Urban Indigenous Food Security Program Worker

The Indigenous Network is an Indigenous Friendship Centre and a member of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres. We are committed to providing a culturally safe and respectable environment for Indigenous peoples to engage in their spirituality, culture, and community.

**JOB SUMMARY**:The Urban Indigenous Food Security Program Worker (UIFSP) is responsible for designing, developing, coordinating, facilitating, and monitoring program deliverables with community needs and interests. This program intends to create positive skills that can increase food security for TIN clients through:
Social engagement around kitchen gardening and food.

Alternative food growing opportunities.

Connecting to culture through food.

Personal nutrition, special diets, health and nutrition information.

Grocery shopping on a budget.

Learning food preservation techniques.

Learning skills to minimize food waste.

Navigating resources to access affordable/free food that is fresh and nutritious.

**Salary**: $50,000.00 per year

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
Preferred education in a Health and Nutrition-related Degree / Diploma and or equivalent experience and certification.

Must have a passion for and be willing to role model healthy behaviours.

Must have experience in health or be willing and capable of being certified to facilitate a broad range of health, nutritional, and gardening programs.

Must know healthy lifestyle behaviours, specifically, nutrition, healthy weight, and the benefits of living smoke-free.

Must have experience in program planning, development, implementation, data collection and evaluation; strong facilitation skills and experience presenting educational workshops and working with groups.

Must have knowledge of Indigenous culture and the social reality that Indigenous community experience in urban settings; knowledge of an Indigenous language(s) will be considered an asset.

Self-motivated individual with the ability to work with mínimal supervision in a team-oriented setting; ability to problem solve and take the initiative.

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

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

Ability to engage people to build trust and rapport; effective verbal and listening communication skills.

Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends.

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

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: The UIFSP shall have responsibility for the following:
1. Case and File Management:
Develop and maintain current, accurate, confidential participant files that reflect assessment, services, and outcomes.

Complete intake process with clients.

Be knowledgeable of and work with community agencies and referral sources who will be in a position to assist clients in meeting immediate and long-term goals.

Initiate and participate in case conferences as necessary to ensure client needs are met.Advocate on behalf of clients and provide ongoing liaison services and follow-up to ensure individual needs are being met.

Schedule visits with clients and follow through with case management.

Develop annual service plans.

Work with Friendship Centre programs to promote a coordinated client service approach to ensure client needs are addressed.

2. Participant-Based Service Delivery:
Facilitate programming, teaching and food security activities, with a priority to services and supports for Indigenous children, youth, women and seniors.

Establish and maintain strong relationships with participants involved in the program.

Model behaviour in a manner that serves as an example of positive cultural values, attitudes, beliefs, and actions as they pertain to food security.

Deliver education, e.g. teachings, nutritional education, community kitchens, etc.

Deliver traditional food education e.g. teachings on health benefits, harvesting, growing, preparing, storing.

Engage participants and provide support in achieving food security goals.

Advocate and provide one-to-one or group informal counselling service.

Facilitate the involvement of Elders and traditional people into the UIFSP.

Prepare for traditional items and medicines needed in preparation for clients.

Ensure participants are supervised at all times.

3. Program Delivery:
Plan agendas, secure necessary resources, organize and deliver programming and special activities as per the annual service plan.

Plan, organize, supervise, assess, and facilitate food security programs and gardening activities.

Ensure that all programs and activities are facilitated to meet health and safety standards.

Plan menus, shop for supplies, supervise volunteer involvement in food preparation, prepare and serve food to children and families as appropriate.

Prepare and provide nutritious meals and snacks, resources, and activities rele