About Lu’ma
Lu’ma is a Coast Salish word for “new beginnings.” Lu’ma offers a wide range of programs, services and other initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty, improving the overall health of the urban Indigenous community and responding to the evolving needs of Indigenous peoples.
About the Complex Care Outreach Team
Lu’ma Native BCH Housing Society has launched a Complex Care Outreach Team (CCT) in North Vancouver to provide outreach services for all Nations with complex, and persistent concurrent medical conditions and substance use disorders.
The CCT is an interdisciplinary team of Indigenous and culturally aware practitioners who deliver care collaboratively in a culturally safe, integrated, and participant-centered way. The team is grounded in Indigenous values, trauma-informed practice, harm reduction, and cultural humility, addressing the medical, social, emotional, cultural, and practical needs of participants to support wellness, autonomy, stability, independence and housing retention.
Job Summary
Under the direct supervision of the Team Lead or designate, the Indigenous Cultural Outreach Worker provides client-centred, culturally safe care as part of an interdisciplinary primary complex care outreach team. The role supports participants by facilitating meaningful access to Indigenous culture, cultural teachings, and traditional knowledge, while also strengthening and supporting cultural competency within the team.
The Indigenous Cultural Outreach Worker coordinates cultural programming and access to Elders and Knowledge Keepers, ensuring culturally appropriate support is available to participants during interactions and appointments. This role also fosters strong relationships and collaboration with cultural partners, community organizations, and service providers to enhance culturally grounded service delivery to support participants.
Responsibilities
- Facilitate increased access to culture and cultural knowledge from a perspective that promotes healing and wellness for program participants.
- Act as a cultural resource of Indigenous knowledge, teachings, practice, and provide guidance and support to participants and team members as required.
- Plan and facilitate Talking Circles, Teaching Circles, and Healing Circles in a culturally safe and respectful environment.
- Develop and deliver culturally relevant programming, including traditional medicines, arts, crafts, and land-based or seasonal practices.
- Support the planning, coordination, and delivery of seasonal and cultural events.
- Support the planning coordination of participants to attend appointments.
- Build and maintain relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Traditional Healers.
- Coordinate access to ceremonies and cultural practices, ensuring cultural protocols are respected.
- Support all participants in accessing cultural and spiritual resources aligned with their identities and preferences.
- Screen participants for eligibility and appropriateness for internal and external health, housing, income assistance, and community services.
- Book appointments as appropriate and provide reminders, accompaniment, follow-up, and engagement support.
- Serve as an information resource regarding community services and maintain current knowledge of available supports.
- Facilitate warm hand-offs and referrals between services and community partners.
- Provide cultural advocacy on behalf of participants with internal teams, community organizations, and government agencies.
- Provide advocacy and liaison services on behalf of participants with community organizations, partners, and government agencies to reduce barriers and support continuity of care.
- Offer consistent emotional, and cultural support while promoting skill building, participant independence, and increased autonomy.
- Identify, prioritize, and respond to non-medical participant needs, including social, emotional, cultural, and practical concerns
- Support de-escalation, conflict resolution, and crisis response as required while maintaining professional boundaries
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to ensure culturally safe and responsive care planning.
- Support participants in navigating systems and addressing barriers to services, offering emotional and cultural support as needed.
- Document participant interactions, care plans, and outcomes in accordance with organizational standards and confidentiality requirements.
- Maintain accurate and timely digital records of cultural services and supports provided.
- Collate and generate statistical and program-related information as required.
- Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and training opportunities.
- Perform other related duties as required to support program operations.
- Perform other related duties.
Qualifications
- Diploma or degree in Social Work, Indigenous Studies, Community Support, or a related field.
- Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certificate, Non-violent Crisis Intervention Certificate, Food Safe Level 1 Certificate are required.
- Minimum of 2 years of work experience in an Indigenous oriented environment providing cultural services and programming to clients.
- Minimum of 2 years of work experience facilitating cultural programming and working with Elders/Knowledge Keepers.
- Experience working with individuals with complex care needs, including mental health, substance use, homelessness, or concurrent disorders.
- Experience facilitating group-based cultural programming (e.g., circles, workshops, ceremonies).
- Strong knowledge of Indigenous history, cultures, traditions, and healing practices (local and urban Nations’ knowledge is an asset).
- Knowledge of community resources and services.
- Demonstrated understanding and working knowledge of trauma-informed, culturally safe, and harm-reduction approaches.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Skilled in conflict resolution, advocacy, and client-centered approach and support.
- Commitment to confidentiality, ethical practice, and professional boundaries.
- Ability to facilitate group programming such as circles and cultural workshops.
- Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
- Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.
- Proficient in the use of MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Competence in digital documentation, data collection, and basic reporting.
- Physically able to carry out the Cultural Outreach Worker duties including periods of walking, standing, or transporting materials for outreach activities and lifting and carrying up to 25lbs.
- A valid class 5 BC Driver’s License, a reliable personal vehicle for work use with Business Class auto insurance with a minimum of $3 million liability coverage, and a satisfactory driving abstract.
This position is open to all applicants. All positions are subject to a Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record clearance.
Application Process
You must follow the instructions to submit your application with the exact subject line. A complete application will consist of your up-to-date resume and letter of interest. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
1. Please submit your resume and a letter of interest to: [email protected]
2. Subject line: E-COW-260504-01 (must be exactly the same).
3. Application deadline: Until the position is filled.
Please note that only qualified candidates will be shortlisted for interviews.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $70,803.83 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
Work Location: In person
