Indigenous Cultural Helper

The Indigenous Wellness Coordinator provides counseling, support, education and facilitation of traditional Indigenous healing services to patients, families and health professionals. The Coordinator facilitates and provides education about respectful relationships and health care for Indigenous people while building increased understanding and trust between Indigenous people and health care providers under the guidance and direction of the Manager, North Zone. The role will receive guidance and support by the Indigenous Health Leadership team. In addition to a competitive rate of pay, AHS currently has a Remote Retention Allowance in place to an annual maximum of $3,000. This allowance is non-pensionable and is payable on an hourly basis for all hours paid at the basic rate of pay.

Direct provision of spiritual, educational, and cultural support to Indigenous patients and families through individual and group counseling, including (but not limited to) the following activities: Establish supportive relationships with patients and families. Assess, where appropriate, the impacts of multigenerational trauma and assist with the healing process. Raise patients’ awareness regarding traditional healing practices and options available. Foster respect for and increased knowledge of Indigenous worldviews, cultural values, and traditional principles of wellness among patients and staff. Provide, where appropriate, referral support to connect patients and families to culturally safe and appropriate traditional healing resources and services. Complete and maintain detailed patient reports and service logs (i.e., type of service offered, duration of visit, progress notes, care plan, referrals, etc.). This position has direct patient contact. This position is a key element for AHS to provide integrated and culturally safe health care service delivery for Indigenous patients and families. The position’s direct contact with patients and ability to provide care through an Indigenous healing approach has been shown to increase the capacity of AHS to provide safe and appropriate care.

Recognized by an Indigenous community as being competent in the use of traditional Indigenous practices; Having training and guidance in the use of traditional Indigenous approaches to wellbeing; Having the ability to facilitate connection to traditional healing practices. Previous experience in a health care setting or in human services field outside of health care setting, and advanced experience/knowledge of Indigenous healing methods, culture and traditions.

Candidate should also demonstrate the following: Knowledge and respect for the diversity of Indigenous populations and communities. Knowledge of Indigenous history, worldview, perspectives, beliefs/values, culture and traditions and spirituality is required. Knowledge and ability to teach and provide use of traditional Indigenous protocol, traditional medicines, and Indigenous healing methods. Ability to work independently and as part of a health care team. Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with others. Demonstrates good written skills and use of relevant computer software.

Secondary degree in health care or social sciences will be considered an asset. Knowledge of an Indigenous language will be considered an asset. Experience in a health care setting will be considered an asset.