Intervention/Wellness worker

University of Saskatchewan, Canada

Updated: 1 day ago
Location: Saskatoon, SASKATCHEWAN

Description of Project and Primary Purpose:
The main objective of the néhiyaw wîcihitowin (Cree helping Cree) project is to decrease the current rates of Indigenous incarceration and to mitigate recidivism via culturally adapted interventions for youth and their families in the Little Pine and Poundmaker First Nation, Saskatchewan. Ultimately, it is also to create and sustain safer communities for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. The néhiyaw wîcihitowin project requires two wellness workers to work as intervention staff. They will work with youth, leadership, families, and schools to implement culturally adapted programming.

Nature of Work:
The primary role of the intervention staff is to deliver culturally adapted programming aimed at promoting belonging, hope, meaning, and purpose for First Nations youth in Little Pine First Nation.

Accountabilities:

  • Working with team to plan and implement culturally adapted programming in each community (including facilitating Elder meetings with youth; hosting wellness groups for youth and families; hosting Indigeneity Groups focused on reclaiming and rebuilding; Elders healing and care plan where the history of how the justice system has been applied to Indigenous peoples is taught; cultural craft activities; hosting Rites of Passage; facilitating land-based education; provide Cree classes; facilitate community traditional circles; plan annual cultural family camp
  • Contact and communicate with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to help with program delivery as requested
  • Pickup and drop off project participants using the project van
  • Facilitate groups as directed by the on-site and off-site Project Manager
  • Support the Project Coordinator and Principal Investigator, Holly Graham
  • Attend all weekly team meetings (virtual and in-person office team meeting) and the monthly Interagency meeting in North Battleford (in person)
  • Assist with the facilitation of community traditional Talking/Healing Circles in the schools and community.
  • Collect statistics (age, gender) and summary of the psychoeducation provided (self-esteem, healthy boundaries, healthy communication, healthy relationships, identity, etc.) and cultural teaching provided from each group (Family night, AA, Youth night) and special event (annual cultural family camp, hockey camp, land-based trips, annual Restorative Justice conference)
  • Be present in community to form relationships with youth and community leadership
  • Regularly take trauma informed care/practice training and other identity-based workshops (provided by the Project)
  • Be a positive role model and encourage all community members to obtain Grade 12 and pursue vocation of interest
  • Be willing to work flexible hours and travel to both communities regularly
  • Complete leave of absence requests 2 weeks in advance and submit to Project Coordinator and Principal Investigator
  • Be punctual and respond in a timely manner (1 hour during program hours) to content in WhatsApp
  • Note, this is an in-person position, not virtual
  • This position requires a high level of confidentiality. Information about participants cannot be shared outside of the project, with prior employees or on social media.

Skills & Requirements:

  • Fluent in Cree
  • Knowledge and practice of Cree culture or the willingness to learn and practice the Cree culture
  • No criminal record
  • Ability to work effectively with First Nations youth and leadership
  • Ability to be flexible, work in a changing environment, and adapt programming to the context of the situation
  • Ability to work well with others, notably with other staff and team members
  • Ability to work independently when necessary
  • Ability to work effectively with technology for meetings and program implementation
  • Note, these positions require the individual to be in the office during scheduled work hours unless working in the schools
  • Minimum Grade 12 diploma along with relevant work experience
  • Valid SK Driver’s License

Department: Psychiatry
Status: Term 20 months
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Shift: Mon-Fri 8 AM to 4:30 PM
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Posted Date: 4/17/2024
Closing Date: 4/30/2024
Number of Openings: 2
Work Location: Little Pine Cree Nation

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Yes
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Yes
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Yes


The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.

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