Manager, Cultural Supports

Bissell Centre; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Vacation

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Bissell Centre in Edmonton is seeking a Manager, Cultural Supports to lead the Indigenous Engagement team and guide culturally grounded programs. You will oversee cultural support services across participant-facing programs and foster a welcoming environment that honors Indigenous culture and worldviews.

The role includes coordinating access to Elders, ceremonies, language and land-based learning, plus delivering workshops and trauma-informed practices.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in Native Studies (or equivalent) or related field with 2+ years in a similar role.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience with case management.
• Alberta Class 5 License, a satisfactory driver's abstract, and a vehicle.
• Advanced knowledge of local Indigenous cultures, ceremonies and worldviews.
• Familiarity with TRC Calls to Action.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed, person-centered and culturally responsive practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, coordination, and allocation of cultural support services across participant-facing programs.
• Coordinate with program managers to ensure access to culture and ceremony and maintain regular staff schedules.
• Facilitate access to Elders, Knowledge Keepers, ceremonies, land-based learning, language and traditional healing.
• Design, deliver, and review culturally grounded workshops and community initiatives.
• Ensure services are informed by Indigenous worldviews and ways of knowing.
• Encourage participation in cultural activities to support identity, belonging and healing.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Trauma-informed practices

Indigenous cultural knowledge

TRC knowledge

Education

Native Studies degree (or equivalent)

Job description

Driven by a vision to eliminate poverty in our community, Bissell Centre’s data-driven approach is rooted in a deep belief in the dignity, strength, and potential of every individual. Through compassion, optimism, and strong relationships, our prevention and stabilization strategy and programs empower people by supporting our community to secure housing and build sustainable livelihoods. Our community comes from all walks of life, and so does our team—united by a shared commitment to create real, lasting change. By joining Bissell Centre, you will become part of a fast-paced and dedicated team that works together to realize our vision.

Currently, Bissell Centre is looking for a Manager, Cultural Supports to join our dedicated Indigenous Engagement team as we journey with the Community towards an elimination of poverty. If you’re ready to bring your heart to a fast-paced, collaborative environment, join us in making an impact in our community.

How You’ll Make an Impact?

Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Manager, Cultural Supports is a key member of the management team, working with all levels of participant facing programs that request or require Indigenous supports at Bissell Centre.

The Cultural Supports Manager will ensure participants have the support they need to fully engage with their Indigeneity or explore aspects of Indigenous culture that support their personal well-being and success. They will work with staff to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants. The Manager is also responsible to ensure that the goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Strategy are enacted as it pertains to participant access to culture and ceremony.

This role will provide both direct and indirect supports/direction to participants to learn, acknowledge and support a greater connection to Indigenous culture, language, and world view through 1-on-1 conversations, group workshops, drop-in workshops, sharing circles and regular practice of Indigenous ceremony. This role will also support a team of cultural support staff and other related positions, as they engage with participants in the activities listed above. The Manager works collaboratively with other staff and community organizations to develop and nurture linkages in order to facilitate the achievement of Bissell Centre’s mandates.

• Oversee the planning, coordination, and allocation of cultural support services across participant-facing programs.
• Coordinate with program managers to identify and address program needs related to participant access to culture and ceremony and establish regular schedules that ensure that participants have consistent access to staff and supports, while balancing program requirements, staffing availability and funding agreement obligations.
• Facilitate participant access to Elders, Knowledge Keepers, ceremonies, land-based learning, language, traditional healing, and other cultural opportunities based on participant needs.
• Design, deliver, and review culturally grounded workshops, cultural activities, support groups, and community initiatives.
• Ensure cultural supports and service delivery approaches are informed by Indigenous worldviews, teachings, and ways of knowing.
• Encourage participation in cultural activities that promote identity, belonging, healing, and connection to local Nations’ traditions and community.

What You’ll Bring?

• A Diploma or Degree in Native Studies (or equivalent) or other related field and a minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar role. An equivalent combination of training and lived experience may be considered
• Proven work experience – minimum 2 years, (e.g., high-risk populations, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, housing vulnerable individuals, mental health, children’s services, and addictions.)
• Proven Supervisory experience with case management – Minimum 3 years.
• Alberta Class 5 License, Satisfactory Driver’s Abstract, and a vehicle.
• Advanced knowledge of local Indigenous cultures, ceremonies, and worldviews.
• Sound working knowledge of the TRC Calls to Action.
• Familiarity with land-based teachings and medicines.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous cultural protocols and appropriate practices when engaging Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge and application of trauma-informed, person-centered, and culturally responsive practices.

Why Choose Bissell Centre?

At Bissell Centre, we believe meaningful work starts with a supportive and inclusive culture. We value individuality, are guided by strong values, and are committed to supporting staff growth and wellbeing. We offer a competitive Total Rewards package that reflects our commitment, including:

• Paid Vacation of 3 weeks upon hire and 4 weeks after one-year continuous service with Bissell Centre.
• Health Maintenance Days (in addition to vacation)
• Extended health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Health Spending Account
• Life insurance and ADD for you and your dependents
• Benefits coverage during maternity/parental leave
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (supporting mental and physical wellbeing)
• Staff events, committees and celebrations
• Exclusive employee discounts, including TELUS and Bell mobility plans, recreation centre memberships, Costco membership, CIBC banking perks, Perkopolis, Fresh Prep, and more
• Paid time off for optional general holidays

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Bissell Centre is an equal opportunity employer who is committed to diversity within our community and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, or disability. Bissell Centre is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees, in accordance with provincially and federally legislated protected grounds.

Application Deadline: October 30th, 2026