Early Years Cultural Facilitator

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre•Cambridge, ON

2d•CA$25 - CA$32•Onsite

About The Position

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is a diverse, dynamic, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency. We strive to provide quality, wholistic health services by sharing and promoting traditional and western health practices to enable people to live in a more balanced state of well-being. SOAHAC provides services to Indigenous people including those who live on and off reserve, status, non-status, Inuit and Metis within the Southwest, Waterloo-Wellington and Erie St Clair regions. SOAHAC has a mandate of ensuring that health services are accessible, of high quality and are culturally appropriate. It is SOAHAC’s objective to build health care capacity within Indigenous communities. Currently, we are seeking the services of an Early Years Cultural Facilitator to join our interdisciplinary staff team to work at our Cambridge Site. Reporting to the Integrated Care Manager and Program Coordinator, The Early Years Cultural Facilitator supports indigenous children, ages 0–6 and their families through culturally grounded programming that promotes connection, identity and wholistic wellness. The Facilitator works collaboratively with SOAHAC staff to plan, prepare and deliver cultural activities, teachings and family programming in a welcoming and inclusive environment. This position fosters family engagement and community connection by encouraging participation in culturally relevant activities and promoting access to wellness-based programs.

Requirements

Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Family Support worker, Social Services Worker, Indigenous Studies. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures, teachings and wholistic approaches to wellness
A minimum of three (3) years of experience working with children and families in early years programming, community-based services, education, cultural programming, or related social service settings
Strong interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and take direction from the Program Coordinator
Comfortable working in community-based programming environments
Reliable, flexible and committed to supporting culturally safe and respectful programming
Willingness to participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, teachings and ceremonies.
Clean and current vulnerable sector police check as a condition of employment
Travel within Cambridge and Waterloo Wellington area, as well as SOAHAC sites as required
Ontario Driver’s “G” license, clean driver’s abstract, as well as proof of personal auto insurance (must be insured a minimum of 3 years)
Up to date immunizations and records

Nice To Haves

Experience working with Indigenous children and families is considered an asset
Experience facilitating group activities or family programming is considered an asset

Responsibilities

Support the planning, preparation and facilitation of culturally based early years programming for children ages 0–6 and their families, including cultural activities, teachings and group-based experiences
Assist with coordinating family participation in programming and support positive engagement in group activities and cultural learning opportunities
Support program accessibility by assisting families with basic program-related forms, registration and participation requirements as needed
Collaborate with the Program Coordinator and SOAHAC staff in the delivery of early years and family programming
Participate in team meetings, cultural teachings and organizational gatherings, including ceremonies and community events as appropriate
Work collaboratively with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community partners in the delivery of programming and cultural activities
Support group facilitation and contribute to a safe, welcoming and culturally grounded program environment
Assist with community outreach and promotion of early years programming and services
Support basic program documentation, attendance tracking and administrative tasks related to program delivery in accordance with SOAHAC policies
Maintain accurate and respectful records related to program participation and activities, ensuring confidentiality at all times
Contribute to a collaborative team environment through open communication and participation in program planning and reflection
This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.