Relocation Allowance, Subsidized Rent,
2 weeks paid Christmas Break, 5% Employer pension contribution
Are we the Community you want to live and work in?
The Yekooche traditional territory is located about 85 km northwest of Fort St James, BC. It comprises 4 reserves on a total of roughly 180 hectares. Most of our band members live in Reserve #3 (Yekooche) located along the northwest arm of Stuart Lake, where Nan’cut Creek drains Cunningham Lake into Stuart Lake.
Do you love the outdoors? Our territory abounds with opportunities for hunting, fishing, ice fishing, trapping and living off the land. We share this land with bears, moose, rabbits, grouse, porcupines, beaver, salmon, and eagles, many varieties of berries, as well as herbs and medicines. Ample opportunities to explore the territory by snowmobile, ATV, snow shoes, kayak, and even sled from time to time.
The perks of being semi-isolated: pure water, clean air, peace and quiet, bright stars and Northern Lights, all four seasons, and the opportunity to live and learn on this land with the Dak’elh people who have thrived here since time immemorial
The people of Yekooche value their land, language, culture and history. You will be welcomed into the community where you will discover the peoples’ strong sense of tradition – as well as their sense of humour: teasing means we like you! If hunting isn’t your thing, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in story-telling, singing, dancing, and drumming.
We have approx. 200 members, and about half live in Yekooche.
Yekooche is a 1.25 hour drive on a logging road from Fort St. James and about 3 hours from Prince George.
See http://www.yekooche.com/ for more information.
Are You the Community Wellness Worker We’re Looking For?
The Health & Wellness Program at Yekooche Health Centre offers CSFS member Bands professional mental health & addiction services both in reserve communities and urban areas including Prince George, Vanderhoof, Burns Lake, and Fort St. James.
The Community Wellness Worker reports directly to the Health Coordinator. Formally the NNADAP worker, the Community Wellness Worker (CWW) is responsible for all planning and activities associated with preventing and reducing substance misuse in the community where the worker is assigned. Activities include assessing the needs of the client, setting up a treatment plan, co-hosting group counselling sessions and coordinating self-help groups in community.
Working with community members in substance abuse should be viewed as a full continuum of care involving prevention, intervention, and aftercare. While each of these areas has a range of activities within, each area overlaps the other. CWW are strongly encouraged to use the concept of “Two Eyed Seeing” in their work. This involves using the best of mainstream addiction recovery interventions from within a cultural worldview; using cultural activities.
Primary Qualifications
Administration:
Duties will include;
- The CWW will keep client files on all people that they work with. Files must be kept up to date and must follow accreditation standards on both timely documentation and content.
- All schedules of community events and individual counselling must be kept up to date and include changes as they occur.
- All facility booking, advertising, event supplies, etc., are the responsibility of the CWW.
- The CWW must have an annual plan on how they will remain current with modalities of addiction prevention and intervention.
Collaboration and Engagement:
Duties will include;
- Model effective collaboration and engagement with a focus on community inclusion and relationship building.
- Work in cooperation and consultation with the community leadership, other services providers, general community.
- Meet and report regularly with Health Coordinator and or the Yekooche leadership as requested
- Attend all Band meetings and Health &Wellness meetings as directed.
- Attend staff meetings to discuss services and plans and or collaborative initiatives.
- Know local and area resources for both mental health and substance abuse support.
- Consult with traditional healers and knowledge holders for information and ceremony.
Direct Services:
Direct services should consider individuals, age groups, and the entire community.
The two primary areas of direct services of the CWW are:
1. Substance Abuse Prevention
These activities aim to educate community members and prevent substance abuse. There should be prevention activities specific to children, teens, adults, and Elders.
- Regularly distribute written material on substance abuse prevention.
- Hold educational workshops at least 4 times per year ensuring each workshop will target a specific age category.
- Promote and host (co-host) cultural activities aimed at increasing cultural knowledge and pride.
- Promote and host recreational and social activities that promote a substance use free lifestyle.
- Plan, promote and host educational/recreational/cultural/and or social activities during drug and alcohol week
2. Substance Abuse Intervention:
These activities occur when someone has come to the health center for help and they are actively engaging in support services.
- Provide an initial assessment of the needs of the client.
- Set up a treatment plan with the client. This plan will be dependent on your assessment and can include Elements 2-6 (as outlined in the Honoring Our Strengths document) depending on the level of intervention required. This can include; individual substance misuse counselling conducted by you; culture as healing activities, mental health counselling provided by the mental health professional; referral to residential treatment; referral to group treatment.
- Have a schedule for individual counselling availability.
- Co-host group counselling sessions in consultation with the community mental health professional.
- Coordinate and host (if necessary) self-help groups in community as requested by community or as deemed valuable by you.
3. Follow up and Aftercare:
- Have the release date of each client leaving residential treatment and ensure an after-care plan is in place. Help the client with this plan.
- Have individualized support for those maintaining a healthy life style.
- Promoting group support for abstinence
- Promoting and facilitating activities for healthy and living.
The client should be reminded that they began their healing journey the minute they decided to reduce or end their substance use. This will help empower him/her. Too often people think that entering residential treatment is when they begin their journey. It is not. It is only a part of it.
Minimum Qualifications
- Current certification through the Indigenous Accreditation Board of Canada, minimum level CICSAW
- Initial and on-going employment is subject to the submission of a clear Criminal Record check. Criminal Record Check must be conducted every 3 years.
- Minimum two years of secretary, receptionist, or related office experience.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
- Extensive knowledge of fax, telephone/voice mail, and e-mail communication systems.
- Working knowledge of the following computer software; Microsoft Office, Athena software (preferred)
- Ability to accurately type a minimum of 45 words per minute.
- Knowledge of Dakelh Culture and Language preferred.
Competencies, Skills & Abilities
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with community members and the Yekooche Health Team.
- Be able to set appropriate professional boundaries.
- Maintain the strictest levels of confidentiality.
- Hold themselves to a high degree of professionalism.
- Provide a positive role model for community members while at work
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle while at work
- Excellent interpersonal relationship and communication skills.
Benefits
- 2 weeks paid Christmas Break and Spring Break
- Subsidized Rent - Pay only $350 per month + phone/internet for a 3 bedroom duplex or receive free rent if you share a duplex with another staff member
- 5% Employer pension contribution
- Competitive Health Benefits
- Lakes and mountains minutes from your door
If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply with your resume and cover letter, speaking specifically to our ad and the position.
Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all interested candidates. This position is open until filled.
Job Types: Permanent, Full-time
Salary: $22.23-$40.74 per hour
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
- On call
Experience:
- substance abuse prevention/intervention: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Addictions Counselling Certificate (preferred)
Work Location: In person
