The Oasis Society for the
Spiritual Health of Victoria
Part-time Support Worker
The Oasis Society for Spiritual Health has been responding to the needs of the Victoria community in a unique and personal way since 2006. Oasis Society delivers culturally appropriate programming to inspire, empower and reconnect Indigenous people impacted by homelessness. The Oasis vision is “Integrated recovery and lasting healing for Indigenous people affected by inter-generational trauma.”
The Oasis Society seeks a part-time (20 hours per week) Support Worker for the Oasis Connects program and to support our regular programming. Oasis Connects brings cultural workshops to schools and social companionship to Indigenous Elders in long-term care facilities. Our regular programming includes the Integrated Wellness and Holistic Healing program which includes the following activities: (1) Weaving Wellness (weekly cultural, arts, and wellness workshops); (2) Share in Sustenance (gatherings, including a weekly dinner, oriented around traditional Indigenous foods); (3) Nurture in Nature (full and half day retreats in nature); (4) Family Reunificaton (reuniting participants with their original community, land, and the ones who loved them first); and (5) Street Culture (bringing aspects of Indigenous culture and healing to urban Indigenous persons who are experienced homelessness and/or are in precarious or temporary housing).
The position will report directly to the Oasis Connects Program Coordinator and be remunerated at $28.00 per hour.
Qualifications
- Strong knowledge and awareness of Indigenous culture and history, with particular emphasis on the impacts of trauma
- Knowledge and experience working with urban Indigenous persons experiencing homelessness in a healing and reconciliation capacity
- Minimum of two years of demonstrated and related work experience within an Indigenous organization or community or registered charity
- Bachelor’s degree or a suitable combination of education and experience
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
- Able to provide a clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check
Duties and Responsibilities
Community Development
- Develop and sustain relationships with community service providers, Elders, Indigenous artists, Cultural Guides, etc. to engage in programming;
- Create and maintain a resource directory of traditional knowledge keepers and Elders;
- Faciliate and co-facilitate various program activities;
- Participate in outreach and promotion activities, including info booths at funder events;
- Learn local protocols surrounding common ceremonies and gatherings (if applicable); and
- Distribute brochures and business cards to local community organizations and non-profit agencies.
Program Coordination
- Support the planning and facilitation of traditional dancing, singing, drumming, community and/or seasonal celebrations/feasts, traditional and social events;
- Coordinate culture/social nights and community feasts, Elder socials and Elder appreciation activities and knowledge exchange /mentorship activities;
- Conduct outreach activities;
- Coordinate and lead land-based activities;
- Provide space and opportunities for traditional arts and crafting;
- Conduct administrative actions (scan and store receipts, purchase materials and supplies, track and manage a program budget, write programming reports, write honoraria cheques for facilitators, etc.);
- Create a monthly calendar of events to share with other organizations and for internal use; and
- Create and develop workshops devoted to cultural and spiritual wellness in a way that is accessible for older adults, and younger kids (e.g: beading, carving, traditional cooking, cedar weaving, smudging etc.).
Direct Supports
- For individuals needing one-to-one support, accompany them with an orientation back to culture, community and spirituality, where possible;
- Ensure each person's mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional needs are considered and seek out collaborative solutions to meet those needs;
- Create a safe space for all individuals and staff by responding to behaviours and situations through a trauma-informed lens, modelling respectful behaviour, and through thoughtful and fun interactions with staff and participants;
- Demonstrate commitment to the team as a positive, active participant who treats others in a respectful and supportive manner, communicates constructively, listens actively, shares openly, cooperates, exhibits flexibility, demonstrates reliability, and helps the team by working together to solve problems; and
- Respect and ensure participants' confidentiality according to Oasis guidelines.
Submit cover letter, resume, and three current references to:
Karen Saini, Executive Director [email protected]
Pursuant to the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Indigenous ancestry. Please self-identify.
Review of all applications will begin June 29, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
HÍSW̱ḴE to all applicants for their interest; however, only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Victoria, BC V8T 5E3: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Do you self-identify as Indigenous (includes First Nations, Métis, or Inuit)?
- Do you have experience working with vulnerable populations, including unhoused individuals who use substances, and/or suffer from mental health challenges?
Education:
- Secondary School (required)
Experience:
- supportive care: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
