Cultural Resource Coordinator

**JOB DESCRIPTION**

**SUPERVISION**:
Under the direction of the Executive Director the Cultural Resource Coordinator Program Worker is responsible for the effective and efficient delivery and administration of the Cultural Resource Coordinator Program (CRC), in accordance with all relevant policies and procedures.

**JOB SUMMARY**:
The Cultural Resource Coordinator will coordinate and support all aspects of cultural knowledge transfer and planning within The Indigenous Network. The Cultural Resource Coordinator provides traditional teachings and ceremonies and also coordinates access to Elders and Traditional people to meet the needs of the Friendship Centre community, with children, youth and families as the primary audience. The Cultural Resource Coordinator will work to promote cultural awareness, safety and competency within Friendship Centre communities at large while promoting healing and reconciliation.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
1. Strong knowledge and awareness of Indigenous culture and history, with particular emphasis on family violence, child welfare, the impacts of trauma, Indigenous youth engagement and community outreach; knowledge of an Aboriginal language(s) will be considered an asset.

2. Knowledge and experience working with urban Indigenous children, youth and families in a healing and reconciliation capacity.

3. Post-secondary education in Indigenous studies and/or combination of an equivalent and relevant education; minimum of five years of demonstrated and related work experience within an Indigenous organization or community.

4. Self-motivated individual with the ability to work with mínimal supervision in a team-oriented setting.

5. Must possess strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.

6. Excellent case and file management skills, stress management and time management skills.

7. Ability to engage people to build trust and rapport; effective verbal and listening communication skills; excellent interviewing and counselling skills.

8. Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

9. Ability to problem solve and take initiative.

11. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends.

12. Must have a valid Ontario Driver’s License and the use of a vehicle.

13. A clear criminal reference check (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Clearance will be a condition of employment.

**JOB RESPONSIBILITIES**:
The Cultural Resource Coordinator shall have responsibility for the following:

- **Direct Supports**:_
- Facilitate talking, teaching and healing circles, with a priority to services and supports for Indigenous children, youth and families.
- Provide direct traditional-based counselling and participate in Action Planning and CAS related Case Conferencing.
- Model behaviour in a manner that serves as an example of positive cultural values, attitudes, beliefs, and actions.
- Acquire, maintain and care for education tools/resources e.g. language resources, history books, art, and traditional and sacred items.
- Deliver traditional medicines’ education, e.g. teachings, care for and use, storage, medicine bags, growing/picking, etc.
- Deliver traditional food education e.g. teachings on health benefits, harvesting, growing, preparing, storing.
- Promotion of language restoration.
- Remain current and implement wise practices in service provision from a culture-based platform.
- **Coordination**:_
- Connect with Elders and/or traditional resource people to conduct ceremonies as appropriate to the geographic areas and customs.
- Support the planning of traditional dancing, singing, drumming, community and/or seasonal celebrations/feasts, traditional and social events.
- Coordinate culture/social nights and community feasts, Elder socials and Elder/senior appreciation activities and Elder/youth knowledge exchange /mentorship activities.
- Coordinate land-based activities, e.g. fishing, trapping, medicine picking, etc.
- Provide space and opportunities for traditional arts & crafting.
- To assist in the development, implementation, and facilitation of new and relevant cultural services/programs within the Friendship Centre.
- **Planning and Networking**:_
- Work with Friendship Centre staff in support of the development of culture-based work plans that best support program and service design and provision for urban Indigenous children, youth and families.
- Work with local stakeholders within non-Indigenous community service organizations and institutions to promote cultural competency and awareness.
- Create and maintain a trusted traditional knowledge/Elder resource/directory.
- Create and/or maintain organizational cultural competency, safety & cultural sustainability.
- To provide insight and support in the development of protocols and agreements with internal and external stakeholders as directed.
- To attend meetings, workshops, seminars and conferences that relate to the Cultural Resource Coordinator duties.
- To participate as a resource person at training se