Cultural Resource Coordinator

Thomas’ Circle of Care Inc.; Regina; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Thomas’ Circle of Care Inc. in Regina, Saskatchewan, seeks a Cultural Resource Coordinator to promote First Nations culture and support healing and reconciliation for children in care.

The role partners with the Director of Child Care Services and Managers to plan and deliver cultural activities, ceremonies, language restoration, and community events. You will educate staff on traditions, connect with Elders, organize celebrations, and maintain resources, while upholding confidentiality,

Qualifications

• Formal education not required; competence in First Nations culture/history required.
• CPR/First Aid certification required.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates healing and spirituality; performs smudging and ceremonies.
• Educates staff about cultural practices and ceremonies to support learning.
• Identifies cultural services and coordinates delivery with pre-approval.
• Educates children about traditional medicines and foods.
• Connects with Elders to conduct age-appropriate ceremonies.

Skills

Interviewing

Listening

Job description

The Cultural Resource Coordinator formally reports to the Director of Child Care Services Manager with additional direction provided by the Managers of Child Care Services. Responsibilities include coordinating and delivering activities and programs to promote cultural awareness, identify and traditional teachings while promoting healing and reconciliation for the children.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Facilitates healing and spirituality; performs smudging and other rituals or ceremonies.
• Talks, teaches, shares stories and learnings to help support First Nation children and families as well as other children and families in the care of TCOC.
• Educates staff members about cultural practices, ceremonies, protocol etc. to assist staff with understanding and learning.
• Identifies relevant and/or new cultural services/programs for the children; works with other team members to arrange and deliver these services and programs with pre-approval provided by the Manager or Director of Child Care Services.
• Educates children about traditional medicines, e.g. teachings, care for and use, storage, medicine bags, growing/picking, etc.
• Educates children about traditional food, e.g. teachings on health benefits, harvesting, growing, preparing, and storing.
• Talks with and assists family members who require emotional support, guidance, and life skills coaching, working closely with the Outreach Coordinator, House Leaders, and others in the organization.
• Promotes culture and language restoration; teaches traditional arts and crafting to children.
• Advocates for the children and their families/care givers.
• Connects with Elders and/or traditional resource people to conduct age-appropriate ceremonies related to the geographic areas and customs of the children; provides access to Elders and Traditional people.
• With pre-approval from the Director or Manager of Child Care Services, plans traditional dancing, singing, drumming, community and/or seasonal celebrations/feasts, traditional and social events in coordination and collaboration with the House Leaders.
• Acquires, maintains, and cares for education tools/resources, e.g. language resources, history books.
• Creates and maintains a traditional knowledge/Elder resource directory.
• Responds to requests for traditional-based counselling, action planning, and case conferencing; provides cultural insight and support in the development of protocols and agreements; acts as a resource person at training sessions, meetings, etc. to ensure information on culture, needs, concerns, and aspirations of First Nation children and families are expressed.
• Identifies opportunities to partner with Indigenous (e.g. All Nations Hope Network) and non-Indigenous community service organizations on behalf of the children and their needs.
• Models behavior that serves as an example of positive cultural values, attitudes, beliefs, and actions.
• Creates/maintains documentation in support of good program management, evaluations, and deliverables; provides reports and statistical information as required.
• Participates in required training as directed by the organization; keeps current on relevant legislation and policy changes.
• Ensures internal policies, protocols, and procedures are followed and incorporated into daily work practices.
• Maintains confidentiality and privacy of child/family information and models the Seven Sacred Teachings and values of the organization.
• Performs other related responsibilities as required.

Qualifications:

Formal Education –

The individual in this role does not require formal post-secondary education; however, competence within the First Nations’ culture and history is required.

Certifications/Training/Associations –

CPR/First Aid is required. Individuals must attend role-specific required training upon commencement.

Licenses –

A valid driver’s license is necessary as well as the use of a reliable vehicle.

Experience –

Successful experience working with children of all ages who have unique backgrounds/special needs.

Experience working with urban First Nations children and families in a healing and reconciliation capacity.

Knowledge –

Knowledge and awareness of First Nations culture and history. Additional knowledge of other cultures and histories is an asset.

Knowledge of causes of trauma, behavioral issues specific to children, underlying causes, and how to respond effectively.

Knowledge of First Nations language(s) is an asset.

Knowledge of addictions, underlying issues and impact, as well as services to assist.

Skills –

Interviewing and listening skills, with the ability to provide guidance and counsel.

Attributes:

• Interpersonal – (is personable and approachable; listens well to others; has empathy and understanding for a situation; can establish and maintain excellent partnerships and relationships with individuals and the community; manages emotions well; demonstrates respect for diversity and inclusion and is nonjudgmental of others’ background or situation).
• Initiative (is self-motivated, takes responsibility to act without being directed – does not wait for others to delegate work; identifies opportunities to improve processes or procedures).
• Development Focused (provides families with support and assists them in developing life skills; develops children; teaches/guides children to develop and appreciate culture and history, socialization, sharing, communication, creativity, etc.).
• Problem Solving – (can resolve problems independently by using sound judgment and good decision-making; determines what to do in the moment; calms the situation effectively).
• Safety Minded (ensures safety and health-related procedures are followed; ensures the safe handling and storage of plants, berries, food, medications, etc.).
• Patience and Understanding (is patient and understanding of the child or family member’s healing journey, the power of prayer and spiritual development/guidance, and Indigenous teachings including the Seven Sacred Teachings).
• Teamwork (offers to help/assist the team; willingly shares information with the team and participates in group activities and provides support to ensure the success of the entire team).
• Flexibility (is adaptable and can work flexible hours, switch gears as necessary, and work with a variety of situations).
• Professional Attributes (understands and demonstrates the values of the organization; respects confidentiality and privacy of information).

Working Conditions:

• Physical demands include sitting and standing for long periods of time; lifting up to 30 lbs and bending, pushing, pulling, gripping, reaching, kneeling, crouching, walking, sitting, standing, and climbing.
• Physical and emotional stamina – may be exposed to stressful family dynamics.
• Responds to on-call requests and works irregular hours as required; however, accumulated hours are no more than 80 hours every two weeks.
• Works indoors and outdoors in all seasons; periodic noise.
• Listening demands for long periods of time.

Additional Notes:

• Employment is conditional upon a positive outcome from a criminal and vulnerable background check
• Verification of education is requiredReference checking will be conducted