* JOB POSTING *
Position: INDIGENOUS SOCIAL PLANNER
Department: Indigenous-led Mobile Healthcare Clinic
Site: Aboriginal Health & Wellness Centre of Winnipeg, Inc. (AHWC) in the Neeginan Centre
Address: 181 Higgins Avenue
Reports to: Director of the Mobile Healthcare Clinic
Status: 1.0 FTE (Flexible to hire 2 staff to work 3-4 days/week)
Hours of Operation: 11AM-7PM Tuesday – Friday; Saturday’s 9AM-4:30PM
Union: Term Contract (Non-unionized position)
Range Salary: $27.22, $27.76, $28.32, $28.89, $29.46/hour
Date: Immediately – March 31, 2024 (with the possibility of extension)
JOB OVERVIEW
The Mobile Healthcare Clinic offers a point of access into the health system specifically for vulnerable and unsheltered community members, who otherwise experience inequitable healthcare access. Travelling and parking near encampments, shelters, and bridges where the need is greatest, offering immediate and ongoing primary care treatment and prevention, is the purpose of the mobile clinic.
The Indigenous Social Planner will include a driven person, capable of planning, coordinating, and facilitating access to cultural events, workshops, and groups for community members who otherwise may not know how to connect to such cultural events. This role emphasizes the use of social media and community organizational integration.
Drawing from AHWC’s mission statement and values, the Indigenous Social Planner will work as a member of a diverse, inter-professional team. They will be a welcoming, kind, and compassionate person for community members when they visit the Indigenous-led Mobile Healthcare Clinic to access supports during their healing journey. The Indigenous Social Planner should demonstrate an understanding of and respect for the histories, traditions, and cultures of Indigenous peoples, inclusive of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Communities and Nations, including an understanding of the importance of decolonizing healthcare systems and spaces.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
• Welcomes and supports all Indigenous - First Nation, Inuit, and Métis – and non-Indigenous community members entering AHWC / Mobile Healthcare Clinic, including people who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and persons who live with disabilities; sees to their immediate comfort
• Builds cultural foundation (i.e., database) for agency that includes where to access cultural supports and resources in Winnipeg and/or broader community
• Nurtures a judgement-free, shame-free environment, focused on harm-reduction and the journey of healing that the individual has defined for themselves
• Emphasizes culturally sensitive, culturally relevant, person-centered care
• Delivers safe practices in accordance with: AHWC’s program standards, policy and procedural operations, and organizational values; Mobile Healthcare Clinic’s program standards; Regional Health and Provincial protocols
• Possesses exceptional networking skills and is able to build strong relationships with community partner organizations, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers
• Coordinates all aspects of the planning of functions, projects, events, and schedules to meet the needs of community members seeking cultural connections
• Connects to social media pages, websites, and forums to follow, gather, and be aware of cultural activities, events, and ceremonies happening in the city of Winnipeg and surrounding areas, with attention to those embodying harm reduction principles
• Promotes traditional medicines
• Follows-up where needed with community members seeking culturally relevant resources
• Coordinates Elder Council Meetings for Kookum’s Circles
• Delivers cultural workshops and/or invites guest speakers/Elders/Knowledge Keepers to share
• Serves bannock and tea, when applicable
• Engages with community members to identify their specific cultural and/or ceremonial needs
• Gives community members hope and encouragement
• Assists in response to emergencies by being familiar with the fire plan, emergency procedures, safety protocols, and location of emergency equipment, etc.
• Responds to emergency codes as per procedures
• Works in collaboration with Director of the Mobile Healthcare Clinic and reports operational issues as advised
• Attends staff meetings as required
• Responsible for initiating cultural staff meetings for agency leadership, Cultural Advisors, etc.
• Meets with Director as required
• Possesses knowledge of social issues such as poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, substance use, mental health/illness, racism, and other challenges faced by Indigenous populations in Winnipeg
• Completes other duties that may be assigned (be a ‘Helper’) when required as part of the Mobile Healthcare Clinic team, not exceeding stated skills and capabilities
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
• Strong computer skills, including navigating and utilizing social media
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong event planning skills
• Well-developed skills in the preparation of presentations and teaching sessions
• Ability to prioritize workload and deal with multiple demands
• Exceptional organizational skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to work collaboratively with professionals in a team-oriented environment
• Possess strong de-escalation and conflict resolution skills
• Must be able to function effectively in a fast-moving environment with frequent interruptions
DECISION MAKING
• Ability to distinguish between circumstances in which decisions can be made independently and those where consultation is needed
• Ability to determine the best recommendations to make when approached for advice or resources
• Decisions regarding how to obtain information, referrals, cultural knowledge to make informed recommendations when necessary
QUALIFICATIONS
• Completion of a recognized university degree, community college diploma program, or other related discipline
• 3-5 years or more of experience working in an Indigenous community providing cultural or similar traditional services
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience deemed acceptable by AHWC
• Knowledge of traditional Indigenous cultures, ceremonial practices, protocols, and songs
• Cognizant and respectful of the diversity of Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions
• Familiarity with an Indigenous language (preferred)
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB
• Days, evenings, and weekend shifts
• Must be able to function effectively in a fast-moving environment with frequent interruptions
• Must be able to lift up to 30lbs daily
• Must be able to walk up to 5K-7K steps per day and stand for 50 percent of the time
• Should have good coping skills and stress management
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
• Class 5 license (preferred)
All positions are subject to Criminal Record and Child Abuse Registry checks. Applicants may be required to undergo testing to determine the knowledge, skill, and ability required for position.
AHWC is committed to equity and inclusion and is on an earnest journey to increase responsiveness to Indigenous peoples by promoting a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from Indigenous persons, those with personal and/or familial lived experience, and members of equity-seeking groups. Qualified applicants are encouraged to self-declare in their application.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: June 17, 2024, or when position is filled
Please submit cover letter, resume, and three work related references to:
Laiza at lpacheco@ahwc.ca