Services is currently seeking an Excluded Full-Time Indigenous
Elder/Knowledge Keeper in Residence for our Folkstone-NWT team located in Abbotsford,
BC. The proposed start date for this position is as soon as possible.
The Indigenous Elder/Knowledge Keeper in Residence provides cultural
guidance and support to PLEAβs participants, caregivers, staff, volunteers, and
stakeholders. They will work closely with the Indigenous Matters Committee
coordinating and directing cultural services in order to develop and enhance
cultural practice for the agency.
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: Abbotsford, BC
Hours of Work: The usual hours of work in this position are
Monday to Thursday from 9:00AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday from 12:00PM to 8:00PM,
based on 37.5 working hours per week. The employee may be required to work
evenings and weekends when it is needed.
Minimum Requirements:
- Extensive knowledge of the history and culture
of First Nations Peoples of Canada
- Experience in a social services organization
developing and delivering cultural programs and services
- Demonstrated history of providing cultural
support and ceremonies
- Experience working with Indigenous people, organizations, and communities
- A reputation of being recognized, respected, and connected in the community as someone who has lived, experienced, and has a learned understanding of Indigenous worldviews and their traditional teachings that are a part of their daily practice
Who We Are:
PLEA is an accredited, not-for-profit, charitable community services
agency that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. We deliver high
quality, innovative services to children, youth, adults, and families facing
significant challenges in their lives. PLEA is an ally in reconciliation. The
organization is committed to providing culturally safe programs and continuing
to work towards breaking down the barriers that cause harm to Indigenous people
and communities.
What You Will Do:
- Develop and
maintain a plan which builds upon existing evaluations, reports, and promising
practices.
- Present
recommendations and guidance to the directors and management teams.
- Teach, educate,
and inspire staff and participants in First Nations culture, traditions, and
practices.
- Work
collaboratively with employees in the preparation of agency ceremonies and
events to ensure appropriate cultural protocols are in place.
- Participate in
and provide mentorship to the Indigenous Matters Committee. Utilize the
Indigenous Advisory to support the development of an agency cultural
framework.
- Support and
guide the development and training of cultural plans by consulting and acting
as a trainer to staff and volunteers.
- Represent PLEA
within the community at meetings, networking, and cultural events.
- Provide
ceremonial introductions at PLEA meetings and events.
- Liaise with all
programs supporting the development of cultural plans for First Nations participants.
Provide instruction to clients on cultural practices as assigned.
- Develop healthy
partnership relation with Indigenous providers, families, bands, and community
leaders.
- Support the
recruitment and retention of indigenous caregivers, staff, and volunteers within
PLEA.
- Develop and
deliver a cultural safety training for all staff persons, new hires, and caregivers.
What You Will Bring:
- Knowledge and
education in child welfare practices regionally and nationally.
- Widespread
knowledge in traditional and cultural Indigenous ceremonies and practices.
- Extensive
connections within the Indigenous communities.
- Exceptional
oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent
facilitation skills (talking circles, teachings, and ceremonies).
- Highly
effective problem solving and conflict resolution skills by practicing good
judgement while assessing difficult situations.
- Ability to
guide and support individuals in their desires and efforts to embrace
Indigenous values and traditions.
- Ability and
willingness to support both traditional and contemporary healing
practices.
- Ability to lead
others with the capacity to reflect, promote, and protect the culture and
integrity of the agency and the services provided.
PLEA Benefits and Perks:
All benefits/perks are effective on your first day. These include:
- Four (4) weeks of vacation annually.
- A comprehensive benefits package.
- A defined benefit pension plan.
- A physical activity fund.
- Training and development dollars.
- A number of agency-sponsored social events, including a summer barbeque, annual holiday party, and team days each year.
Additional Requirements:
- A valid Class 5
B.C. Driver's License and suitable driver's abstract.
- Access to a
personal vehicle for work-related travel. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland, the Fraser Valley and the Northwest Territories.
- Must possess a valid Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certificate or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.
- Satisfactory
Criminal Record Clearance.
- Documentation
that the applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.
- Our funding contracts require that successful
applicants are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their start
date.
Please submit a resume and cover letter referencing the competition number
2024040IEKK1. Closing date for Internal Applications: Friday, March
15, 2024 at 4:30PM. If the position is not filled internally, it will
remain open until filled.
Note: PLEA conducts primary source verification of applicant's
credentials including education, training, work history, and licensure.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those
shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.