Position Summary
Who are we looking for?
Interior Health is hiring a casual Indigenous Peer Support Worker II to join their team at the Cariboo Community Health Services in Williams Lake, B.C!
Hours of work for shift position are Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 16:30. This is a Casual opportunity. Casual means there are no guaranteed hours and work requirements can vary from 0 - 37.5 hours per week. Many careers with us begin with casual employment and lead to permanent or temporary career opportunities.
How will you create an impact?
The Indigenous Support Worker (ISW) uses their knowledge of cultural and traditional practices, mental health and substance use, and wellness planning to assist Indigenous Peoples requesting cultural supports as part of their care. The ISW works in partnership with the person, family and the MHSU team to provide and inform holistic, culturally-relevant, wellness- focused care. The ISW has autonomy to determine aspects of the care plan with the individual and works in collaboration with the MHSU team and community partners so that the person's self-identified goals for wellness are supported and consistent with the values of self-determination, choice and harm reduction.
The ISW supports individuals to connect with resources and explore various forms of skill-building, incorporating Indigenous ways of being and knowing, to improve relationships with self, family and community. Where requested by the person, the ISW directly provides, or coordinates access to cultural practices and traditional medicine. The role collaborates with Elders, Traditional Healers and Knowledge Keepers to share language, history, ceremony and protocols as well as stories of resiliency and celebration.
What will you work on:
? Responsible for collaborative, person-directed care planning with the individual and healthcare providers by performing duties such as drawing out information on strengths and goals, and identifying and implementing appropriate programs as needed.
? Develops reciprocal relationships based on mutual respect with the person, family members and other identified supports including Elders, Traditional Healers and/or Knowledge Keepers.
? Engages the individual, identified family members and personal networks in conversations to explore culture as it relates to personal, cultural and spiritual identity.
? Provides supportive counselling, goal setting, action planning and engaging strengths to assist with the development of skills for wellness, promoting health, reducing harm and strengthening skills for empowerment and resourcefulness.
? Provides formal advocacy; including coaching to develop skills of self-determination, informed decision-making and problem solving, attending appointments to walk alongside or speak up on behalf of the person where they cannot express their needs. Settings informed by the individual and can include legal systems, health systems, education and employment settings, housing and community resources.
? Maintains an awareness of current community resources related to cultural supports, wellness and harm reduction, with particular attention to resources developed and led by Indigenous organizations. Assists the person to navigate, access, create connections, and support ongoing involvement as required.
? Engages the person in cultural supports that promote health and healing in a safe and supportive manner by:
? Providing and coordinating individual and group activities that honor Indigenous identity and spirituality (may include story-telling, talking circles);
? Assists the person towards self-managing all aspects of their wellness, including cultural identity, mental health, substance use and other health conditions, by methods such as sharing information, linkages with community supports and advocacy groups, and practical problem solving.
? Identifies potential emergency situations and develops short-term strategies to address and reduce harm including actions such as responding to overdose, using first aid and assisting the individual to access drug checking and overdose prevention services.
? Supports the creation of culturally welcoming environments informed by recommendations from individuals accessing services, Indigenous organizations, Elders and Knowledge Keepers; may include recommendations for physical environments (i.e. spaces for cultural activities), emotional environments (i.e. friendly reception, support navigating space), and spiritual environments (i.e. opportunities to participate in ceremony, smudge meeting spaces). Maintains any necessary resources and supplies.
? Connects and collaborates with Indigenous-specific Interior Health positions locally and regionally, as well as Interior Health's Indigenous Mental Wellness Team.
? Prepares and maintains written and computerized records and completes other program documentation, including progress notes and incident reports.
? Provides medication support to individuals, including administering and providing reminders, in accordance with the person's care plan and policy.
? Participates in planning by providing input in staff meetings, quality improvement initiatives, committees and in-services.
? Performs other related duties as assigned.
Interior Health strives to create an environment where you enjoy the work you do, the place where you work, and the people around you. Together, we create great workplaces. Apply today!
Community Profile:
Williams Lake is located in the heart of the Cariboo Chilcotin. As the largest and fastest growing city in the area, it serves as a business, industrial, and service hub for outlying communities. The surrounding pristine wilderness provides an unlimited playground, while the convenience of city living is just outside your door. Home to the famous Williams Lake Stampede, rodeo enthusiasts and community members come together for a fun-filled family event every summer. Outdoor recreation enthusiasts are drawn to the area's natural amenities. World-class mountain bike trails, miles of hiking and skiing terrain, and hundreds of lakes fit for kayaking, rafting, boating, fishing, and camping make Williams Lake one of B.C.'s last true wilderness escapes.
Qualfications
Education, Training, and Experience:
Experience participating in and/or coordinating cultural activities that honor Indigenous values, beliefs, knowledge and teachings including working under guidance of Indigenous Elders, Traditional Healers and/or Knowledge Keepers.
Diploma in a Social Services program plus two (2) years recent related experience working with Indigenous Peoples experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Appropriate valid BC driver's license.
Skills and Abilities:
? Knowledge and understanding that language, cultural beliefs and practices differ widely between First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities; aware of the unique and diverse qualities of Indigenous Peoples accessing services.
? Knowledge and understanding of the historical and present day impacts of colonial trauma, and how this is reflected in the healthcare system.
? Knowledge of two-eyed seeing, wise practices, strengths-based, trauma-informed approaches.
? Knowledge of Indigenous health and wellness practices, including cultural continuity and holistic vision of wellness.
? Knowledge of harm reduction strategies, including Indigenous Harm Reduction Principles and Practices.
? Knowledge of substance use services and programs.
? Ability to establish and maintain respectful and reciprocal relationships.
? Ability to provide a safe environment to encourage open and honest self-discovery for individuals.
? Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
? Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, analyze and problem solve.
? Ability to encourage positive change and independence.
? Skills in restorative approaches, conflict resolution and crisis intervention.
? Displays a strong, dedicated and consistent focus on anti-racism, cultural safety and cultural humility; advocates for same.
? Physical and mental ability to carry out the duties of the position.
? Ability to operate related equipment (including necessary computer programs).