Wellness Worker

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Health Director, the Community Wellness Worker (CWW) provides support services and activities for the Kwakiutl community. While buliding community relationships, the CWW promotes a culturally safe, healthy and supportive enviorment that instills a sense of dignity and respect for community members. The CWW will provode advocacy, education, referrals and programs and activities to individuals, groups and families. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develops and delivers mental health programs and activities in consultation with health staff to support implementation of the health work plan (eg: supports for trauma, grief, loss)
• Provides Kwakiutl culturally appropriate programs/services through consultation with Cultural Coordinator and/or elders/knowledge keepers designated by Cultural Coordinator
• Refers clients to psychological supports and other social service providers, as required 
• Encourages and advocates the co-ordination of existing health and socail services within the region to help establish continuity of care for the Kwakiutl community members and families experiencing mental health challenges.
• Develops and facilitates self-help/ peer groups to encourage mental and emotinal wellness and empowerment 
• Supports individuals by working one-on-one to strenghten individuals mental wellness 
• Provides supports and programming to parents and families to strengthen functioning so that they can provide safe and healthy enviroments for their children and themselves
• Provides liason services between Kwakiutl Health Centre and Kwakiult Band programs and external health and social service agancies and supports
• Shares resources and regularly communicates meantal health resources, including off-hours resources, with community Health Centre staff
• Communicates and collaborates with Addictions and Recovery Worker to support community members
• Involves community members in developing a client-centered and holisitc approach to promoting mental health, wellness and healing
• Employs a collaborative teamwork approach in working with the Health Centre staff and the community to address mental health in a culturally safe manner
• Sets programming and goals in alignment with the Community Health Plan and in consultaion with other health staff
• Identifies the unique skills and abilities of community members who could assist in a holistic mental health, wellness, and healing program implementation
• Works with other health staff and contractors, employed by the Health Centre to ensure regular education around suicide prevention and intervention for the community and health staff
• Ensures incorporation of land-based programming pieces for mental health
• Submits written monthly activity reports to the Health Director and other reports as required 
• Demonstrates respect for leadership and willingness to take direction in an efficient and timely manner
• Commits to upholding the cooperative collegial social climate of the Health Centre with consideration and appreciation for the distinct roles each member of the team fulfills
• Undertakes clinical consultation with Clinical Supervisor approved by Health Director on a monthly basis, responds respectfully to feedback from clinician, and integrates clinician feedback into practice
• Performs other duties as required to assist in implementation of the Health Work Plan or to provide back-fill coverage when directed
• Adheres to all Kwakiutl Band Policies and Procedures

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Knowledge of the Kwakiutl community, culture and language an asset
• Post-secondary education in Social Work, Mental Health field, or equivalent education and/or experience
• One year of related work experience
• Understanding of cultural humility and openess to evolving and learning 
• An understanding of mental health issues and concurrent disorder issues, and evidence based best practices
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches and complex trauma 
• Knowledge and understanding of history of First Nations relationships with child welfare, understanding of how the current child welfare system works, and understanding of how to work with their systems
• Knowledge of applicable legislation, such as Mental Health Act and the Guardianship Act
• Knowledge and training in Crisis Response Protocols ans suicide assesment, prevention, intervention and postvention
• Excellent verbal and written communication and listening skills, respectful understanding of client needs and respectful interactions with clients, creating positive relationships
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word and Excel
• Must have role model behavior that encourages clients and members of the community to live a healthy and responsible lifestyle

KEY RELATIONSHIPS: 

• Work closely with the various health agencies, medical professionals, and other First Nations
• Maintains good relations with the Kwakiutl community promoting good health and wellness

WORKING CONDITIONS:

It is paramount that all positions within the Health Team strive to communicate and serve the Kwakiutl people in a manner that respects, enhances and promotes the cultural identity and well-being of both the individual and the health care providers. This position will strive for cultural safety by:

• Gaining cultural awareness and cultural sensitivity
• Understanding and complying with any Kwakiutl policies or position of statements on "cultural safety" and ensuring it is reflected in individual training/professional development plans
• Ensuring that plans, policies and activities undertaken promote the holistic health and well being of the Kwakiutl in a way that incorporates and promotes cultural aspects of the Kwakiutl people and traditions
• Assisting in the articulation and establishment of cultural influence expectations in the Kwakiutl Health Centre planning and day-to-day operations
• Must successfully and periodically undergo an appropriate criminal records check. KBC will reimburse the cost
• Must provide proof of certifications prior to employment 
• Required to work in a variety of different enviroments
• Must be respected in the community 
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidential information
• May be required to periodically work outside of normal working hours, and to function independently 
• Must have a valid BC Drivers license and up to date First Aid and CPR
• Smoke and scent free enviroment 
• Harassment and violence free enviroment
• Possession of a valid driving license and means of transportation are preferred

PAY: $25-28 HR

Applicants must apply by submitting both a cover letter and resume to:

Caitlin Hartnett, Health Director or fax 250-902-2246, or submit in person Attn: Caitlin Hartnett, Kwakiutl Health Centre, 97 Tsakis Way, Port Hardy BC, V0N2P0.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.