Cultural Caseworker

Position Responsibilities

Program Supports  

• Deliver and maintain cultural programming within the InterD under BSCS core values.
• Apply a harm reduction lens to cultural support and bridge the gap for participants who need extra support in connecting and engaging with culture and Indigenous teachings. 
• Build rapport with participants of the Inter D to assist Case Managers and Substance Use Workers to build strength based, person-centered case plans. 
• Coordinate referrals to community in tandem with Caseworkers and program participants of Inter D to provide cultural supports including, but not limited to, sweats, feasts, healing circles, pipe ceremonies, medicine picking, etc. 
• Provide emotional and material support for issues stemming from the legacy of the residential school system, day school system, including the intergenerational effects and impacts related to ambiguous loss, in a manner that is sensitive to the unique needs of vulnerable Indigenous populations.  
• With the participant, assess barriers and needs to identify supports and resources needed for the success of the participant, especially in relation to cultural connection and engagement.  
• Connect participants who are part of the Inter D program to resources that will improve their standard of living, such as culture, Nations connections, housing, income, medical supports, and identification, accompany them to appointments, and advocate on their behalf. 
• Facilitate and/or bring in facilitators for culturally appropriate programming (at the approval of the Program Manager). 
• Attend programming of the other Inter D Cultural Support Caseworker and CWCP as support and/or co-facilitator. 
• Contribute towards case conferences and keep up to date on discussions and meeting notes.  

Administration 

• Maintain detailed case notes that are entered by noon the next day (1.5 days) of interactions. 
• Ensure all relevant documents are up to date and uploaded. 
• Ensure all financial documents (accounts payable) are filled completely and accurately on time and to be approved by leadership.  
• Track and enter data from cultural programming. 

Miscellaneous

• Work closely with the team supporting sîtôskamiyiniwatisiwin – Supporting an Indigenous Way of Being – and the Elder’s Counsel to ensure the Inter D team and participants have access to medicine, cultural events, medicine picking, and ceremonies.
• Provide de-escalation tactics, crisis intervention, and overdose response as required. 
• Perform other related duties assigned by the Program Manager 
• BSCS is more than a workplace. It is a community where everyone helps and contributes to the whole, and there is an expectation that all employees will take part in events (during the work week and occasionally during weekends and evenings). This includes fundraising campaigns, running community meals, medicine picking, etc.
• All other duties as outlined by program manager.
• BSCS is more than a workplace. It is a community where everyone helps and contributes to the whole, and there is an expectation that all employees will take part in events (during the work week and occasionally during weekends and evenings). This includes fundraising campaigns, running community meals, medicine picking, etc.

Qualifications 

• Post Secondary Education in a relevant field of study (Social Sciences, Social Work) is an asset  
• Applicants with years of experience working in the inner city, with relevant knowledge of Indigenous history, culture and practice within a harm reduction strategy will be considered 
• At least two years of experience delivering community-based services. 
• Knowledge and respect for the diversity of Indigenous populations and communities 
• Knowledge of Indigenous history (Indian Residential School System), worldview, perspectives, beliefs/values, culture and traditions and spirituality is required
• Knowledge and ability to teach and provide use of traditional Indigenous protocol and medicines  
• Able to set personal and professional boundaries, including self-case and work-life balance 
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of poverty related issues, trends and services particularly for Indigenous peoples
• Local travel on behalf of clients and the agency is required; must have a valid class 5 license, reliable vehicle with minimum $2,000,000 liability insurance, and a clean driver’s abstract.  
• Valid First Aid certificate or enrolled in a future course
• Police Check with the Vulnerable Sector completed within the past six months and kept up to date (every 3 years)
• Child and Youth Intervention Check completed within the past six months and kept up to date (every 3 years)
• Experience with and knowledge of Indigenous culture and ceremonies is considered an asset.

Why Work for Boyle? 

• All work done positively impacts the community and its members!
• Access to Lumino Health, including Stress & Wellness support
• Employee activities and events throughout the year
• Various training initiatives, and development opportunities

Boyle Street Community Services (BSCS) is a values-driven organization that believes our clients are the experts in their own life. Your job will be to foster innovation with your team alongside our community members.  

Clients, staff, and partners are vital members of the Boyle Street team, so we place emphasis on making sure that we address each other correctly by using preferred pronouns. We invite you to let us know how to properly refer to you and your pronouns as you explore finding a professional home with us.  

Boyle Street Community Services aims to foster a work environment that is rich with Indigenous culture, teachings, ceremonies, and activities- as a reflection of the communities we serve and the land we reside upon.  

Boyle Street Community Services is an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of the communities we serve and are committed to engaging and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. Boyle Street Community Services welcomes applications from First Nation, Inuit, Métis, New Canadian, differently abled, and LGBTQ2S communities.