Internal/External
Cultural Advisor
Full Time, End Date 1 year from hire date
Open to Inuit Candidates Only
It is the mission of Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI) to broadly provide Inuit-specific programs that contribute to the health and wellbeing of Inuit and to encourage and support similar programs for Inuit across the country. With over 30 years of highly successful experience in crafting the design, development, and delivery of a wide range of effective, client-centered services, TI continues to deliver quality programs and services that directly benefit our growing urban Inuit population.
Reporting to the Director, Mamisarvik, the Cultural Advisor is responsible for providing cultural resource and support for Inuit families who are in treatment, post treatment and provides direct cultural services and opportunities to help develop strong and positive cultural identities and foster a sense of community belonging. The incumbent works with non-Indigenous and Indigenous service organizations and institutions in the region to promote Inuit cultural competency and awareness and provides expertise and guidance to the Mamisarvik team members and management to ensure program/policy design and practice reflects Inuit societal values and remains culturally grounded.
Responsibilities:
Program Delivery
- Provide case consultations with referral workers, agencies and other service providers to ensure agency interactions and interventions are done in a culturally sensitive and appropriate way.
- Facilitate talking, teaching, and healing circles for Inuit Adults.
- Develop and distribute cultural resources and education materials to Inuit adults e.g. craft supplies, country food, language resources, books, etc.
- Collaborate with stakeholders prevent, manage, and resolve conflict.
- Establish and maintain formal and informal networks to support the provision of services to clients and promote TI and MHC’s programs.
- Contribute to Cultural Safety/Connection Plans for Inuit adults working with other agencies and help carers understand the importance of ongoing cultural learning and connection to community.
- Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with other programs at TI and other Indigenous and non- Indigenous service providers in Ontario to create and support a coordinated network of wrap-around services for Inuit families.
- Work with other agencies to establish integrated plans of care, coordinate service delivery, evaluate progress/goal planning, and develop transition plans/case file closures.
- Provide insight and support in the development of protocols and agreements with corrections, agencies, service providers and other external stakeholders to ensure alignment with IQ principles and Inuit societal values.
- Provide advice and guidance to external agencies and service providers to promote healing and reconciliation with the Inuit community.
- Represent TI on committees and working groups as needed.
- Demonstrate behaviors, actions and attitudes that are consistent with TI’s vision, mission, and values.
- Share cultural knowledge and provide advice, guidance, and assistance in the development of policies, programs, and services to ensure they are culturally relevant and appropriate in content, delivery, and approaches.
- Ensure regular and appropriate communication and consultation with the supervisor, team members and subject matter experts at appropriate times.
- Ensure effective and professional communication with all internal and external service providers.
- Share information according to privacy and confidentiality guidelines.
- Work respectfully, positively, professionally, and collaboratively with team members, other staff at TI, and external stakeholders.
- Work collaboratively with diverse team based in different locations across the province.
- Maintain client confidentiality and privacy.
- Develop and maintain a detailed work plan of activities.
- Develop and maintain accurate, secure, and up-to-date client files in the appropriate electronic system, including proper and timely case notes.
- Prepare and deliver reports as required.
- Good working knowledge with Personnel and Client Policy.
- Prepare and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and statistics as required.
- Prepare and submit mileage claims, expense claims and other relevant financial documentation.
- At all times, adhere to TI’s personnel, finance and other policies, procedures, and relevant practices in the performance of duties.
Knowledge of and appreciation for Inuit culture and values and exemplifying the 8 Guiding Principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit. Knowledge of issues facing Inuit, both in an urban setting and community based particularly those involved with substance misuse. Inuit historical and contemporary issues, including socio-economic determinants of health that impact urban Inuit families in Ontario. Trauma-informed practices and strength-based approach.
Specialized knowledge, systems navigation, and training in trauma care, mental health and wellness, violence against women, justice services, addiction, and traditional healing practices. Extensive knowledge of services and resources available to Inuit in Ontario and how to access these. Excellent interpersonal skills, with an ability to develop and maintain trust and strong, positive relationships and work effectively with community members, co-workers, and staff at other agencies. Excellent case and file management skills, and organizational and time management skills. Excellent communication (oral and written) and group facilitation skills. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Strong initiative: motivated and able to work independently and with a high degree of autonomy while knowing when to communicate and consult with supervisor, team members and subject matter experts.
Ability to initiate, plan, and deliver cultural programming and develop cultural resources and to maintain accurate, secure, and up-to-date client records and case notes using case management software. Self-driven with a strong work ethic and an ability to maintain focus, productivity and performance while working independently and in a team setting. Ability to develop rapport, trust, and ethical relationships with clients and staff, and to exercise strong decision-making skills and deal with unpredictable situations. Ability to employ effective crisis intervention, de-escalation and conflict resolution approaches and techniques, and to work from a strength-based, trauma-informed, and community member centered approach. Ability to operate a decolonizing and anti-oppressive approach and to identify and appropriately support clients in crisis while maintaining healthy boundaries and practicing self-care.
Ability to handle sensitive issues with tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality. Behaves in a manner that serves as an example of positive cultural values, attitudes, beliefs, and actions. A non-judgmental, inclusive, and positive attitude towards community members who are involved in high- risk behaviors or experiencing challenging circumstances, including substance use, homelessness, and other issues.
Community College in field related to social work and social services is required. Undergraduate or Masters degree or diploma in Mental Health, addiction services, Indigenous studies, counselling, human services or directly related education is preferred.
Four plus years’ experience working with Inuit families in a healing and reconciliation capacity, including crisis intervention and case management, engagement and outreach, and group facilitation is required. Four plus years’ experience in development and delivery of cultural programming, and provision of cultural competency training for service providers is required. Two plus years’ experience providing advocacy on behalf of clients and previous experience delivering direct services in a social services or community services organization is required. Two plus years’ experience working with individuals dealing with trauma, addiction and recovery.
Proficient use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, video-conferencing platforms and electronic records management applications and a clear Vulnerable Sector Check with results acceptable to TI is required. Fluency English and ability to speak Inuktitut is required and the availability to work evening and weekends in required.
**Acceptable combinations of education and experience may be considered for this position. We encourage you to apply if you have equivalent years of education and/or experience equal to the education and experience requirements listed above. ***
Salary and Benefits
- Salary range is $70,000 to $74,000.
- TI offers a competitive total compensation package. Employees are provided with an exceptional benefits plan which includes major medical and dental coverage for the employee and their dependents, and employee life insurance for those eligible as per the policy.
- TI provides paid sickness, personal and family sickness leave days, and a 24/7 confidential Employee and Family Assistance Plan.
- Vacation (earn 3 weeks/year).
PLEASE CLICK ON **APPLY NOW** TO SUBMIT YOUR RESUME.
Preference in hiring will be given to qualified Inuit candidates; applicants are encouraged to self-identify. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit our website at www.tiontario.ca to learn more about our programs and services. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request.
The Cultural Advisor works out of 1071 Richmond Road in Ottawa.
We thank all interested applicants in advance for their interest. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.