Wellness Worker

Work With Us; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

A health and wellness organization seeks a Wellness Worker to provide support services to former Indian Residential School students and their families. The role involves emotional and cultural support, crisis response, and community engagement. Candidates should have a BA in Social Sciences and at least 3 years of relevant experience. A supportive work environment with competitive salary and benefits is offered.

Benefits

Annual leave

Sick leave

Wellness days

Employer-paid benefits after 90 days

GIC matched savings

Flexible work arrangements

Cultural days

Retirement savings matching

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years counseling experience with Indigenous clients.
• Extensive knowledge of the Indian Residential School system.
• Valid BC Driver’s License and ability to travel.

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling and emotional support services to IRS students.
• Facilitate workshops on culturally safe topics.
• Maintain confidential client records and prepare reports.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal

Organizational

Record-keeping

Cultural sensitivity

Education

BA in Social Sciences

Tools

Microsoft Publisher

Job description

For the FraserSalish Region and Vancouver Coastal Region

Full-Time Position

The Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) is a health and wellness organization that has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for all employees. This policy requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If selected for employment, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination by submitting a copy of your BC Vaccination Card Passport with the QR code.

JOB SUMMARY

The Wellness Worker will provide or facilitate support services to former Indian Residential School (IRS) students and their family members. This includes emotional and cultural support, short-term crisis support to Survivors, Intergenerational Survivors, and families in First Nations communities, both rural and urban. The WC also facilitates presentations and workshops on culturally safe topics and practices.

KEY ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Attend community events, claim settlements, and court hearings as required.
2. Provide counselling, mental health, and emotional support services to IRS students, Intergenerational Survivors, or refer to trained professionals. Assist clients in developing Wellness Plans, Community Safety Nets, and Resource Lists.
3. Support at Reconciliation events and commemorative activities (e.g., NCTR, FPWC, UBC IRS H&D Centre, FNHA).
4. Work with the after-hours/crisis response team and on-call resources such as therapists, crisis line workers, and traditional healers to provide crisis response.
5. Coordinate and/or refer to Support Services, conduct intakes and assessments, and refer clients to professional counselling, elders, or other support programs when appropriate.
6. Facilitate Healing/Welfare and other Mental Health workshops as applicable.
7. Assist with community events and service requests as assigned.
8. Build relationships with First Nations health and wellness stakeholders to raise awareness of available services.
9. Develop networks with First Nations and community groups, providing ongoing support and information about programs and issues.
10. Maintain confidential client records, prepare monthly and quarterly activity reports, and handle administrative tasks like travel claims.
11. Develop work plans, attend conferences, and participate in training to enhance skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 3 years counseling experience with Indigenous clients, especially First Nations communities.
• BA in Social Sciences or equivalent education and experience.
• Extensive knowledge of the history and impacts of the Indian Residential School system in Canada, and effective methods for working with survivors and their families.
• Knowledge of related oppressive institutional experiences affecting First Nations peoples.
• Valid BC Driver’s License, own vehicle, and ability to travel to remote areas.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams, demonstrating cultural sensitivity, tact, and professionalism.
• Must undergo a Criminal Record Check and be double vaccinated.
• Demonstrate a wellness lifestyle and self-care plan.
• Ability to manage fluctuating workloads and maintain professional boundaries.
• Maintain confidentiality and respectful relationships with colleagues, clients, and community partners.

We strongly encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, and 2SLGBTQIA+ community members. While we prioritize Indigenous applicants, all qualified candidates are welcome to apply and may indicate their identity in their cover letter.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Term: Full-Time, one position

Office Locations: Hope and Vancouver, with travel throughout BC

Salary: $70,075 starting, dependent on experience

Benefits: Annual leave, sick leave, wellness days, employer-paid benefits after 90 days, GIC matched savings

Status: Hybrid (office and travel days)

Deadline: Until filled with a qualified candidate

We offer a supportive work environment:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including dental, health, disability, and life insurance.
• Personal wellness days and cultural days to support wellbeing and heritage.
• Retirement savings matching.
• Flexible work arrangements with provincial travel opportunities.
• Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful organization making a difference in Indigenous communities.

Join us!

If inspired by our mission and values, we encourage you to apply via our website under 'Work For Us'. If this role isn’t for you but you know someone who would be a good fit, please share this posting. We believe great people recognize great people!

Preference may be given to applicants of First Nations ancestry, in accordance with S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, but we welcome candidates from all backgrounds.

Key Skills

Typing, Athenahealth, Assisted Living, Computer Skills, Microsoft Publisher, Triage, Health Coaching, Workers' Compensation Law, Case Management, Benefits Administration, Memory Care, Word Processing

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience: 3+ years

Vacancy: 1