Job Title: Cultural Outreach Support Worker
Department: Women's Mobile Primary Care Program
Location: Downtown Eastside (DTES), Vancouver, BC
Employment Type: 0.5FTE, Temporary Contract (1 year)
Hours: 20 hours/week, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Tuesday to Friday (with flexibility based on program needs)
Union: BCGEU-Certified Union Position
Hourly Rate: $28.00
Benefits: Eligible for benefits and pension after three months of employment

Please note that this role is open to Indigenous women (trans-inclusive) and/or Two Spirit individuals.

Apply to: Jasheil Athalia, [email protected]

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Women's Mobile Primary Care (WMPC) program addresses the pressing healthcare needs of women in the DTES of Vancouver, particularly those facing homelessness, physical health issues, mental health and/or substance use challenges. Utilizing a mobile health unit, the WMPC offers accessible, culturally safe, and responsive healthcare services directly to women in need, aiming to overcome geographic, temporal, and cultural barriers to healthcare access.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The cultural Outreach Support Worker is a pivotal role within the WMPC program aimed at improving healthcare access for women, especially Indigenous women, facing multiple barriers in the DTES. This position is dedicated to integrating Indigenous cultural supports into healthcare delivery, bridging Traditional and Western medicine practices, and facilitating accessible, culturally safe care.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Cultural Support and Integration:
    • Provide cultural supports alongside Primary Care providers, employing a two-eyed seeing model of care that combines Traditional and Western medicines.
    • Address cultural, traditional, and social complexities affecting Indigenous women's wellness and healthcare access.
    • Foster trusting relationships with clients through active listening, empathy, and understanding of their cultural identities, beliefs, and values.
    • Foster a sense of physical, emotional, and cultural safety for Indigenous women accessing Primary Care services.
  • Community Engagement and Case Management:
    • Engage with women in the community, assisting them in making healthy life choices and building positive self and community relationships.
    • Provide case management services, including file documentation and progress reports.
  • Outreach and Collaboration:
    • Collaborate with community partners to identify outreach sites and support program implementation.
    • Participate in outreach duties (during regular hours), including commuting with clients, accompanying them to appointments, and setting up services at partner sites.
  • Van Operations:
    • Assist with set up and take down tasks assigned by Program Manager and/or Supervisor.
    • Assist with stocking the van with traditional medicines and cultural support supplies.
  • Trauma-informed Support
    • Maintain accurate and confidential client records, including progress notes, case documentation, and statistical data, in compliance with privacy regulations and organizational policies.
    • Prepare reports and assessments on program activities, client outcomes, and community needs to support program evaluation and funding applications.
  • Administrative Duties:
    • Perform related administrative tasks as assigned by the WMPC Program Manager/Supervisor
    • Maintain accurate and confidential client records, including progress notes, case documentation, and statistical data, in compliance with privacy regulations and organizational policies.
    • Prepare reports and assessments on program activities, client outcomes, and community needs to support program evaluation and funding applications.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in Indigenous studies, or equivalent experience in cultural support roles.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of cultural diversity, anti-oppressive practices, and social justice principles.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish rapport and build trust with clients from diverse backgrounds.
  • Understanding of trauma-informed care principles and experience in providing trauma-informed support preferred.
  • Familiarity with community resources, social services, and healthcare systems in the DTES area is advantageous.
  • Deep knowledge and personal experience with Indigenous teachings, medicines, and cultural practices.
  • Proven experience in providing cultural supports and passing on traditional knowledge to community members.
  • Experience working with Indigenous peoples, structurally vulnerable women, and/or residents of the DTES.
  • Familiarity with harm reduction, cultural safety, and case management principles.
  • Comfortable with outreach duties and able to perform the physical requirements of the role.
  • Basic proficiency in using the internet, electronic filing systems, and Microsoft Office programs.