Métis Justice and Wellness Navigator

Métis Justice and Wellness Navigator

Location: Street Edmonton, AB.

Closing Date: Until Suitable Candidate Found

Position Status: Full-time (40 hours/week), 1 year Employment Contract

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is recruiting for a full-time Métis Justice and Wellness Navigator to join the Justice Department. Reporting to the Director of Justice, the successful candidate will be responsible for assisting Metis Albertans with navigating the Mental Health, Addiction and Justice Systems and meeting the needs of the client through referrals, access to resources and supports. The successful candidate will be a motivated, confident and driven individual who is passionate about mental health, addictions and justice with excellent communication and advocacy skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and navigate Métis Albertans through the justice system.
• Advocate with and on behalf of clients to ensure they receive timely, culturally appropriate, and individualized support, including incorporating disability and trauma-informed approaches where applicable.
• Conduct ongoing assessment and monitoring of services and support provided by external agencies to ensure they are appropriate, effective, and contributing to positive client outcomes.
• Provide one-on-one support to Metis Albertans experiencing challenges in the Mental Health, Addictions, and Justice Systems.
• Assist clients in reaching their goals to wellness by promoting connection to community and natural resources.
• Support clients in accessing and managing their physical and mental health needs through appropriate healthcare professionals or cultural healers.
• Support the development of life skills programming such as budgeting, grocery shopping, cooking, boundaries, harm reduction measures, employment or volunteer search, etc.
• Engage in activities that assist in building social needs, teaching and modelling healthy social skill development.
• Develop, monitor, and manage safety planning and crisis prevention while assessing risk.
• Support cultural teachings and the connections to Elders or Knowledge Keepers to promote cultural identity and healing.
• Present a positive and professional image of the organization when interacting with employees, citizens, visitors, and other external stakeholders.
• Other duties as required or assigned.

Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge of Métis history, culture, and issues affecting Métis people. An in-depth understanding of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and Métis culture, people, and values is an asset.
• Knowledge of the Canadian Justice System, Mental Health System, and Addiction Systems.
• Strong knowledge of supports and resources available for Métis Albertans.
• Must be able to handle situations with tact, diplomacy, and possess the ability to be empathetic and non-judgmental when assisting Métis Albertans.
• Culturally sensitive, compassionate, and trustworthy.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to build collaborative, positive relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, including clients, community members, senior leadership, and Otipemisiwak Métis Government employees.
• Ability to produce professional documents, reports, and presentations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to be flexible, adapt to changing priorities/requirements, and allocate time and resources effectively.
• Self-motivated with well-developed case management, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Ability to identify issues and implement creative and strategic solutions to overcome problems.
• Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and SharePoint).

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in a Social Service related field is an asset.
• Minimum two years of relevant experience in working with vulnerable Indigenous populations that may have experienced challenges with the mental health, addiction or justice systems is an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience working with an Indigenous organization or within remote Indigenous communities is an asset.
• Experience working in the Justice, mental health, or addictions field is an asset.
• Indigenous Awareness Training and training in Trauma-Informed Care is an asset.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work a rotating Monday to Friday schedule, alternating weekly between 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM and 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM, with flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as required.
• Ability to work in-office in Edmonton, Alberta.
• Ability to travel throughout Alberta, if given notice.
• Must have a valid Class 5 driver's license and an operational vehicle.
• Vulnerable Sector Police Information Check and Child Intervention Check is required.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to work for Otipemisiwak Métis Government under its newly ratified Constitution and be an instrumental part of the largest Indigenous Government in Canada as it rapidly grows and develops.
• An opportunity to learn about Métis culture, history, and art.
• Meaningful work in a fun and supportive work environment.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• A comprehensive benefit package and employer contributions to Pension Plan.
• Generous time off policies.

Métis applicants are encouraged to apply.

Apply online at 

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government thanks all applicants for their interest. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that candidates who have been selected to move forward to the next stage of the recruitment process will receive an email to complete a short online one-way video interview. Should you have any concerns with completing the video interview, please reach out to Human Resources by responding to the email invitation. No phone calls please.