Maple Ridge ICM

Position Summary: The Indigenous Cultural Liaison Support Worker (ICL) provides the Indigenous lens and consults with Indigenous clients to provide/connect them with a range of Indigenous specific supports in the community, while advocating for access and rights as needed. These can include but are not limited to liaising with and/or supporting cultural activities/programming; Indigenous-led and informed case planning for Indigenous clients; connecting clients with outside organizational supports/connecting to agencies that assist; and accompanying clients in navigating the health and/or court systems. In addition to these Indigenous specific supports, the ICL provides daily supports to all program participants, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, including medication administration, building security, crisis intervention, building maintenance, and front-line overdose response. Using a culturally informed model that is rooted in harm reduction, the ICL walks alongside clients 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.  
Job Competition #job Closing Date: Midnight January 27, 2026Job: Indigenous Cultural Liaison Support Worker, Maple Ridge ICM, Temporary until September 1, 2026 or until return of incumbent, Part-Time, 0.9 FTE Salary Range: $ BCGEU, Grid 34) Hours: 67.5 bi weekly Schedule: Week 1: Monday-Thursday 12:30pm - 8:30pm, Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm;  Week 2: Tuesday-Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm, Friday 12:30pm - 8:30pm;  Week 3: Saturday-Sunday 8:30am - 4:30pm, Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm, Friday 12:30pm - 8:30pm;  Week 4: Saturday-Sunday 8:30am - 4:30pm, Wednesday-Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm;  At present, includes 30-minute unpaid meal break Work Site: Maple Ridge, BC Start Date: As soon as possible
A clear British Columbia Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check for working with vulnerable adults and/or children is a condition of employment with RainCity Housing. Applicants must be willing and able to receive a clearance under the Criminal Record Review Act.   
Indigenous ancestry/identity is a bona fide occupational requirement for this position: Indigenous (First Nations, Native American, Metis, Inuit) staff only please.   
A valid B.C. Driver's License, an acceptable drivers abstract, and use of a reliable personal vehicle is required. (N Driver Licence might be acceptable.)
Program Summary:Maple Ridge ICM - Intensive case management plays a vital role in the continuum of services and supports for people with serious mental illness and substance use issues in BC. The ICM Team assists clients by helping them to identify and achieve personalized recovery goals and by assisting in the coordination of support services (e.g. mental health, criminal justice, family, and addictions services). The ICM team also provides housing opportunities for clients using a 'housing first' scattered site approach. Clients are offered immediate access to rent supplements so they have the opportunity to live in the same kinds of permanent independent apartments that are typically available to people without mental illness, and the rent supplements are provided without requiring participation in psychiatric or substance use treatment. Self-determination and choice are at the centre of all considerations with respect to the provision of housing and support services. 
Qualifications: many forms of education and experience are valued, including volunteering and lived experience of mental illness / addiction/ homelessness; Minimum education and experience includes:

A Diploma in community social services
Two years of recent, related work experience with an emphasis on mental health, addictions, homelessness and/or social services
Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
Current First Aid and CPR certification; Naloxone Certification
Valid Class 5 BC Driver's Licence with an acceptable driver's abstract

Support Worker Key Skills and Abilities 

Knowledge of Housing First and ability to apply the principles in practice
Knowledge of community integration and its application for individuals living with mental illness
Demonstrated understanding of community based service provision and an understanding of safe practice when providing outreach services and or working alone
Ability to identify and work to increase client strengths, including the use of hope inducing strategies and assisting the client in self-managing their illness and other aspects of their life
Knowledge of the integrated concurrent disorders recovery model for working with chronically homeless individuals
Knowledge of recovery oriented practice in supporting individuals experiencing mental illness and/or problematic substance use
Knowledge of mental health diagnoses, medications, treatment and support resources
Basic knowledge of health care disciplines and their role in care
Basic knowledge of legislation and government policies and procedures that relate to the client including the Residential Tenancy Act and the BC Mental Health Act.
Knowledge of the bio-psychosocial addictions model, including stages of change and harm reduction
Knowledge of diagnoses, treatment and support resources in the areas of substance use, physical health, HIV and Hepatitis C
Knowledge of the housing continuum, including supported housing systems and program models for special needs populations
Demonstrates understanding of oppression and marginalization as related to chronically homeless individuals
Ability to effectively and safely resolve crisis situations
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
Ability to apply knowledge and experience of the case management process in a way that considers a holistic approach to wellness and that is responsive cultural diversity
Ability to establish workload priorities, adjust to new or unexpected events, problem solve, and deal effectively with conflict situations
Ability to prepare and maintain written and computerized records, compile reports and complete other program documentation, including writing and updating service plans for primary caseload, writing progress notes, completing incident reports, on-call logs, letters, and documentation related to the program.
Ability to operate computers and smart phones and efficient use of software applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel and web based applications
Physical ability to perform the duties of the position such as, but not limited to working in all-weather conditions, sitting/driving for long periods, assisting with packing and moving household items, lifting/carrying items up to 30lbs, climbing stairs.
Access to an adequately insured and reliable vehicle must available for use for all shifts worked. Reimbursement amounts are available for changes in insurance coverage required to transport program participants during the course of duties.

Indigenous Cultural Liaison Key Skills and Abilities 

Experience navigating paths to healing and work with individuals using culturally informed strategies
Knowledge of the holistic addictions model including stages of change and harm reduction, cultural pillars of healing and cultural forms of medicine
Knowledge of legislation and regulations related to Indigenous persons, including residential schools, the 60's scoop, child and family welfare system; knowledge of indigenous cultures, services, ways of healing and recovery
Fostering awareness and understanding of the cultural context of trauma related addiction/MH among Indigenous community members – work to create paths to healing
Perform other duties as assigned

Specific Job Duties

Research/connect individual and group supports for indigenous tenants regarding indigenous ways of understanding healing and recovery, indigenous services and resources, and indigenous culture. To actively plan, arrange and seek out these relationships while on shift in coordination the program team and manager
Walk beside indigenous tenants as they connect with community and cultural events and build supports with the tenant such as elders. Connect with supports available through the Cultural Safety Working Group and Indigenous Cultural Liaison Manager and ICL reference group at RainCity
Collaborate with additional ICL supports in the site around planning and running the programming
Assist with creating an effective and supportive connection between the Indigenous/non-Indigenous service providers and community supports and tenants. Advocate for tenants as needed
Assists to build connection to the greater community to promote healing and wellness beyond RCH building to foster connection circle of care and support
Orientate new tenants to the role of the ICL and familiarize them with cultural services
Perform related work as assigned

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