Cultural Support Worker

Atlohsa Family Healing Services is seeking a motivated and dynamic individual to join the Southwest Healing Lodge as a Cultural Support Worker for Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) participants. Reporting to the Healing Lodge Program Manager, the primary role of the Cultural Support Worker is to provide wholistic support for the cultural, emotional, and spiritual needs of the Southwest Healing Lodge participants and other Atlohsa programs (Craft Fridays, Crisis Walk-Ins, Zhaawanong, Wiigiwaaminaan, and Okaadenige).

The position delivers culturally appropriate holistic services for the participants of the programs; ensuring that authorized persons facilitate cultural services in ethical and appropriate ways and in agreement with the vision, mission, and philosophy of the organization.

The Southwest Healing Lodge functions to deliver addictions and wellness treatment through day and out-of-home care (three-week overnight program) for Indigenous peoples through a land-based healing program. Additionally, the Healing Lodge has a special focus on empowering families and the prevention and healing from gender-based violence.

As Atlohsa continues to rapidly grow and expand, a willingness to be flexible and accommodate ongoing change is necessary.

**Role and Responsibility**

The Cultural Support Worker will be responsible to:

- Assess the needs of each of the day and overnight programs and arrange cultural events and ceremonies as required.
- Facilitate land-based healing programs by providing services and support. This may include bringing in authorized third-party facilitators.
- Maintain good standing in your community to fulfill the job duties such as coordinating with firekeepers, Elders, knowledge keepers, orators, etc.
- Providing individual, groups, and family support, educational sessions, and one-on-one healing sessions.
- Provides drop-in crisis support for participants who may be facing immediate mental health or addictions challenges.
- Contributes to the development and implementation of Atlohsa healing programs.
- Provide aftercare for program participants to support their long-term wellness goals and needs.
- Support the healing lodge in prevention-oriented program needs, such as wellness initiatives for participants and day programming.

**Suitability**
- Formal training received by an Elder or Knowledge Keeper (letter of support required); and/or
- A degree in Indigenous studies and addictions, counselling, psychology, or social work.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of traditional holistic healing practices, languages, and cultures of the Indigenous population of the Southwestern Ontario region required.
- Experience facilitating land-based teaching, ceremonies, and traditions.
- Experience with providing services for Indigenous peoples exposed to violence/abuse, homelessness, and mental health challenges is required.
- Knowledge of the Indian Residential School system that contributed towards the intergenerational trauma and impact of the Indigenous people of Canada.
- Moderate to strong knowledge of colonialism, and the historical and ongoing impacts on Indigenous peoples.
- Demonstrated strength in interpersonal relations, problem-solving, crisis prevention, group dynamics, and trauma-informed approaches.
- Effective communication (written and verbal), interpersonal skills, and the ability to interact with others in a respectful manner as defined in the Atlohsa Code of Conduct.
- Knowledge of the First Nation Mental Wellness Continuum Framework and the Native Wellness Assessment is an asset.
- Valid Ontario G-Class driver’s license, First Aid and CPR certificate and a current Vulnerable Sector Check.
- ICBOC certifications require three years of sobriety from substance misuse and abuse.

**EMPLOYMENT TERM**: Permanent; full-time
**CLOSING DATE**: October 25, 2024
**REMUNERATION**:

- $25.00 per hour
- Three (3) weeks vacation
- 12 self-development days per year
- 12 sick days per year
- 100% employer provided benefits:

- Healthcare
- Dental
- Vision
- Employer provided pension plan.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources to make arrangements.