Community Support Worker jobs in Nanaimo, BC

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Program Director, the Cultural Support Worker supports the delivery of culturally grounded care, programming and experiences for young spirits participating in Orca Lelum’s 10-Week Wellness Program.

The Cultural Support Worker provides direct cultural support, mentorship, teachings and activities and brings their own cultural knowledge, skills and gifts to their work with young spirits. These gifts may include drumming, singing, storytelling, traditional arts, language, food preparation, land-based practices, ceremony or other culturally grounded teachings and activities appropriate to the employee’s knowledge, experience and cultural protocols.

As a direct-care member of the program team, the Cultural Support Worker also provides active care and supervision of young spirits and contributes to maintaining a safe, consistent, relational and trauma-informed environment.

The Cultural Support Worker works collaboratively with other Cultural Support Workers, the Youth Support Team, Care Team Specialists, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and other interdisciplinary team members to support cultural connection and ensure cultural perspectives are meaningfully incorporated into Care Planning and program delivery.

The position also carries administrative responsibilities related to cultural programming, including documentation in AMIS, meeting participation and note taking, activity coordination and scheduling, maintaining cultural resources and records, and supporting effective communication and follow-through across the program.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Cultural Programming, Teachings & Cultural Gifts

• Provide regular culturally grounded activities, teachings and experiences that support young spirits in strengthening cultural identity, belonging, connection and overall wellness.
• Share cultural knowledge, skills and personal cultural gifts with young spirits, which may include drumming, singing, storytelling, traditional arts, weaving, beading, food preparation, language, land-based practices, ceremony or other culturally grounded activities appropriate to the employee’s knowledge, experience and cultural protocols.
• Plan, coordinate and facilitate cultural programming and activities throughout the 10-Week Wellness Program in collaboration with other Cultural Support Workers and relevant team members.
• Facilitate or support cultural activities such as circles, drumming, singing, arts and crafts, traditional food activities, land-based activities, harvesting, gathering and other culturally meaningful experiences.
• Create opportunities for young spirits to explore and strengthen connections to their cultural identity, family, Nation, community, language, traditions and ways of knowing.
• Incorporate cultural activities and opportunities into daily program life, supporting culture as an integral component of the young spirit experience throughout the Wellness Program.
• Support culturally grounded approaches that promote connection of heart, mind, body and spirit.
• Recognize and respect the diversity of Nations, communities, teachings and cultural practices represented by young spirits participating in the program.
• Recognize the limits of one’s own cultural knowledge and authority and seek guidance from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, cultural practitioners and appropriate community resources when required.
• Ensure cultural teachings, protocols and practices are shared respectfully and within the employee’s knowledge, permissions and cultural authority.

2. Care, Supervision & Safety

• Provide active care and supervision of young spirits while engaged in activities, one-to-one support, outings and other program responsibilities.
• Maintain awareness of young spirit whereabouts, needs and safety while responsible for their supervision.
• Follow established Care Plans, safety plans, supervision requirements and other identified supports.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and respond to distress, conflict, dysregulation or safety concerns using trauma-informed and approved approaches.
• Promptly communicate and document significant observations, incidents, safety concerns or changes in a young spirit’s presentation in accordance with Orca Lelum procedures.
• Support young spirits with daily routines, transitions, meals, activities and other practical needs when required.
• Work collaboratively with other Cultural Support Workers, the Youth Support Team, Care Team Specialists and other interdisciplinary team members to ensure safe and consistent care and supervision throughout the program.

3. Cultural Mentorship & Relationship Building

• Build safe, respectful and consistent relationships with young spirits through culturally grounded, relational and trauma-informed practice.
• Provide cultural and personal mentorship that supports young spirits in developing confidence, cultural identity, belonging, connection and a positive sense of self.
• Create opportunities for young spirits to ask questions, explore cultural interests and identify cultural activities, teachings or connections that are meaningful to them.
• Model respectful communication, healthy boundaries, cultural humility, relational accountability and positive ways of being.
• Encourage young spirit participation in cultural activities in a respectful and non-coercive manner, recognizing that each young spirit may have a different relationship with culture, spirituality, family and community.
• Support young spirits to reconnect with or strengthen cultural relationships in ways that respect their individual circumstances, interests and readiness.
• Recognize and celebrate young spirit strengths, accomplishments and progress throughout the Wellness Program.

