Position Title: Traditional Wellness Advisor (1-Year Contract)
Position Type: Full time
Reports to: Manager, Clinical Health
Job Overview
Reporting to the Manager of Clinical Health, the Traditional Wellness Advisor is responsible for supporting indigenous peoples and their families in Haisla and Kitimat with accessing culturally safe health and wellness services. The position bridges Western and traditional wellness approaches by providing navigation, advocacy, referrals, health literacy support, and coordination of care. The Traditional Wellness Advisor works collaboratively with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Traditional Wellness Practitioners, healthcare providers, and community partners to promote holistic wellness and strengthen access to culturally relevant services.
Organizational Status
The Haisla Nation is the band government of the Haisla people. Our mission is to build a powerful, prosperous and proud community, healthy in mind, body and spirit. We believe in building a strong and thriving community, with healthy and happy members and a sustained and prosperous environment. We are about 1962+ people, with approximately 562 living in Haisla (Kitamaat Village). We have lived off the land and waters of our traditional territory for thousands of years, and it remains the focus of all we do.
Duties & Responsibilities
Client Support & Wellness Navigation
- Provide access to culturally safe care for indigenous peoples and families within Haisla and Kitimat.
- Support access to Western and traditional wellness services, including mental health and substance use services.
- Assist individuals and families, including maternity clients and those living with chronic conditions, in developing wellness plans and improving health literacy.
- Create pathways and referral processes that facilitate access to health and wellness services.
- Ensure confidentiality of all client records, assessment notes, and correspondence.
- Provide support and connections to spiritual guidance and healing services.
Community Partnerships & Service Coordination
- Develop partnerships and processes with primary care providers and local healthcare organizations to improve access to care and continuity of services.
- Collaborate with Traditional Wellness Practitioners, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers to provide culturally safe care.
- Build relationships with community health and wellness service providers to strengthen community-based care.
- Stay current on available community resources and services for clients.
- Assist with planning recreational, cultural, and social activities that support community wellness.
Cultural Leadership & Program Development
- Ensure protocols and procedures for ceremonies, celebrations, and feasts are respected and followed.
- Provide guidance to colleagues and healthcare teams regarding Indigenous perspectives, customs, traditions, and traditional wellness practices.
- Support the development of culturally safe and culturally relevant programs and services.
- Assist in developing policies, promotional materials, educational projects, and documents related to traditional wellness.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Skills & Qualifications
- Grade 12 diploma required; willingness to pursue continuing education in a related field.
- Minimum two years of recent related experience working, volunteering, mentoring, or supporting individuals in urban or rural settings.
- Knowledge and appreciation of the unique histories, cultures, and rights of Indigenous peoples.
- Strong knowledge of available community resources or willingness to learn.
- Knowledge of traditional teachings and ability to model those teachings in daily practice.
- Experience working within health authority systems and/or with Indigenous individuals, communities, or organizations.
- Experience building relationships and networks and supporting patient-centered care within a multidisciplinary environment.
- Experience facilitating small group sessions, workshops, or community programs.
- Valid BC Driver's License.
- Preference will be given to applicants with Indigenous ancestry.
- Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, community members, healthcare professionals, and interdisciplinary teams.
- Ability to incorporate cultural safety and a two-eyed seeing approach into practice.
- Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict de-escalation skills.
- Demonstrated experience supporting individuals impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, and trauma.
- Knowledge of systemic and intergenerational issues affecting Indigenous peoples.
- Understanding of challenges faced by rural and remote communities.
- Demonstrated leadership, emotional resilience, professionalism, and commitment to personal wellness.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Outlook, and related computer applications.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Satisfactory completion of a Criminal Record Check.
Why Join Us?
We are proud to offer a supportive and inclusive work environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Extended health and dental coverage
- Pension matching up to 5.5%
- 10 days of standard vacation
- 5 days of paid self-care days
- 10 days of paid sick leave
- 10 paid days during the Christmas office closure
- 5 days of other leave for personal matters (e.g., medical appointments or household emergencies)
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Cultural leave and wellness initiatives
Salary Range: $26.39/hr - $31.05/hr
Position Type: Full-Time
Closing Date: Will remain open until the position is filled
While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
