Your Opportunity:
Fort McMurray Addiction and Mental Health department has an exciting opportunity for an Indigenous Cultural Liaison, supporting psychosocial recovery. Respecting the historical impacts of colonization, traditional Indigenous beliefs and cultures, the diversity of many beliefs among Indigenous peoples who live in the North Zone (mostly Treaty 8 Territory), and the complex Western medical approaches to health, the Indigenous Cultural Liaison establishes responsive, sensitive, and consultative relationships that enable trust and healing among peoples of very diverse world views and approaches to health and healing. Recognizing Alberta Health Services provides health care services to Indigenous people living in Alberta, Indigenous Cultural Liaison provides a spirit of hospitality, spiritual and cultural support to diverse Indigenous people seeking health care services. Located within Fort McMurray which resides on Treaty 8 territory, the largest treaty by area in the history of Canada. This role is focused on supporting individuals within Treaty 8 and surrounding areas, creating a safe space for all. Fort McMurray is a family-oriented, thriving city 442 kilometres northeast of Edmonton. Enjoy this welcoming multicultural community, social, arts, sports, recreational and cultural opportunities for all ages. Discover stunning landscapes in Canada's boreal forest, four provincial parks, and nearby lakes and rivers to support your active lifestyle. This role requires travel to rural and remote communities to provide/facilitate mental health promoting cultural care/services to Indigenous people. In addition to a competitive rate of pay, AHS currently has a Fort McMurray Allowance in place to an annual maximum of $12,480. This allowance is non-pensionable and is payable on an hourly basis for all hours paid at the basic rate of pay.
Description:
The Indigenous Cultural Liaison contributes to providing holistic care to Indigenous people with mental health needs and their families, educates health care providers about culturally acceptable approaches, promotes respectful relationships with pertinent stakeholders, facilitates Indigenous client (population, patient and families)-centered care and builds understanding and trust between Indigenous people and health care providers. While recognizing the historical impacts of colonization, the beauty of Traditional Indigenous beliefs and cultures, the diversity of many beliefs among Indigenous peoples, and the complex western medical approaches to health; the Indigenous Cultural Liaison establishes responsive, culturally sensitive, and consultative relationships that enable trust and healing among peoples of very diverse world views and approaches to health and healing. As an Indigenous Cultural Liaison, you will play a pivotal role in care for Indigenous people across the health service continuum, including providing and/or facilitating; spirit of hospitality, spiritual and cultural support, emotional, physical, and mental wellness, and education to diverse Indigenous people seeking health care services within institutions or in the community.
Classification: Aboriginal Cultural Helper
Union: Exempt
Unit and Program: Addiction & Mental Health
Primary Location: Wood Buffalo AMH Services
Location Details: As Per Location
Employee Class: Regular Full Time
FTE: 1.00
Posting End Date: 05-MAY-2023
Date Available: 15-MAY-2023
Hours per Shift: 7.75
Length of Shift in weeks: 4
Shifts per cycle: 20
Shift Pattern: Days, Evenings
Days Off: Saturday/Sunday
Minimum Salary: $23.13
Maximum Salary: $38.54
Vehicle Requirement: Driver's License, Vehicle Provided
Required Qualifications:
Traditional Indigenous Knowledge (cultural preparation is based in oral cultures and not measured by diplomas and degrees) Traditionally earned understanding about Indigenous cultural beliefs, values, customs, traditions, healing ways, ceremonies, traditional medicine, protocols. Guided ongoing development with traditional Elders over the course of many years. Learning about Indigenous cultural identity that is recognized by other indigenous people and is respectful in a health care environment. Knowledge of how to respond to diverse cultural needs of a wide variety of Indigenous people. Knowledge about the effects of colonization and residential schools, including intergenerational trauma. Openness to continually learning.
Additional Required Qualifications:
Working Knowledge of computer applications including basic work processing, email, videoconferencing, internet access, and data entry required. Effective oral and written communication skills. Effective oral and written communication skills. Driver’s license with a clean driver abstract.
Preferred Qualifications:
Degree in humanities and/or social sciences preferred. Understanding treatment of addictions & generational trauma. Experience in Indigenous counselling organizations, drug and alcohol treatment centres or other work experiences providing care for Indigenous peoples, training and experience in culturally appropriate counselling modalities. Understanding of mental illness and sacred boundaries. Other applicable non-traditional educational preparation will be considered.
