Aunty - Cultural Counsellor

New Directions is a social service agency offering a wide range of resources and services that foster the hopes and dreams of people and their communities.

The traditional role of an **Aunty** is to serve as a valued relative who provides guidance and emotional support to younger relatives. An Aunty is someone you can go to, sit with, and listen to as she passes on her cultural knowledge, wisdom, and kinship. At New Directions, the Aunty will deliver cultural-based lessons or activities (classroom or land-based), provide individualized supports/counselling to program participants, and support staff with program development from a holistic, Indigenous perspective. The Aunty role will complement existing programming which helps participants develop and learn a holistic, Indigenous understanding of themselves.

**Responsibilities for the position include, but are not limited to**:

- Develops in class or land-based cultural-based lessons in collaboration with education staff in the service area (Teachers, Instructors, Classroom Coordinator).
- Delivers teachings, lessons or facilitating activities to participants about culture, ceremony and topics related to history and impacts of colonization.
- Implements strategies such as planned daily activities, coordinated cultural and healing interventions, structured environments, and organized recreational and social activities.
- Develops and facilitates Indigenous cultural programming to pass on traditional knowledge and cultural practices, strengthening participants’ bonds and connection with the Indigenous community.
- Develops resources and materials for Indigenous cultural supports to be accessed by staff and/or participants.
- Assists participants in identifying personal strengths to promote hope, purpose, meaning and belonging.
- Ensures individuals’ needs and goals are met and supported with a person-centered approach.
- Builds positive, respectful, and non-judgmental relationships with participants.
- Acts as a role model, mentor, and listener while guiding participants through their journey from adolescence to womanhood and elder. Concepts may include healthy relationships, safety, boundaries, consent, violence, women’s traditional roles, rites of passage and celebrations.
- Engages in networking within the Indigenous community and works collaboratively with partner and community-based organizations.
- Provides support and consultation/advice to the teachers on enhancing cultural and traditional world view/perspectives into the curriculum.
- Provides support and consultation with case managers and support workers on traditional/healing perspectives into their work with participants.
- Assists in maintaining confidential records and files for participants supported.
- Completes documentation and paperwork as assigned/required.

**What you will have**:

- Post-secondary education (i.e. Indigenous studies, social work, psychology, counselling, etc.) is preferred.
- Experience providing physical, psychological, and social supports to at-risk youth and other vulnerable populations is preferred.
- Extensive knowledge of Indigenous teachings, culture, and history including participating in cultural practices, programming and ceremonies alongside participants.
- Experience working with the Indigenous community.
- Knowledgeable in the in planning, delivery, and coordination of cultural programming.
- Ability to speak an Indigenous language is an asset.
- Experience working from a trauma-informed perspective is preferred.
- Knowledge and experience in issues and supports related to addictions, harm reduction strategies, and mental health would be considered an asset.
- Valid First Aid/CPR, Mental Health First Aid, NVCI (Non-Violent Crisis Intervention) and ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills) certifications would be considered an asset.
- Basic computer knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office software.
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s License

We thank all applicants for their interest in New Directions; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

With a commitment to health and safety and in order to continue our mission “to provide responsive and individualized services”, New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults & Families requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, in a manner approved by Health Canada, as a condition of employment for all new employees. _(Exceptions and accommodations will be made for those who are exempt from receiving the vaccine due to legitimate, established reasons in accordance with The Human Rights Code of Manitoba. In these cases, reasonable supporting documentation will be required.)_

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: $21.74-$30.46 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
New D