Summary

Reporting to the Health Director, the Community Wellness Worker provides counselling, intervention, prevention, and aftercare services for substance abuse and addictions. As part of their efforts, the Community Wellness Worker also provides health education on mental health and substance use and promotes healthy lifestyles.

 

 

Who we are

Welcome to the Gitsegukla First Nation, a vibrant and proud community comprising 500 individuals. Nestled at the confluence of the Kitseguecla and Skeena Rivers, just 40 km southwest of Hazelton, British Columbia, our name Gitsegukla symbolizes “people living under the precipice” in the Gitxsan language, representing the striking mountain that overlooks our land.  Located in the captivating Skeena Valley, our community offers a serene and picturesque environment that has sustained our ancestors for countless generations. We hold immense pride in our diverse culture, profound history, and cherished traditions, and our unwavering commitment is to safeguard these invaluable treasures for the prosperity of future generations.

 

What we offer

Gitsegukla First Nation will provide you with purpose in your work. As part of our team you will contribute to the betterment of our community. We value inclusivity, support, and care which foster a positive work environment. Along with the opportunity to work alongside a compassionate like-minded team, we provide a generous compensation package which includes:

 

·         Three (3) weeks annual vacation

·         Elective Leave: 18 days paid personal leave

·         An additional 10 days paid time off during the festive season

·         A generous registered pension plan

·         A healthy extended benefit plan

·         Training, Learning and Development to support your career growth

Supporting you

 

If you are a community member who is re-entering the work force, a new graduate, or in the midst of a career change, Gitsegukla First Nation is committed to your success.  We provide training, coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to support your success.  We ask that you have an eagerness to learn.  Having all the qualifications listed in the posting is not always necessary!

 

What you will do

 

Program Leadership

Manages and coordinates preventative drug and alcohol programs for the Gitsegukla Nation
Screens and assesses client’s needs and why they are seeking assistance and services.
Provide appropriate assessment of clients and referral of clients to treatment and prepares clients for entry, into residential treatment, or other rehabilitation/treatment programs.
Provides support for individuals take part in the program.
Stimulates new programs related to drugs and alcohol abuse, such as support circles, Al-anon, A.A., N.A., sponsorships, etc.
Provides one to one, family and group counselling and refers clients to appropriate professionals • Allows for follow up programs for clients returning from treatment.
Provides short-term counselling in crisis situations.
Provide aftercare to clients returning from treatment and maintain a link with the relevant treatment centres concerning client care and progress.
Facilitates health professional visits to program clients and interested community members • Promotes, monitors and maintains health, safety and security of the program.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as necessary in the performance of the position and as assigned by the Band Social Development Worker.
Education

·        Develops and provides substance abuse information (Literature, workshops, videos, internet)

·        Provides culturally appropriate programs to educate and promote addictions awareness and

·        addiction-free lifestyles

·        Provides skills in effective prevention/intervention strategies that address the challenges of

·        addictions among youth

 

Building relationships

·        Works with other professionals, such as nurses, physicians, and other health workers, as needed.

·        Collaborates and networks with other departments and community organizations.

 

Finance and Administration

·        Completes timesheets accurately and in a timely matter.

·        Documents and maintains cases thoroughly in confidential files.

·        Prepares reports and maintain records as required by workplans and the Health Manager

·        Participate in all staff meetings.

·        Works within the established budget for the program

·        Participates in professional development or other training as required or directed.

 

In performing their role, the Community Wellness Worker utilizes all resources involved with addictions, including other Health Care Workers, the community school and other professionals. The Community Wellness Worker acts as a role model for community members by practicing personal wellness.

 

Qualifications: Education and Experience

 

·        A University degree or College diploma in social work or addictions counselling, preferred.

·        3+ years of experience in addiction and recovery services, preferred.

·        Willingness to participate in training in the addictions field.

·        Comprehensive knowledge of issues related to addiction and recovery.

·        Knowledge of health care and addictions services and offices in the region.

·        Proven ability to establish trusting relationships with a high degree of confidentiality.

·        Ability to make accurate assessments of client’s need.

·        Ability to mobilize the community in working together to deal with substance abuse.

·        Ability to take direction and follow through.

·        Ability to be resourceful and proactive in dealing with issues that may arise.

·        Knowledge of computers and relevant software application, including Microsoft Office.

·        Valid driver’s license with willingness transport patients as required.

·        Independent worker with ability to work with and contribute to a strong team environment.

·        Ability to work flexible hours as required.

·        Knowledge of First Nation’s culture, customs, beliefs, traditional lifestyles, and health issues.

·        Current criminal record check required and available upon request.

·

Skill Sets and Competencies

Cultural Competence: Understanding and respecting the cultural beliefs, values, and traditions of the Gitsegukla community is crucial for effective engagement and support.
Community Engagement: Building trusting relationships with community members, leaders, and elders to ensure their active participation in wellness initiatives.
Communication Skills: Being able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to convey information and ideas clearly to different audiences within the community.
Empathy and Compassion: Demonstrating genuine concern and empathy for community members’ well-being and being sensitive to their emotional and mental health needs.
Problem-Solving: Identifying issues and challenges within the community and developing practical and culturally appropriate solutions.
Health Education and Promotion: Providing education and information on various health topics, including nutrition, hygiene, mental health, and preventive care.
Program Development and Management: Designing and implementing community wellness programs and initiatives, while also managing resources effectively.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Working collaboratively with other staff, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
Crisis Intervention: Being prepared to respond to emergencies or crises within the community and offering appropriate support.
Cultural Healing Practices: Familiarity with traditional healing practices and integrating them with modern healthcare approaches.
Resource Mobilization: Identifying and accessing funding opportunities to support community wellness projects and activities.
Data Collection and Analysis: Collecting relevant data to assess community health needs and outcomes and using this information to inform decision-making.
Capacity Building: Empowering community members to take an active role in their own well-being through skill development and training.

A strong personal interest and commitment to Gitsegukla First Nation’s vision, mission, and values
Knowledge of and previous work experience with First Nations Communities and Indigenous Cultures is a definite asset.
To apply:

 

If you are aligned with our values and are committed to supporting our community, please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@jouta.com, with the position title in the subject line.

We encourage applicants to submit applications as soon as possible, as applicants will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.  We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

Persons of Indigenous ancestry will be given preference. s16(1) CHRA.