Indigenous Cultural Liaison, Contractor

The Program
In response to Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action, our national social services agency has made it a strategic priority to ensure Indigenous cultural practices become a natural part of WJS Canada's organizational culture. As an organization we will strengthen programming, transform organizational relationships and most importantly, improve the experience for Indigenous individuals accessing WJS Canada programs and services we provide across Canada.
In Your Role You Will
- As a member of a larger collaborative team, coordinate and implement innovative solutions to challenges with the goal of advancing culturally safe, identify-affirming care
- Advocate for culturally safe supports (Ex. access, removing system barriers and navigation challenges) by acting as a liaison, supporting cultural interpretation and/or translation services for individuals, families, the community and program staff
- Act as a resource to the WJS and Spirit of Our Youth teams in developing culturally-safe policies, procedures, programs and supports
- Build working relationships with Indigenous participants to assess their needs and ability to access and receive culturally-safe care
- Attend community workshops, strategic planning, connect with community partners and represent WJS Canada at community meetings
- Maintain appropriate documentation and records
- Provide culturally appropriate crisis management support (as required)
- If desired, please contact Human Resources for a complete job description

The Position
This contractor position may be located anywhere within British Columbia.

Please consider that as a key liaison with individuals, families, the community and program staff/management, this position may travel up to 50% of the time throughout BC and a high-speed internet will be necessary to facilitate virtual connections.

The Indigenous Liaison will bridge the delivery of Indigenous program goals and objectives with access to cultural practices, traditional medicines, ceremony and access to sacred spaces for self-identified individuals and families. The cultural liaison is familiar with the region’s various First Nations practices and protocols. Provides and maintains a safe, secure and supportive environment that is culturally open to support the personal development of the youth. This position reports to the Chief of Client Services.

Preference will be given to applicants of Indigenous ancestry who walk in the traditional ways of life and being with strong cultural ties to the community. Indigenous language skills are an asset.
Criminal Record Check/Ministry Check Statement
** Prior to confirmation of employment all applicants must provide a current (dated within 6 months of hiring date) Criminal Record Check and Ministry Check. These checks can take up to 6 weeks to obtain, please ensure you prepare accordingly.
Preference will be given to applicants of Indigenous ancestry who walk in the traditional ways of life and being with strong cultural ties to the community. Life experiences and knowledge of Indigenous ways are valued. Indigenous language skills are an asset.
- Bachelor’s Degree with an Indigenous specialization or Minor in Indigenous Studies compatible with Human Services, Social Sciences, Public Administration, etc.
- 5+ years experience working with individuals and families familiar with the region’s various First Nations practices and protocols
- Knowledge, experience and understanding of Indigenous peoples, culture and traditions
- Demonstrated deep understanding of Canadian and Indigenous history, an understanding of the roots of harm (colonization and racism) and ongoing harms experienced by Indigenous Peoples, UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.
- Strong leadership, written and oral communication skills
- Demonstrates initiative in recognizing opportunities for improvement and efficiency
- Ability to appropriately interact with a multi-disciplinary group of people.
- Basic Computer proficiency
- Driver’s License and own reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance

Not sure you meet the requirements? We may be able to consider diverse combinations of skills, education and experience, so please apply.
What WJS Canada does
We are a national social services agency, that provide community-based services to children and families, persons with developmental disabilities, at-risk youth and young offenders, designed to foster positive life changes and increase self-esteem. Over the past 30 years, we've grown to over 700 dedicated staff, in 3 provinces, who serve approximately 1,600 persons through over 125 services. As a Certified B-Corp, for-profit company, we use the power of business to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
Our Employees Enjoy

**As a contractor you will still enjoy**:

- Making a positive difference in the lives of the people we serve.
- Providing standard-setti