Shkabewis/ Cultural Support Worker

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Retirement Savings Plan

Learning and Development opportunities

Maternity leave top-up

Paid vacation and days off

Culturally rounded environment

Job summary

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto seeks a Shkabewis Cultural Support Worker to support Indigenous families in child and family programs and to foster children’s development within a culturally grounded framework.

You will collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and program staff to deliver traditional healing practices and cultural activities while maintaining safety and accessibility for participants.

Qualifications

• Lived experience as Indigenous person with ability to transfer traditional knowledge.
• Ability to engage respectfully with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, families and community members.
• Willingness to learn and apply Indigenous cultural safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide culturally relevant services to Indigenous families and children.
• Support integration of Indigenous knowledge into programs.
• Collaborate with Elders and facilitators to support cultural programs.

Skills

Engagement with Elders

Oral and written communication

Leadership

Organizational skills

Lived Indigenous experience

Confidentiality

Education

Infant/Child CPR certificate

Vulnerable Sector Police Check

Job description

Hours:

35 hrs per wk.

Range:

$45,291-$62,572

Classification:

Regular Full-Time (Replacement)

Location:

Various NCFST Sites/Hubs primary work site 1290 Weston Rd.

Position:

Union-BU

Why You’ll Love It At Native Child:

• Competitive Benefits Package, tailored to meet your needs, including health and dental coverage, life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Access to Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• A Retirement and Savings Plan that provides you with the opportunity to build and add value to your savings.
• Learning and Development opportunities to fuel your professional growth.
• Maternity leave top-up
• Generous Paid Vacation and Days-off
• A Culturally rounded environment celebrating our roots

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Interim Supervisor, Indigenous Child and Family Centre, The Shkabewis Cultural Support Worker will ensure that each family participating in child and family programs is supported in fostering their child's development; assisting these families to identify and attain their individual and personal goals and supporting their success in building and sustaining healthy connections within their community; ensuring accessibility and integration of individual and family services within the Aboriginal Child and Family Centre and Early Years Programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide fair, respectful and culturally relevant services to Indigenous children and families, consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Native Child and Family Services of Toronto.
• Assist program staff and supervisory team with the integration of Indigenous knowledge and material to all participants.
• Work with Elders/Knowledge Keepers and facilitators to support cultural programs and protocols.
• Assist and support the traditional healers, elders and medicine people with a range of traditional healing approaches such as fasting, sweat lodge, shake tent, naming ceremony, ancestor's ceremony, clan ceremony and pipe ceremonies.
• Provide cultural programs; considering interest, age and ability of participants.
• Organize participants to ensure engagement in program and that all participants have equal opportunities.
• Ensure programs include “on the land” experience.
• Work with community to learn about their cultural identity.
• Support cultural events and activities.
• Conduct oneself in a manner consistent with the concept of “Indigenous role model”.
• The individual must demonstrate respect, humility, integrity, and a commitment to upholding cultural protocols while fostering a safe and welcoming environment for community members.
• Prepare and maintain the sacred fire before, during, and after ceremonies
• Follow all organizational policies related to health, safety, and cultural protocols
• Duties include being able to lift up to 40 pounds. Responsible for unloading stones / grandfathers, unloading fire wood, dressing and undressing the lodge.
• Must have flexibility some ceremonies may require you to stay longer until ceremony ends and closing is completed.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills:

• Recognized and respected by their own community as someone who has lived experience and a learned understanding of Indigenous worldviews and traditional teachings, and they carry themselves within community according to those teachings.
• Lived experience as an Indigenous person with the ability to share and transfer traditional knowledge and facilitate cultural programming while respecting the unique cultural distinctions across Indigenous communities.
• Strong ability to engage and collaborate respectfully with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, children, youth, families, community members, students, caregivers, allies, and partners.
• Fire keeping experience is preferred.
• Valid Infant/Child CPR certificate.
• Pass a Vulnerable Sector Police Record check.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture in an urban environment, including ceremonies and protocol.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively or as a team when appropriate.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Leadership skills.
• Knowledge of cultural safety practices.
• Flexibility in working program hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others from a strength-based and culturally-based approach.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all information related to children, parents and staff.

Working Conditions:

• Outdoor and Indoor work environment.
• Exposure to heat, smoke, changing weather conditions, and uneven terrain.
• Evening and weekend availability may be required for ceremonies or community programs.
• Physical demands include lifting, carrying, bending, standing, and walking.

Our Commitment:

• We are an Equal Opportunity Employercommitted to diversity and inclusion and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected ground.
• In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Native Child will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process to applicants with disabilities as required. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].
• We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Come join our team - and help create a difference in the community.

Closing Date:

Oct 07, 2026