COMMUNITY WELLNESS WORKER

Mchigeeng; Alor Setar; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Community Wellness Worker to provide essential support and advocacy for clients facing family violence and trauma. This role involves designing culturally appropriate programs, facilitating community events, and building trusting relationships with clients. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of First Nations culture. Join a team committed to promoting wellness and positive change in the community, while ensuring confidentiality and respect for sensitive situations. If you are passionate about making a difference and have the skills to support others on their healing journey, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in health and social support services.
• Strong understanding of First Nations cultures and values.

Responsibilities

• Provide client support addressing family and community violence.
• Facilitate cultural education and healing activities.

Skills

Interpersonal Communication

Advocacy Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Public Speaking

Conflict Resolution

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Education

Grade 12 diploma

Post-secondary degree in Social Services

Tools

First Aid Certification

CPR Level C Certification

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training

Job description

Department: Health Services
Classification/Level: Community Service-3
Employment Status: Regular Full-Time

Reporting Relationship
The incumbent reports to the Health Services Department.

Position Summary
The Community Wellness Worker responds to inquiries regarding activities and community information, providing leadership in designing culturally appropriate programs and services. These services focus on, but are not limited to, addressing both existing and emerging issues related to family violence, health, healing, wellness, and intergenerational trauma. The Community Wellness Worker will work directly with clients to help them achieve and maintain healthy, balanced lives by promoting positive changes in values, attitudes, and behaviors.

This position requires exceptional interpersonal communication and advocacy skills, along with a strong knowledge of First Nations culture, language, and traditional ceremonies and practices. Participants will receive services in a timely manner, with respect for sensitive situations, while maintaining confidentiality at all times.

Essential Functions

Client Support & Advocacy:

• Provide 1-on-1 and group support to address family and community violence, trauma healing, and overall wellness.
• Build trusting relationships with clients, conduct needs assessments, and manage client intake, documentation, and case management (advocacy, referrals, and case notes).
• Assist clients in securing appointments, transportation, personal identification, and safe, stable living environments.
• Encourage healthy choices using harm reduction methods and support clients through their healing journey, connecting them with after-care programs.

Cultural & Wellness Support:

• Facilitate cultural education and healing activities, including counselling, traditional ceremonies, and workshops (e.g., sewing, beading, healing circles).
• Provide life skills training and resources, integrating Indigenous culture into all wellness activities.

Community Engagement & Event Coordination:

• Plan and facilitate community events (e.g., Christmas Party, Powwow, Remembrance Day), recruit and train volunteers, and support community committees.
• Distribute information about community events and wellness initiatives through newsletters, websites, and other platforms.
• Coordinate the Seven Grandfather Teaching Awards ceremony, including the nomination and selection process.

Collaboration & External Relations:

• Work with MFN staff, Elders, and external partners to enhance wellness initiatives and community engagement.
• Liaise with the Union of Ontario Indians on wellness opportunities and resources.
• Assist with the creation and maintenance of historical records, ancestry files, and culturally centered support for funeral/estate planning.

Program Management & Reporting:

• Prepare and submit grant proposals for wellness initiatives, manage the annual wellness program budget, and present quarterly financial reports.
• Ensure timely submission of Ministry-required reports and documents, including forms, budgets, and program statistics.

Administrative & Professional Responsibilities:

• Maintain secure and confidential client files in accordance with PIPEDA regulations and MFN policies.
• Act as a professional representative of M’Chigeeng First Nation and participate in continuous learning and mandatory training to stay current with industry trends and regulations.
• Attend team, staff, and community meetings and perform additional duties as assigned by the Health Department Manager or Chief and Council.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Grade 12 diploma or equivalent required; post-secondary degree or diploma in Social Services, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
  • 2-3 years of experience providing health and social support services, preferably in an Indigenous setting.
  • Previous experience working with volunteers in a non-profit setting is an asset.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of First Nations’ cultures, values, and history required; knowledge of M’Chigeeng First Nation community and practices is an asset.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal), with the ability to build professional relationships with clients and community agencies.
  • Strong public speaking, advocacy, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
  • Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.

Certifications & Licenses:

• Valid Ontario Class G Driver’s License with access to a reliable, insured vehicle.
• First Aid and CPR Level C certification and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training certificate are assets.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work independently with minimal direction.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and on-call when required.

Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) requirement must be 30-days current and must be an original.

CRC/VSS Rationale: M’Chigeeng First Nation and its agents are in a position of trust in services to band member children and/or vulnerable adults, so a safe and secure working environment is mandatory. Applicants must provide a clear VSS Certificate, and the CRC must have a record clear and/or dated of any convictions relating to sexual interference, sexual assault, or related charges. The VSS must be current (30 days) and must be an original.

Application Process:
Interested applicants must submit COVER LETTER, RESUME, THREE (3) CURRENT WRITTEN REFERENCES (2 Work-Related references from a direct supervisor/manager and 1-character reference), current performance appraisal from Director Supervisor/Manager, and education certifications addressed to:

Community Wellness Worker
Human Resources
P.O. Box 333 M’CHIGEENG, ON P0P 1G0
Fax [phone] [e-mail]

INCOMPLETE applications will not be considered. Preference will be given to Anishinabek people.
For Job Description, please contact Human Resources [e-mail]