Indigenous Cultural Liaison

Job Title: Indigenous Cultural Liaison - Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre (VIRCC)

Company: John Howard Society of Victoria

Location: In person, 4216 Wilkinson Rd, Victoria, BC V8Z 5B2

, Permanent

Work hours: 35 hour per week, between Mon - Fri, 8 am to 4 pm

**Salary**: $35-$40 per hour

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

**Who We Are**:
John Howard Society of Victoria is a fast paced 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, 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.

**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

**What We Offer**:

- 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 engagements, 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 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.

**Position Summary**:
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 VIRCC. If you have a passion for cultural connection and a commitment to supporting Indigenous communities, we want to hear from you This is an in-person role with no opportunity to work-from home.

The Indigenous Cultural Liaison (ICL) serves as a cultural resource, consulting with employees and Indigenous residents at the Vancouver Island Regional Correctional Centre (VIRCC) to provide and connect residents with a variety of Indigenous-specific supports. Utilizing a culturally informed model rooted in harm reduction, the ICL collaborates with residents to help them achieve their self-identified and self-determined goals related to culture, connection, and community integration, while advocating for access, rights, and cultural safety as needed. This is an in-person role with no opportunity to work-from home.

**What You'll Be Doing**:
Cultural Services Development and Delivery (60%)
- Identify, develop, and deliver Cultural Services that meet the needs of indigenous residents within the operational objectives of VIRCC. Cultural activities can include art, carving, sewing, beading, drumming, singing, healing circles, smudging, cedar brushing, or other ceremonies as approved by VIRCC.
- Build a partnership with leadership and employees at VIRCC 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 employees or the residents themselves to assist in the development of viable release plans.
- Provide counselling for Indigenous residents specifically related to spirituality and life skills.
- Meet regularly with the Indigenous population within VIRCC, utilizin