4. Care Planning & Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Attend and actively participate in Care Planning and other interdisciplinary meetings, contributing relevant cultural observations, perspectives and recommendations regarding young spirits.
• Bring forward information gained through direct engagement with young spirits that may assist the interdisciplinary team in understanding their cultural interests, strengths, needs, relationships and goals.
• Contribute cultural perspectives and recommendations to the development and ongoing review of individual Care Plans within the scope of the position.
• Support implementation of relevant Care Plan goals and actions related to culture, identity, connection, community and other areas within the Cultural Support Worker’s scope.
• Communicate relevant observations, changes and concerns to the appropriate Care Coordinator, Youth Support Supervisor, Program Director or other team member as appropriate.
• Collaborate with Care Coordinators, Counsellors, the Youth Advocate & Mentor, Youth Support Team and other interdisciplinary team members to provide coordinated support to young spirits.
• Participate in intake discussions, program planning meetings, team consultations and other interdisciplinary meetings as requested and within the scope of the position.
• Support effective communication between cultural programming and other areas of the Wellness Program to ensure activities, schedules and supports are appropriately coordinated.

5. Cultural Activities, Land-Based Programming & Community Connection

• Plan and coordinate culturally grounded activities both at Orca Lelum and within the community.
• Support land-based activities such as harvesting, gathering, nature-based learning and other culturally relevant experiences appropriate to the season, community and applicable cultural protocols.
• Identify opportunities for young spirits to participate in cultural events, gatherings, activities and community-based experiences where appropriate.
• Coordinate cultural outings and activities in collaboration with the Program Director, other Cultural Support Workers and relevant team members.
• Support appropriate preparation of young spirits before cultural activities, ceremonies or community events, including discussion of applicable protocols and expectations.
• Accompany and supervise young spirits during cultural activities, community outings and land-based programming as required.
• Gather feedback from young spirits regarding cultural activities and experiences and use this information to support future programming.

6. Elders, Knowledge Keepers & Cultural Relationships

• Develop and maintain respectful working relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, cultural practitioners, Nations, communities and other cultural resources that support Orca Lelum and its young spirits.
• Identify and recommend appropriate Elders, Knowledge Keepers, cultural practitioners and community resources who may contribute to cultural programming, teachings and young spirit support.
• Support the coordination of Elder, Knowledge Keeper and cultural practitioner participation in programming, ceremonies, teachings and special activities.
• Ensure appropriate cultural protocols are understood and followed when engaging Elders, Knowledge Keepers, cultural practitioners, Nations and communities.
• Assist with coordinating schedules, space, supplies, transportation and other practical arrangements required for cultural activities, teachings and visits.
• Maintain appropriate records and contact information for approved cultural resources and community relationships.
• Work respectfully with cultural advisors, consultants and community partners identified or approved by Orca Lelum leadership.
• Support the development of a diverse network of cultural resources that reflects and responds to the Nations, communities and cultural backgrounds of young spirits participating in the program.

7. Documentation & Team Responsibilities

• Maintain timely, accurate, objective and confidential documentation relevant to the responsibilities of the role in AMIS.
• Communicate significant young spirit observations, concerns and follow-up needs to the appropriate team member.
• Participate in Care Team meetings, Care Planning, team consultations, training and other meetings relevant to the position.
• Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries and appropriate information-sharing practices.
• Complete assigned follow-up actions and ensure relevant information is appropriately communicated or handed over.
• Document significant incidents, safety concerns and other required information in accordance with Orca Lelum policies and procedures.
• Contribute relevant cultural observations and perspectives to Care Planning and interdisciplinary discussions within the scope of the position.

8. Administrative & Cultural Program Coordination

• Attend designated program, cultural and interdisciplinary meetings and take clear and accurate meeting notes or minutes when assigned.
• Document key decisions, action items and follow-up responsibilities arising from meetings and ensure records are distributed or filed in accordance with established processes.
• Maintain organized records relating to cultural programming, activities, schedules, community resources, cultural contacts and other assigned responsibilities.
• Support the development and maintenance of cultural programming calendars and schedules.
• Coordinate with relevant team members regarding upcoming cultural activities, ceremonies, community visits, outings and other cultural programming.
• Prepare reports, summaries and other administrative documentation related to cultural programming as requested.
• Demonstrate proficiency with AMIS, Microsoft Office applications and other electronic or administrative systems required to perform the role.
• Provide timely follow-up on administrative tasks and maintain organized records and files related to assigned responsibilities.

