Cultural Coordinator

BACKGROUND

Nightwind Treatment Centre currently operates three inpatient treatment facilities for youth. We are trauma-informed and integrate indigenous healing into our treatment program. We are accredited by the Canadian Accreditation Council and proud to be dual licensed as a Residential Facility under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act, and a Residential Addiction Treatment Service under the Mental Health Services Protection Act.

Kihew House, Sturgeon County

• 9-bed, Rural Treatment Program for young women ages 12-18;
• Treatment program supporting abuse history, substance abuse, and conflict;
• Trauma-informed care integrated into the program;
• Focus on indigenous cultural teachings and experiences as the foundation of our four-stage treatment, which is aligned with the medicine wheel and seven sacred teachings.

Stony Creek, Tawatinaw Valley

• 7-bed, Rural Co-Ed Receiving Program for youth ages 12-22;
• Receiving program for youth in preparation for treatment;
• Trauma-informed care integrated into the program;
• Focus on healing and skill-building through agricultural programming, connecting with nature, outdoor education, and physical fitness activities.

Grandmother Turtle House, Westlock

• 4-bed, TSIL Program for young women 15-22;
• Transition to a Semi-Independent Living program for stabilized young women;
• Trauma-informed care integrated into the program;
• Focus on daily living skills, school success, employment and transitioning to independent living.

Job Purpose

The Cultural Coordinator provides direct service to persons served and engages them in the planning and execution of cultural teachings and experiences.

Duties & Responsibilities

Attitudes

• Maintain the philosophy that “every child will do well if they can.”
• Utilize a trauma-informed approach by maintaining healthy relationships with colleagues and persons served and the effective prevention and resolution of conflict Demonstrate cultural teachings and experiences as part of the healing process.

Environment

• Maintain a culture of learning, professional growth, trauma-informed]\0 practice, cultural relevance and overall focus on healing and treatment for persons-served

Person-Served Support

• Perform all job duties per the NWTC Code of Conduct and Child and Youth Care Association Ethical guidelines.
• Complete pre and post-shift debrief with colleagues
• Ensure persons served are maintaining a healthy routine, including school, cultural activities/learning, education, treatment, recreation, life skills and sleep with a particular focus on cultural health
• Support the emotional health of persons served by listening, supporting effective conflict resolution and maintaining safety
• Promote safety in all activities of the program

Culture

• Assist in therapeutic activities including Alateen, smudging, grounding activities, stress reduction, conflict resolution, healthy relationships, group therapy and by maintaining an effective treatment environment
• Engage youth in the planning and execution of regular cultural teachings, Cree language instruction and ceremony participation
• Ensure appropriate material, equipment and staffing are provided based on the event.
• Conduct sweat lodge ceremonies, pipe ceremonies, smudging, medicine wheel teachings, and other Aboriginal spiritual beliefs.
• Provide a monthly schedule with planned events to programs and include a list of materials needed
• Assist youths and staff in developing an appreciation of their identity through knowledge and pride in their heritage.
• Teach youths and staff proper protocols regarding ceremonies and procedures for approaching elders for guidance or knowledge.
• Assure all staff and youths feel welcome to attend cultural events and activities
• Coordinate cultural crafts-making sessions (Examples such as rattles, rattle bags, sweat gowns, medicine pouches, beading, ceremonial skirt making, and preparation of fish and berries for sweat lodge ceremony.
• Assist in coordinating cultural educational field trips
• Creating and maintaining Elder connections for youth

Risk Management & Safety

• Ensure Risk Management Plan is being followed to respond to risks within the program effectively.
• Compliance with all safety procedures, including the Emergency Response Plan
• Ensure critical incidents are completed, tracked and reported according to NWTC Policy and Procedure

Communications

• Promote positivity and hopefulness with persons served, colleagues, stakeholders and members of the public
• Maintain confidentiality and abide by the Oath of Confidentiality, NWTC Code of Conduct and the Child and Youth Care Association Ethical guidelines.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience with indigenous culture
• Experience working with indigenous children and youth in care is essential
• Experience in organizing functions, events, and outings is required
• Extensive knowledge of the protocol as well a