Mental Health Worker jobs in Vancouver, BC

About Lu’ma

Lu’ma is a Coast Salish word for “new beginnings.” Lu’ma offers a wide range of programs, services and other initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty, improving the overall health of the urban Indigenous community and responding to the evolving needs of Indigenous peoples.

About the Complex Care Outreach Team

Lu’ma Native BCH Housing Society has launched a Complex Care Outreach Team (CCT) in North Vancouver to provide outreach services for all Nations with complex, and persistent concurrent medical conditions and substance use disorders.

The CCT is an interdisciplinary team of Indigenous and culturally aware practitioners who deliver care collaboratively in a culturally safe, integrated, and participant-centered way. The team is grounded in Indigenous values, trauma-informed practice, harm reduction, and cultural humility, addressing the medical, social, emotional, cultural, and practical needs of participants to support wellness, autonomy, stability, independence and housing retention.

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Manager of Complex Care Team or designate, the Indigenous Cultural Worker plays a key role in supporting the cultural, emotional, and spiritual well-being of participants within a supportive housing environment. Working as part of a supportive housing interdisciplinary team, the Indigenous Cultural Worker facilitates culturally safe, trauma-informed, and person-centered care by integrating cultural practices, knowledge, and teachings into daily programming and supports. This position focuses on strengthening identity, belonging, and healing through cultural connection, while supporting participants in navigating housing stability, health and wellness services, and community resources.

Responsibilities

Cultural Support & Programming

• Facilitate culturally grounded activities, including Talking, Teaching, and Healing Circles.
• Support access to Indigenous history, traditional medicines, cultural teachings, cultural art and crafting, and Indigenous land-based healing practices.
• Lead and/or coordinate cultural programming and community events, including drumming, singing, carving, beading, and other traditional art and craft teachings and practices.
• Organize and support ceremonies and cultural gatherings in collaboration with Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
• Provide cultural education and support to participants and staff as appropriate.
• Design, coordinate, and deliver cultural programming.
• Help integrate cultural safety practices into daily programming and care delivery.

Participant Support & Engagement

• Build trusting, respectful relationships with participants in supportive housing and complex care settings.
• Provide one-on-one cultural support within scope.
• Support participants in strengthening identity, resilience, and connection to culture and community.
• Assist participants in accessing Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and cultural supports.
• Encourage participation in programming and community engagement activities.
• Assist participants with completing applications and documentation (e.g., Indigenous Status, housing, identification, and health-related forms).

Collaboration & Coordination

• Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary team members (managers, cultural outreach workers, cultural coordinators, clinicians, supportive housing staff) to integrate cultural approaches and programming into care planning.
• Liaise with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Indigenous service providers, and community partners.
• Facilitate referrals and connections to community-based cultural and wellness resources.
• Participate in case discussions where culturally relevant insight may support participant care planning.

Cultural Safety & Advocacy

• Promote culturally safe, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive practices within the program.
• Advocate for culturally appropriate approaches to care and housing support.
• Identify and communicate systemic barriers impacting participants’ well-being and access to services.

Administrative & Program Support

• Perform clerical and administrative duties including data entry, filing, correspondence, and use of electronic systems
• Maintain basic digital documentation of cultural activities, participation, and program outcomes as required.
• Assist in planning, scheduling, and coordinating cultural programming.
• Collect and prepare statistical and narrative reports related to outreach activities and participant engagement
• Support program evaluation and continuous improvement of cultural services, including case planning.

Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education & Certification:

• Diploma or degree in Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Community Support, or a related field.
• Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certificate, Non-violent Crisis Intervention or MANDT Certificate, Food Safe Level 1 Certificate are required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in an Indigenous oriented environment providing cultural services and programming to clients.
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience facilitating cultural programming and working with Elders/Knowledge Keepers.
• Experience working with individuals with complex care needs, including mental health, substance use, homelessness, or concurrent disorders.
• Experience facilitating group-based cultural programming (e.g., circles, workshops, ceremonies).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of Indigenous history, cultures, traditions, and healing practices (local and urban Nations’ knowledge is an asset).
• Knowledge of community resources and services.
• Demonstrated understanding and working knowledge of trauma-informed, culturally safe, and harm-reduction approaches.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, advocacy, and client-centered approach and support.
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethical practice, and professional boundaries.
• Ability to facilitate group programming such as circles and cultural workshops.
• Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Competence in digital documentation, data collection, and basic reporting.
• Physically able to carry out the Indigenous Cultural Worker duties including extended periods of walking, repetitive bending down, kneeling, sitting, reaching up, standing, and lifting and carrying up to 25lbs.

This position is open to all applicants. All positions are subject to a Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record clearance.

Application Process

You must follow the instructions to submit your application with the exact subject line. A complete application will consist of your up-to-date resume and letter of interest. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

1.Please submit your resume and a letter of interest to: jobs@LNHS.ca

2.Subject line: E-ICW-260504-02 (must be exactly the same).

3.Application deadline: Until the position is filled.

Please note that only qualified candidates will be shortlisted for interviews.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $70,803.83 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• RRSP match

Work Location: In person