Cultural Liaisons

Cultural Liaisons - HUM014986

Employment Type: SGEU Term 9 months or more

Location(s): SK-Central East-Yorkton

Ministry: 036 Social Services

Salary Range: $ $50.593 Hourly

Grade: SGEU.11.

About Us

The Ministry of Social Services (MSS) invests in positive outcomes for people in the areas of income support, child and family services, supports for persons with disabilities, and affordable housing. We work with citizens as they build better lives for themselves through economic independence, strong families, and strong community organizations.

The Opportunity

Are you passionate about Indigenous culture, child welfare, and community empowerment? Child and Family Programs (CFP) is seeking a dedicated Indigenous Cultural Liaison to lead the development and enhancement of cultural case plans for children in care, provide Indigenous cultural training to employees to enrich and provide employees with tools, resources, and empowerment in the creation and sustaining cultural case plans for children.

This role plays a vital part in enhancing the cultural competency of CFP staff and strengthening partnerships with First Nations agencies, First Nations bands, and Metis Nation Saskatchewan. The goal is to ensure that Indigenous children and families receive services that are respectful, informed, and aligned with their cultural values and traditions.

The successful candidate will develop culturally appropriate training strategies and curriculum materials that incorporate Indigenous values, beliefs, and customs; support the transfer of learning to employees, service providers, community-based organizations, and contribute to projects, initiatives, and action plans.

Reporting to the Supervisors, Provincial CFP Recruitment and Training Teams, the Cultural Liaisons will be responsible for:

• Collaborating with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders to integrate Indigenous teachings into training and development of cultural case plans, ensuring authenticity and relevance.
• Provide leadership and guidance in planning, liaising, and reconnecting Indigenous children with their families and communities — both on and off reserve.
• Identify, organize, and lead ministry employees in attending events and ceremonies with children and facilitate introductions to their cultural roots and communities.
• Attend and provide Indigenous cultural teachings at training such as CORE, SDM, etc., for staff to learn about cultural identity and the significance of culture in case planning for Indigenous children.
• Supporting CFP staff in developing and implementing cultural case plans. Teaching the relevance of cultural expectations and protocols, advocating for the inclusion of parent, sibling, and extended family connections, and providing direction on the content and value of cultural plans. Tracking, analysis, and evaluation of data related to Indigenous children in care. Including compiling statistics on child involvement in cultural activities and maintaining a regularly updated list of upcoming cultural events in each community within the service area.
• Participating in strategies and/or co-developing action plans to respond to case practice standards raised by quality Assurance file reviews and providing summaries of CFP outcomes to identify improvements with respect to implementation, utilization, and enhancement of cultural case plans.
• Champion culturally responsive services and support youth engagement in planning processes.
• Mentor, guide, and coach staff to support the practical application of cultural teachings. Including responding to requests for targeted training and offering case-specific consultation to reinforce learning and ensure culturally informed practice.

Our Indigenous candidate will demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the following:

• Ministry programs in Child and Family Services, including their philosophy, purpose, and service delivery systems, as well as Indigenous Child Welfare.
• Relevant legislation and polices, including child and family services legislation, abuse protocols, and family-centered case management.
• Adult learning principles, including training, facilitation, educational theory, and adapting materials for diverse professionals.
• Indigenous cultures and human service foundations, including Indigenous research and training methodologies, cultural practices, community, and political structures. Emphasizes human development, socio-economic equity, and culturally responsive, relationship-based practice.
• Child welfare systems both on- and off-reserve child welfare systems, including policy, legislation, practice, service delivery, and operations. They will understand Indigenous cultures, traditions, customs, and potentially language, as well as the leadership structures and diversity of Indigenous communities.

The knowledge and experience required to achieve the above are obtained through:

• A Bachelor of Social Work or Bachelor of Indigenous Social Work degree from an accredited university, as approved by the SASW/CASW or CASWE; OR a Human Service Degree plus relevant related experience
• Human Service Degrees include Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and/or Psychology, Education, Human Justice, Indigenous Studies, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing/Psychiatric Nursing, plus relevant related work experience
• Inherent cultural knowledge as an Indigenous person, reflected through lived experience, traditional teachings, and/or the role of Knowledge Keeper or cultural facilitator.
• Facilitation of cultural education and programming within First Nations and Metis communities.
• Extensive knowledge of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and community structures in Saskatchewan.
• Experience supervising professional staff, with demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and support teams in a complex service delivery environment.

Assets

• Lived experience or strong ties to Indigenous communities.
• Fluency in an Indigenous language.
• Experience with data tracking and program evaluation.

What we offer:

• Dynamic, challenging work.
• A competitive salary.
• Comprehensive benefits package including pension.
• A strong commitment to psychological and physical safety.
• Vacation, earned days off (EDO's), and other types of leave.
• Inclusive work environments.
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement.

Work Hours and Travel Requirements

This role involves regular non-standard working hours, including evenings as needed. Frequent travel within the province is required, and candidates must hold a valid Class 5 driver's license.

This position is designated for qualified equity group members who self-declare in this online application, as identified as First Nations, Metis, and Inuit persons.

Candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter clearly highlighting relevant experience and skill set.

This position is designated for qualified equity group members who self-declare in this online application, as identified in "diversity groups" below

Diversity Groups: Aboriginal persons

Hours of Work: B - SGEU Field work a total of 37.33 hours/week, averaged over 4 weeks

Criminal Record Check Requirement: The successful candidate shall be subject to a Criminal Record Check, including a vulnerable sector query, as a condition of employment

Number of Openings: 1

Closing Date: Oct 23, 2025, 12:59:00 AM