Indigenous Cultural Liaison

Job type: Part-time, Permanent

Company: John Howard Society of Victoria

Location: In person, 3945 Biggs Road, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5N3

Work hours: Tasks for this position are completed during a 21-hour workweek at Nanaimo Correctional Centre, however, some flexibility will be required according to the needs of the program and or John Howard Society of Victoria.

**Salary**: $34-36 per hour

Benefits: Employee Engagement Activities, Organization Events, Dental care, Disability insurance, Extended health care, Life insurance, Paid time off, Employee assistance program

**About the organization**:
The John Howard Society of Victoria is a growing, dynamic and innovative social service organization that strives to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all. Our goal is to help individuals achieve greater independence by providing support with housing, life-skills, education, employment, and community-based services.

At John Howard Society of Victoria, we come from various backgrounds and share a common goal of wanting to make things better in our community, for our community. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that adapts to your needs.

**What We Offer**:

- ** Competitive Benefits**: Enjoy paid vacation, sick and personal time, health and dental plans, long-term disability, critical illness and a registered pension plan / RRSP
- ** Supportive Environment**: Our Employee Assistance Program and professional development opportunities are designed to help you succeed both personally and professionally. We invest in our employees' growth through training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities.
- ** Engaging Culture**: Be part of a friendly team that values your input With numerous employee committees, you can make your voice heard and contribute to meaningful change for our clients and our community.
- ** Employee Engagement**:We often organize team and social gatherings to strengthen relationships and foster camaraderie to create a supportive network among colleagues.
- ** Impactful Work**: Employees at JHS Victoria are driven by a shared mission to make a positive difference in the community. Engaging in meaningful work enhances job satisfaction and connects team members to a greater purpose.

**Our Vision, Mission, Goals, and Values**
- ** Our Vision**: A safe, healthy, and inclusive community for all
- ** Our Mission**: We contribute to a safer, stronger and more sustainable communities by supporting people to achieve greater independence
- ** Our Goals**:

- Service Excellence: Improve the quality of life of the people we service through more relevant, accessible and sustainable services.
- Organizational Sustainability: Realize a resilient operational and governance model that supports JHSV to consistently serve the end-to-end client journey.
- Capacity: Increase our capacity to work effectively and efficiently as a team.
- ** Our Values**:

- Our Service Commitments (_How we provide services to clients)_** -**Dignity**,**Advocacy**,**Empowerment
- Team Values (_How we work together)_ - Collaboration, Accountability, Resiliency

We are seeking a passionate and resilient Indigenous Cultural Services Coordinator to join our team in a fast growing and dynamic environment. This role is pivotal in enhancing the cultural services provided to Indigenous residents, promoting healing, community engagement, and reconciliation at NCC. If you have a passion for cultural connection and a commitment to supporting Indigenous communities, we want to hear from you

**About the Role**:
The Indigenous Cultural Liaison (ICL) provides the Indigenous lens and consults with staff and Indigenous residents at Nanaimo Correctional Centre (NCC) to provide/connect residents with a range of Indigenous specific supports. Using a culturally informed model that is rooted in harm reduction, the ICL walks alongside residents in their self-identified and self-determined goals for culture, connection/reconnection, and community integration; while advocating for access, rights, and Cultural Safety as needed.

**Responsibilities**:
Organization
- Identify, develop, and deliver Cultural Services that meet the needs of indigenous residents within the operational objectives of NCC. Cultural activities can include art, carving, sewing, beading, drumming, singing, healing circles, smudging, cedar brushing, or other ceremonies as approved by NCC.
- Build a partnership with leadership and staff at NCC and incorporate Indigenous activities and services into agendas, committees, and meetings to support reconciliation
- Provide spiritual leadership and counseling to individuals or groups of indigenous residents
- Provide a link between Indigenous residents and Elders for spiritual support
- Meet with Indigenous residents as requested by Correctional staff or the residents themselves to assist in the development of viable release plans
- Provide counselling for Indigenous residents specifically related to spirituali