Indigenous Family Support Program Assistant

**INDIGENOUS FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAM ASSISTANT**

**Who We Are**

The vision of the Barrie Native Friendship Centre is to improve the quality of life for all Indigenous people in the area, regardless of legal definition by providing a gathering place which promotes unity and wholistic healing within the community at large. This is accomplished through a network of culturally based programs, services and teachings.

**Job Purpose**

The Indigenous Family Support Program Coordinator for CAPC/CPNP will provide responsive groups to pregnant women and new moms, and to parents with children birth to six years of age, who face barriers such as low income, low literacy, lack of transportation etc. Groups will be provided in partnership with the Barrie Native Friendship Centre within the guidelines of the Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) and Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP). The Group Facilitator will promote the groups and complete intakes for new participants.The applicant will work as part of a team in a dynamic environment that works collaboratively to optimize relationships with team members, BNFC members, and our organizational partners.

**Job Summary**

This is a part time position at 30 hours a week. The Aboriginal Family Support Assistant will be responsible in assisting the Aboriginal Family Support Coordinator in the development and provisions of culturally appropriate community support services through a variety of programs. This position is responsible for providing assistance to the Coordinator and support to children and their families through holistic and preventative services. The overall goal of the program is to promote physical, cognitive, communicative and social development in Indigenous children ages (0-6) and their families. This position reports to the Executive Director of the Barrie Native Friendship Centre (BNFC).

**Qualifications**
- OSSD/GED or demonstrated equivalent experience;
- Ability to work as part of a team;
- Knowledge of Indigenous history and cultures;
- Experience working with urban-Indigenous children and families;
- Possess a valid class G Driver’s License and have access to/own a reliable vehicle;
- CPIC and vulnerable sector clearance

**Primary Duties and Responsibilities**
- Deliver healthy food education e.g. health benefits, preparing and storing, budgeting and menu planning;
- Promotion of and incorporations of Indigenous languages;
- Support families involved with child services;
- Assist in advocating for families in high risk situations;
- Model behavior in a manner that serves as an example of positive cultural values, attitudes, beliefs and actions;
- Assist in talking and healing circles initiated by child services;
- Facilitate and develop cultural programming and crafts with families;
- Prepare and cook meals for families during programming;
- Encourage and demonstrate a safe, secure and nurturing environment to children and their families;
- Maintain strict confidentiality;
- Assist in Child Service access visits;
- Develop strong relationships and partnerships with local Indigenous and non-Indigenous service agencies.

**Secondary Duties and Responsibilities**
- Maintain positive relationships with community agencies, businesses and others;
- Provide leadership in community efforts to address the barriers facing CAPC/CPNP families (such as poverty, low literacy, transportation etc);
- Advocate and raise awareness on issues commonly experienced by CAPC/CPNP families;
- Working and contributing with the team to organizational wide special projects (ie. Community events, Food Baskets, Day Camps, etc) when needed;
- Representing BNFC when required in committee meetings on behalf of BNFC’s Executive Director;
- Working collaboratively with BNFC Combined Court Worker on family court matters;
- Assist with planning and implementation of BNFC Day Camps and PA Day Activities, when required.
- Other duties as assigned.

**Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities**
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience of the Friendship Centre delivery system in Canada:

- Familiarity with the OFIFC programs and services
- Familiarity with BNFC programs and services
- Familiarity with funding programs an asset
- Familiarity with CPNP/CAPC programs guide lines and objectives
- Demonstrated skills in the following areas:

- Clear communication ‐ verbal and written.
- Sound administration and time management.
- Problem solving
- Computer programs and databases
- Demonstrated abilities in the following areas:

- Work collaboratively with individuals and in team settings.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships internally and externally.
- Work independently, take initiative and produce results.
- Multi‐tasking.

**Employment Conditions**
- Specific employment conditions as outlined in an employment contract with the Executive Director;
- Flexible work schedule with some evenings and weekends;
SALARY: $18/hr + benefits

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: September 16,