Indigenous Community Worker

Position Overview The Indigenous Community Worker (ICW) assists First Nations, Métis and Inuit clients/families to access culturally safe care and navigate the mental health and addictions system while engaged in recovery services in Southern Health-Santé Sud. The position will work directly with clients supported in the Mobile Withdrawal Management Services (MWMS) team based in Portage la Prairie, with travel to other areas in the region according to identified need. The Indigenous Community Worker facilitates and supports communication between clients/families/health care providers as they seek care for their management of substance use and recovery journey. The role is integrated into the MWMS team to ensure Indigenous focused supports are provided whilst receiving care via the MWMS team. This includes interpretation services, personal supports and/or counselling related to recovery and linkages with external health care providers. The ICW participates and engages in client/family care meetings, MWMS team meetings, and acts in accordance with Southern Health-Santé Sud policies and procedures. The incumbent exercises the appropriate level of initiative and independent judgment in determining work priorities, work methods to be employed and action to be taken on unusual matters. The position functions in a manner that is consistent with the mission, vision and values; and the policies of Southern Health-Santé Sud. Experience Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with Indigenous people in a social service setting. Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate) Grade twelve (12) high school education or equivalent (e.g. GED). Certification/Licensure/Registration Not Applicable Qualifications and Skills Knowledge of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous services and resources. Knowledge of health issues impacting Indigenous communities. Specific knowledge in substance use impacting Indigenous communities is an asset. Knowledge of Indigenous world views. Knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook applications. Demonstrated proficiency in a local Indigenous language (Ojibway, Dakota, Cree). Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision both independently and as part of a team. Demonstrated ability to take initiative and anticipate needs. Given the cultural diversity of our region, the ability to respect and promote a culturally diverse population is required. Proficiency of both official languages is essential for target and designated bilingual positions. Demonstrated ability to respect confidentiality including paper, electronic formats and other mediums. Good work and attendance record. Requires a valid Class 5 driver’s license, an all-purpose insured vehicle and liability insurance of at least $1,000,000. Physical Requirements Demonstrated ability to meet the physical and mental demands of the job. No hazardous or significantly unpleasant conditions. May work occasionally evenings and weekends as necessary. Will be required to travel to other regional facilities as the position duties may require. Applicants may request reasonable accommodation related to the materials or activities used throughout the selection process. Southern Health-Santé Sud, in partnership with the Indigenous community, is committed to increasing the representation of Indigenous people within all levels of our workforce. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to apply and to voluntarily self-identify as being of Indigenous descent in their cover letter/application. Completes and maintains Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Search, Adult Abuse Registry Check and Child Abuse Registry Check. The successful candidate will be responsible for any service charges incurred. All Health Care Workers are required to be immunized as a condition of employment in accordance with Southern Health-Santé Sud policy. Please include three work-related references with your job application from persons who are not related to you but have direct knowledge of your current and past work performance. Consistent with the French Language Services Policy of the Government of Manitoba and Southern Health-Santé Sud’s FLS Policy, we are committed to offering services in English and French in designated program/service areas serving French-speaking communities within Southern Health-Santé Sud. If no candidates satisfy the bilingual qualification, candidates meeting all other qualifications may be considered for this position. Please be advised that job competitions for union represented positions may be grieved by internal represented applicants. Should a selection grievance be filed, information from the competition file may be provided to the grievor's representative. Personal information irrelevant to the grievance and other information protected under legislation will be redacted.