Wellness Worker

Takla Nation

Wellness Worker (NADAPP)

Health Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW:  Takla Nation is dedicated to creating a healthy community, that is grounded in culture and respectful of their traditional lands. Inspired by healing, is the Wellness Worker (WW) position. The Wellness Worker assists mental health & addiction services within Takla Landing. Taking a new approach to wellness and healing, this position will focus on the accessibility of wellness services for the client, providing alternative approaches such as home appointments, and teleconference connections. The community wellness worker is responsible for planning and activities associated with preventing and reducing substance misuse in the community where the worker is assigned. Activities include assessing the needs of the client, setting up a treatment plan, co-hosting group counselling sessions and coordinating self-help groups in community. Responsibilities include carrying out support according to the 6 elements of prevention, intervention, and follow up care as seen in the Honoring our Strengths:  A renewed Framework to Address Substance use issues Among First Nations People in Canada (2011)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: These elements include primary areas of Substance Abuse Prevention. These activities aim to educate community members and prevent substance abuse. There should be prevention activities specific to children, teens, adults, and Elders. Regularly distribute written material on substance abuse prevention. These activities occur when someone has come to the health center for help, and they are actively engaging in support services.

•      Set up a treatment plan with the client. This plan will be dependent on your assessment and can include Elements 2-6 (as outlined in the Honoring Our Strengths document)

•      Depending on the level of intervention required. This can include individual substance misuse counselling conducted by you; culture as healing activities, mental health counselling provided by the mental health professional; referral to residential treatment; referral to group treatment. The Wellness Worker will also need to be trained and familiar with the “Well Briety” program.

•      Be sensitive to individual children’s differences and needs and be willing to adjust activities to meet those individual needs.

•      Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.

•      Assist with other duties as requested.

•      Demonstrated competency in oral and written communication skills.

•      Ability to effectively interact and relate to children in a developmentally appropriate       manner.

•      Ability to pass a criminal background check of vulnerable peoples.

•      First Aid certification.

•      Excellent interpersonal skills.

•      High level of energy.

•      High levels of patience.

•      Fluency in other languages an asset.

•      Knowledge of sign language an asset.

•      Genuinely committed to helping children learn.

•      Cultural sensitivity.

•      Excellent problem-solving skills.

•      Ability and willingness to perform required physical tasks.

•      Initial and on-going employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Check. Criminal Record Checks must be done every two years.

•      Theoretical base and working knowledge of the field of substance misuse.

•      Interpersonal skills- Maintains Confidentiality, remains open to other’s ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things.

•      Strong working knowledge of the various interventions for substance misuse prevention and intervention in an individual and group context.

•      Strong skills in individual assessment and treatment planning for individual client intervention.

•      Strong understanding and ability to execute cultural as a modality of intervention.

All CWW should have certification through the Indigenous Accreditation Board of Canada, minimum level CICSAW. This certification must be kept current.

•      Must possess a valid driver’s license.

•      Due to the nature of this position, the CWW can expect to be working in an office location, client’s homes, other buildings within the community (school, administrative office, potlatch house) and in an outdoor setting (for cultural work).

•      Must undergo “Well Briety” training.

•      Provide an initial assessment of the needs of the client.

At Takla, we value the dedication of our employees, which is why we give so much in return. In addition to Competitive pay, we also offer the following:

•      Comprehensive Health benefits package with Medical, Dental and Vision coverage.

•      An employer matched the Pension Plan up to 5.5 percent.

•      Excellent learning and advancement opportunities.

•      Group RRSP plan.

•      Opportunities for personal and professional training and development

•      18 sick days.

•      5 personal days.

•      $500 Health care spending account per fiscal year.

•      Paid time off during Christmas break.

Preference may be given to candidates of Indigenous ancestry S.16(1) CHRA and have knowledge of local First Nations traditional customs and practices. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.