Wellness Worker, Department of Psychiatry

Nature of Work: The primary role of the mental health wellness worker is to provide individual and family support and to assist with the delivery of the néhiyaw wîcihitowin project. This will include providing group psychoeducational sessions on a weekly basis for the youth and their families. For example, providing an ongoing weekly group session that addresses Alternatives to Violence. This would include assisting with program planning and implementation, facilitating groups, teaching and role modeling healthy communication, healthy boundaries, healthy lifestyles, and effectively managing emotions.

Typical Duties and Accountabilities: 

• Participate in all training and workshops funded by this project
• Working with Elders, Project Coordinators, on and off-site Admin staff, and the Principal Investigator to implement the néhiyaw wîcihitowin project culturally adapted programming in Poundmaker Cree Nation (including facilitating elder meetings with youth, hosting wellness groups for youth and families, participating in the delivery of the Elders healing and care plan as needed, teaching the history of how the justice system has been applied to Indigenous peoples, assist with cultural craft activities, assist with the Rites of Passage, assist with facilitating land-based education, provide Cree classes, facilitate community traditional circles, host family camp, provide individual and family support
• Be reflexive to community needs and requests for additional programming
• Be present in community to form relationship with youth and community leadership
• The successful candidate must be willing to work flexible hours (days and evenings)

Qualifications:

Education: A degree in a related field or equivalent work experience will be considered.

Licenses: Must possess a valid driver's license

Skills:  

• Fluent in Cree is preferred.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills; daily documentation is required.
• Respectful communication.
• 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 (prepare agendas, assist with report writing) for meetings and program implementation. 
• Participate in all training scheduled by the PI of this project.
• Provide three letters of reference from past employers.