Employment Opportunity

Indigenous Family Support Worker

Contract, Full-Time, $28.00/hr 35 hours per week

About Keepers of the Circle

Keepers of the Circle is an Indigenous Hub operated by the Temiskaming Native Women’s Support Group (TNWSG), a non-profit organization founded in 1997 to promote the economic, cultural, and social equity of Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse peoples.

About the Role

The Indigenous Family Support Worker (IFS) is responsible for offering a culturally rooted support service for Indigenous families living in the District of Timiskaming. In fulfilling this role, the IFS Worker will work closely with the Family Services Department, to develop and deliver, or alternatively, facilitate access to a broad range of programs and activities for Indigenous individuals, families and communities across the district. The role of Family Support Worker is intended to strengthen natural and extended family supports by increasing indigenous cultural knowledge and practices in elder led learning environments. It is also intended to equip individuals and families with specific tools and strategies to address personal and systematic problems. challenges that erode their right to self-determination. In keeping with that, the Family Support Worker will offer direct support to individuals and families, as well as information and skill building sessions and workshops. They will also liaise with the service providers and assist them with decolonization and reconciliation efforts.

The IFS Worker is responsible for delivering prompt, positive and courteous participant focused programs and for treating others empathetically with respect, dignity, cultural sensitivity and openness to diversity. This position is required to work on nonstandard work hours based on the needs of the families and the programs, meetings with parents, groups and the public. Occasional work will occur on evenings and weekends.

This position functions within a team construct that is inclusive of all community members. Relationships will be guided by the Wisdom Keepers Elders Council, the seven grandfather teachings and the medicine wheel. Confidentiality and a high degree of integrity, discretion, professionalism is essential to this position due to the exposure to confidential and/or sensitive information.

Roles and responsibilities include:

·         Promote and organize elder led opportunities to learn traditional teachings and cultural practices in urban settings and on the land.

·         Work directly with individuals and families to give them information, skills and support that they need to retain their independence and well-being or becoming self-determining and contributing to their families and communities.

·         Develop and implement culturally based programs geared to family's needs and based on recommendations from relevant data feedback, local community plans and needs assessments.

·         Identify or develop and facilitate person directed, reflective and motivational interventions with goal setting tools and processes that utilize traditional Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices.

·         Help individuals identify their strengths and assets so they can use and build upon them by assuming leadership and peer mentoring roles in program delivery as well as their families and the community.

·         knowledge of community services, resources, and processes regarding access and referral to internal and external services

·         Oversee the general functioning of gatherings such as workshops and special activities.

·         Maintain a monthly calendar of activities.

·         Maintain statistical records and have regularly updated client case notes.

·         Participate in staff and team meetings and performance improvement reviews.

·         Assist in preparing activity reports and monthly, quarterly and annual program reports.

·         Complete other duties as assigned by the Programs Manager or Executive Director

 Requirements:  

·         Social service worker is considered an asset

·         Non-judgemental and inclusive

·         Excellent oral and written communication skills and is comfortable presenting in front of a group

·         Strong interpersonal skills

·         Ability to apply critical thinking to help facilitate group discussions among members

·         Trauma-informed training is a plus

·         Experience working with Indigenous families in an advocacy, support, or social development role.

·         Personable, friendly and cooperative attitude, goal oriented and a self-starter.

·         Flexible with program delivery and approach to family's needs.

·         Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff and community service agencies.

·         Must hold a valid G driver's license.

·         Organized and efficient with time management

·         Working knowledge of MS Office

·         Excellent problem-solving ability

·         Ability to inspire and motivate is essential

·         Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with extreme discretion is required

This position is on a full-time basis and is based out of our Kirkland Lake Offices

If you would like more information about the role, please reach out to hr@keepersofthecircle.com 

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility

We advocate for the presence and contributions of all people regardless of race, colour, religion, age, genetic status, sex, military status, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. As an Indigenous organization, Keepers of the Circle has an affirmative action policy that prioritizes the hiring of Indigenous Peoples and community affiliates. Please let us know of any specific requirements during the application process by emailing hr@keepersofthecircle.com – we are happy to work with you on accommodation requests.

How To Apply

Applications will be accepted until August 1, 2025 5:00 PM. Please send your resume and cover letter to hr@keepersofthecircle.com with the subject title “Indigenous Family Support Job Application – (Your Name)”.