FT Contract Community Connector

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre•London, ON

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is a diverse, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency that has extended its services in the field of early learning and childcare. Guided and supported by the Journey Together Indigenous planning committee, SOAHAC is the operator and licensee of Nshwaasnangong. Nshwaasnangong is a place for Indigenous young children and families to honour, rekindle, and express their identities as Indigenous Peoples; where kindness and compassion helps everyone to have a sense of belonging; where we nurture our well-being, while living in sync with community and all creation; where we engage deeply with questions and possibilities. The Child Care at Nshwaasnangong offers licensed childcare for up to 88 children ages 0-6 years of age old. The adjoining Family Centre is a place to connect with opportunities offered for young children, families and youth - including ceremonies, land-based learning, knowledge exchange and community support. Reporting to the Family Centre Supervisor, the Community Connector will represent Nshwaasnangong Child Care and Family Centre in the community with families and partners. The Community Connector role is critical to creating a welcoming, trusted place where children and families can access services easily and effectively. This is a position that requires extensive knowledge of all the programs and services available throughout the community, especially those within Indigenous organizations and within other Neighbourhood Child and Family Centres throughout the city.

Requirements

A clear and solid understanding of the issues faced by the urban Indigenous community
Experience supporting families in crisis
Genuinely committed to helping and supporting children and families
Experience working in community
Demonstrated verbal, written and communication skills
Proficient with the use of computers including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, OneNote) and internet usage, as well as any relevant educational software(s)
Must be able to work occasional evenings/weekends when required
Demonstrated customer service and program planning skills
Access to reliable transportation
Willingness to participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, teachings and ceremonies
First Aid and CPR Certificates
Clean and current vulnerable sector police check as a condition of employment
Up to date immunizations and records

Nice To Haves

Degree or diploma in Early Childhood Education, Social Service Work, Indigenous Studies or other relevant area of study
One (1) year experience working with children is considered an asset
Experience working in a First Nation community or Indigenous organization is considered an asset
Indigenous language learner is considered an asset
Government-issued driver’s licence, auto insurance and clean driving history an asset

Responsibilities

First point of contact at Nshwaasnangong Family Centre
Front desk duties, answering calls, answering front door, make families feel welcome, listen to their stories, answer their questions and help connect them to appropriate resources/services
Assist families with program registrations, introduce the families to the program area/resources provided/facilitators and make referrals to specialized programs in the community as needed
Support managing social media accounts
Monitoring and requesting program supplies as needed through Family Centre Supervisor
Work continually at strengthening his/her ties with Nshwaasnangong Childcare and Family Centre’s partners, collaborating with other family centres, community-at-large, his/her fellow staff members, the Indigenous community, the parents, and children
Role model Seven Grandfather Teachings through interactions & conversations with students, volunteers & community members
Role model using a good mind
Participating or planning in after-hours events as needed
Assisting with administrative duties
Updating community board and resources
Other duties as required or assigned by the CEO; Director, Nshwaasnangong; Nshwaasnangong Child Care & Family Centre leadership team or delegate
This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.