Cultural Outreach Support Worker – Women's Mobile Primary Care (WMPC)

Location: Downtown Eastside (DTES), Vancouver, BC
Program: Women's Mobile Primary Care (WMPC)
Position Type: Temporary Part-Time (0.3 FTE)
Term: July 1, 2026 – January 1, 2027
Hours of Work: 12 hours per week, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (flexible based on program needs)
Wage: $29.87 per hour
Union: BCGEU

About Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS)

Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS) is a proud Indigenous-led, not-for-profit organization that has served the Downtown Eastside community for over 30 years. Our programs and services are designed by and for urban Indigenous people and are grounded in Indigenous culture, community, and wellness.

VAHS offers a range of culturally safe and holistic services including:

  • A Cultural Wellness Program supported by Elders, Traditional Healers, and Knowledge Keepers

  • A Comprehensive Primary Care Clinic

  • A By-Donation Dental Clinic

  • Indigenous Early Years programs for children and families

At VAHS, we are committed to supporting the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our community through compassionate, non-judgmental, and culturally grounded care.

Program Overview

The Women's Mobile Primary Care (WMPC) program addresses the pressing healthcare needs of women in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, particularly those experiencing homelessness, physical health concerns, mental health challenges, substance use, and systemic barriers to care.

Using a mobile health unit and community-based outreach model, WMPC provides accessible, culturally safe, trauma-informed, and relationship-based healthcare services directly within the community. The program seeks to reduce barriers to care while supporting health, wellness, and self-determination.

Position Summary

The Cultural Outreach Support Worker plays a vital role in supporting women, particularly Indigenous women, who experience barriers to accessing healthcare and community services.

This position integrates Indigenous cultural supports into healthcare delivery by bridging Traditional and Western approaches to wellness through a Two-Eyed Seeing model of care. The Cultural Outreach Support Worker provides culturally grounded support, outreach, advocacy, case management, and community engagement while helping create safe, welcoming, and culturally responsive healthcare experiences.

Working collaboratively with healthcare providers, cultural practitioners, and community partners, the Cultural Outreach Support Worker helps strengthen client connections to culture, community, and holistic wellness.

This position reports to the Program Supervisor and Program Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Cultural Support and Integration

  • Provide culturally grounded support alongside Primary Care providers using a Two-Eyed Seeing approach that honours both Traditional and Western ways of healing.

  • Support Indigenous women in navigating cultural, traditional, social, and healthcare-related challenges.

  • Foster trusting relationships through active listening, empathy, respect, and cultural understanding.

  • Promote physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural safety for clients accessing WMPC services.

  • Share Indigenous teachings, cultural knowledge, medicines, and wellness practices as appropriate and within scope.

Community Engagement and Case Management

  • Engage women in the community and support them in making healthy life choices and strengthening community connections.

  • Provide case management support, including client follow-up, advocacy, referrals, and service navigation.

  • Support clients in accessing healthcare services, cultural programming, and community resources.

  • Maintain client files, progress notes, and case documentation.

Outreach and Collaboration

  • Participate in community outreach activities and mobile health unit services.

  • Accompany clients to appointments and assist with transportation support when appropriate and within program protocols.

  • Collaborate with community partners, healthcare providers, and service agencies to support coordinated care.

  • Assist in identifying outreach locations and opportunities to expand service accessibility.

Mobile Unit Operations

  • Assist with mobile clinic setup and takedown.

  • Support the organization and stocking of traditional medicines, cultural supplies, and outreach materials.

  • Assist with program logistics and outreach preparation as required.

Documentation and Administration

  • Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records in accordance with organizational policies and privacy legislation.

  • Complete progress notes, case documentation, statistical reporting, and other required records.

  • Assist with program reporting, evaluations, and community needs assessments.

  • Support administrative tasks and other duties as assigned by the Program Manager or Supervisor.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Indigenous Studies or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

  • Deep knowledge of Indigenous teachings, traditional medicines, cultural practices, and approaches to holistic wellness.

  • Experience providing cultural support services and sharing cultural knowledge within community settings.

  • Experience working with Indigenous peoples, structurally vulnerable women, and/or residents of the Downtown Eastside.

  • Strong understanding of cultural safety, anti-oppressive practice, social justice, and harm reduction principles.

  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to establish trust with diverse populations.

  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

  • Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, internet-based systems, and electronic documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience providing trauma-informed support services.

  • Familiarity with community resources, healthcare systems, and social services available in the Downtown Eastside.

  • Experience with case management, outreach services, and community-based programming.

  • Knowledge of Indigenous health and wellness frameworks.

  • Valid First Aid and CPR certification.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

  • Strong understanding of Indigenous cultural practices, teachings, and wellness approaches.

  • Knowledge of trauma-informed, culturally safe, strength-based, and harm reduction approaches.

  • Ability to support individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, substance use, mental health challenges, and systemic barriers.

  • Strong advocacy, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.

  • Ability to establish and maintain respectful, trusting relationships with clients and community partners.

  • Strong organizational and documentation skills.

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing circumstances.

  • Commitment to community wellness, cultural revitalization, and Indigenous self-determination.

  • Physical ability to perform outreach activities and the duties of the position.

Why Work at VAHS?

Joining VAHS means becoming part of a dedicated team committed to advancing Indigenous health and wellness through culturally grounded care. We value respect, collaboration, accountability, and community connection while creating meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter to:

[email protected]

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

VAHS is committed to employment equity and strongly encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis candidates.