Ontario Native Women’s Association Looking for Community Wellness Worker (6 month Contract) at Thunder Bay, ON Full Time

Why make ONWA your career choice?

Make a difference in the lives of Indigenous peoples by supporting and advocating for positive change. ONWA prides itself on providing all employees with a total rewards package that is generous and supports our workforce and their family members:

Competitive salaries

Paid time off at Christmas above paid vacation time

Additional paid stat and civic holidays

35 hour work week and may include, remote work

Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance

Ongoing professional development.

Possible reimbursement on portion of cell phone and internet expenses

Remote work offered for various positions

VISION:
At the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), we celebrate and honour the safety and healing of Indigenous Women and Girls as they take up their leadership roles in the family, community, provincially, nationally and internationally for generations to come.

ONWA MANDATE

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is a not for profit organization that empowers and supports Indigenous women and their families in the province of Ontario.

ONWA encourages the participation of Indigenous women in the development of Federal, Provincial, Municipal/Local government policies that impact their lives and ensure issues affecting Indigenous women and their families are heard at key government tables.

ONWA is committed to providing services that strengthen communities and guarantees the preservation of Indigenous culture, identity, art, language and heritage. Ending violence against Indigenous women and their families and ensuring equal access to justice, education, health, environmental stewardship and economic development, sits at the cornerstone of the organization. ONWA insists on social and cultural well – being for all Indigenous women and their families, so that all women, regardless of tribal heritage may live their best lives.

SCOPE:
The Community Wellness Worker is responsible to develop, provide, facilitate and/or coordinate a variety of local programming relating to reducing or preventing family and community violence, including community based family violence awareness and prevention education campaigns or activities in local settings (i.e. schools) or at local community events (i.e. Pow-Wows and health fairs). Implementing the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy at the local level in order to reduce family violence, promote healthy lifestyles through culture based programming and healing.

QUALIFICATIONS:
A minimum diploma in the Health or Human Services field from an accredited University or College, and/or equivalent knowledge and 3-5 years’ work experience in the relevant area.

Knowledge and experience in community based program services delivery.

Experience in dealing with Indigenous Family dynamics and Indigenous communities.

Demonstrated excellent administrative duties.

Knowledge and working of Not-For Profit Organizations.

Demonstrated organizational, time management and presentation skills with the ability to follow through on assigned duties independently within strict deadlines.

Excellent written and oral communications, with emphasis on keen listening and ability to effectively interpret verbal communications and needs of prospective Community Members.

Must be dependable, able to follow instructions, respond to management direction and be able to improve performance through management feedback.

Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office; competency working with other databases.

Knowledge and understanding of current issues facing Indigenous Women and their families.

Working knowledge of MS Office Software, internet, and general office equipment.

Ability to speak an Indigenous Language is considered an asset.

Valid G Class Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle with appropriate insurance.

Current, valid vulnerable sector criminal records check. Valid 1st Aid/CPR.

A cellular phone and internet access is required within this position

Must be willing and able to work a flexible working from home arrangement if required. This may include a combination of virtual remote work in your home and in office arrangements. This will be based on operational needs and will be determined by the ONWA.

Ability/willingness to travel and to work flexible hours.

ONWA is committed on implementing measures to protect its community members, staff, and other stakeholders from COVID-19. As a result, ONWA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy. Exemptions will be made for those with a valid medical exemption; proof of the exemption will be required

KEY CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
Inter-cultural Competency Informed – Understands to incorporate a personal responsibility to increase sensitivity, awareness and implementation of ONWA’s cultural teachings and organizational practices in both professional conduct and work related deliverables.

Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis Informed – Understands to incorporate an intersectional approach to gender, race and discrimination and subsequent intergenerational impacts affecting Indigenous women and their families.

Trauma-Based Practice Informed – Understands to incorporate a trauma-informed approach to recognize and respond to all forms of trauma and the necessity of supporting Indigenous women in a culture of tradition and safety in her healing journey.

She is Wise Leadership Informed – Understands to incorporate the Four Agreements within daily responsibilities and combined with ONWA’s cultural teachings contribute to the empowerment and leadership of Indigenous women within their communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES – SPECIFIC:
Referrals to/service co-ordination of counseling, legal and/or treatment services for individuals and families experiencing a crisis or trauma, including liaison with non-Indigenous services to facilitate case management.

The Community Wellness Worker shall also be responsible for:
A. Individuals and Families (Community Member Based Activities)

To identify and assess families and/or individuals in need of healing and wellness services

To provide emergency services to violent family situations including support and follow up

To refer victims to appropriate services

To promote Indigenous culture-based family healing

To support the development of healing circles, peer support groups an self-help processes to assist in community healing, anger management, positive self-image development, alternative discipline methods and positive relationships

To work with other community service providers to promote a coordinated approach to healing and wellness

To provide ongoing liaison service and follow up to ensure family and individual needs are being met

B. Community (Participant Based Activities)

To promote healthy lifestyles by conducting workshops, seminars and public education forums

To facilitate community events to promote healing, wellness, addictions free activities, positive parenting, family interaction and cultural awareness

To participate in the development and establishment of culturally sensitive services which address family healing and wellness

To facilitate the involvement of elders, senators and traditional people, who have undergone their own healing and wellness journey, in the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Program.

C. Other Community Services (Networking)

To establish a system of referrals

To assist, upon request, non-Indigenous agencies in order to ensure that Indigenous Community Members receive the service and support they require

To promote linkages amongst community agencies so that the Indigenous community will have greater access to holistic healing and wellness approaches

To facilitate the understanding and support of community agencies for the Aboriginal Healing and Wellness Strategy

All other duties as assigned.

AUTHORITY:
To execute the functions outlined in this job description.

ACCOUNTABILITY:
The Community Wellness Worker will be directly accountable to the Branch Manager for the proper completion of the functions outlined in the job description.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

As Indigenous leaders, ONWA is continuing full operations including hiring, while working from home and in office, as supporting our community members is a priority. ONWA is scheduling all interviews, providing training, onboarding and orientation for new employees, through the use of virtual tools.