9. Youth Advisory Council

• Attend and actively participate in Youth Advisory Council meetings, contributing to discussions and supporting the meaningful inclusion of young spirit perspectives in program planning and development.
• Support young spirits to participate meaningfully in advisory discussions and create culturally safe opportunities for them to share their ideas, experiences and recommendations.
• Bring relevant feedback and recommendations from the Youth Advisory Council forward to the Program Director and other appropriate team members.
• Support follow-up on agreed actions arising from Youth Advisory Council discussions where they fall within the scope of the position.

10. Cultural Supplies, Resources & Inventory

• Maintain an organized inventory of cultural, ceremonial and programming materials and ensure items are appropriately stored, respected and accessible when required.
• Monitor cultural programming supplies and identify replenishment or purchasing needs in advance.
• Obtain required approvals before purchasing cultural supplies, materials or other resources.
• Coordinate approved purchases and ensure receipts and supporting documentation are submitted in accordance with Finance procedures.
• Ensure ceremonial and culturally significant items are handled, stored and used respectfully and in accordance with applicable cultural protocols.
• Support preparation of materials and spaces required for cultural activities, ceremonies, circles and programming.

11. Professional Practice & Organizational Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively and respectfully with the Program Director, other Cultural Support Workers, Youth Support Team, Care Team Specialists and other employees and partners.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, professional development and organizational activities as required.
• Contribute cultural knowledge and perspectives to program development, evaluation and continuous quality improvement within the scope of the position.
• Support staff learning and understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, values and ways of knowing within the employee’s own knowledge, experience and cultural authority.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality in all interactions with young spirits, families, colleagues and community partners.
• Follow Orca Lelum policies, procedures, health and safety requirements and professional expectations.
• Complete mandatory training and maintain certifications required for the position.
• Represent Orca Lelum professionally and respectfully when engaging with young spirits, families, Nations, communities, service providers and members of the public.
• Perform other related duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Post-secondary education in Indigenous Studies, Human Services, Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Community Services or a related field is an asset. An equivalent combination of cultural knowledge, lived experience, community experience, education and relevant employment experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated cultural knowledge, experience and connection to Indigenous communities, traditions, teachings and ways of knowing.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to share cultural knowledge, skills and gifts with young spirits through direct engagement and programming.
• Cultural gifts or skills such as drumming, singing, storytelling, language, traditional arts, weaving, beading, food preparation, land-based practices, ceremony or other culturally grounded practices are a strong asset.
• Knowledge of or experience working with Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth and/or Kwakwaka’wakw communities, histories, cultures and protocols is an asset.
• Ability to speak an Indigenous language, including Hul’q’umi’num’, is an asset.
• Experience working with Indigenous children, youth and/or families, preferably within a culturally grounded, community-based, wellness or related environment.
• Experience providing direct care and supervision to young people is an asset.
• Strong administrative, organizational and documentation skills, including the ability to take accurate meeting notes and maintain organized records.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to use computers, electronic documentation systems, email and standard Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence.
• Valid First Aid certification as required by Orca Lelum.
• Must successfully complete all required criminal record, prior contact and other employment screening requirements.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and statutory holidays where required by program operations.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong relationship-building, mentorship, advocacy and active-listening skills.
• Ability to establish trust and communicate effectively with Indigenous young people.
• Ability to centre young spirit voice while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Ability to draw appropriately on lived experience while respecting the individual identities and experiences of young spirits.
• Understanding of Indigenous approaches to wellness, cultural safety, identity and connection.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Resourcefulness in identifying community supports and meaningful wellness opportunities.
• Ability to translate wellness concepts and recommendations into practical, age-appropriate strategies.
• Strong organization, communication, documentation, judgement and follow-through.
• Ability to recognize concerns requiring escalation or specialized professional support.

*Note:

- This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

- The hours of work, including days off, may be subject to change to match the operational requirements.

- Qualified First Nations candidates will be given preference in accordance with the BC Human Rights Code section 42

Pay: $35.62 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person