About Atlohsa
Atlohsa Family Healing Services is an Indigenous led non-profit organization in Southwestern Ontario dedicated to empowering Indigenous communities through traditional and land-based healing practices. Since 1986, we have provided low-barrier, wraparound services to individuals and families facing complex challenges such as mental wellness, substance use, homelessness, and domestic violence. Our holistic wellness approach is rooted in the Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings and the Medicine Wheel Teachings, utilizing a Two-Eyed Seeing approach that emphasizes collaboration, mutual respect, and the recognition that both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the world.
The Southwestern Healing Lodge Program
The Healing Lodge program, offered by Atlohsa Family Healing Services, provides culturally appropriate and holistic services aimed at supporting Indigenous peoples in their healing journeys from the effects of intergenerational trauma, addictions, and various life challenges. Designed to deliver both day and residential addictions treatment for Indigenous peoples, fostering a nurturing environment where participants can engage with Indigenous cultural teachings and practices, access support from experienced staff, and develop skills that promote personal and communal wellness. This program emphasizes land-based healing, incorporating traditional practices, ceremonies, and community involvement to empower participants, particularly in the prevention and healing from gender-based violence. By focusing on holistic wellness strategies, the program seeks to build resilience and enhance the overall well-being of its participants.
Role and Responsibility
The primary role of the Cultural Support Worker is to provide wholistic support for the cultural, emotional, and spiritual needs of the Southwest Healing Lodge participants and those engaged in other Atlohsa programs, including Craft Fridays, Crisis Walk-Ins, Zhaawanong, Wiigiwaaminaan, and Okaadenige. The Cultural Support Worker will assess the needs of participants in both day and overnight programs and arrange cultural events and ceremonies as needed. Facilitating land-based healing programs and providing support are key components of this role, which also involves collaborating with authorized third-party facilitators. Maintaining good standing within the community is crucial, requiring coordination with firekeepers, Elders, knowledge keepers, and orators. Furthermore, the Cultural Support Worker will provide individual, group, and family support, conduct educational sessions, and offer one-on-one healing sessions, along with drop-in crisis support for participants facing immediate mental health or addictions challenges. This multifaceted approach ensures comprehensive wellness within the programs.
Suitability
- Formal training received by an Elder or Knowledge Keeper (letter of support required) and/or a degree in Indigenous studies and addictions, counselling, psychology, or social work.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of traditional holistic healing practices, languages, and cultures of the Indigenous population of the Southwestern Ontario region required.
- Experience facilitating land-based teaching, ceremonies, and traditions.
- Experience with providing services for Indigenous peoples exposed to violence/abuse, homelessness, and mental health challenges is required.
- Knowledge of the Indian Residential School system that contributed towards the intergenerational trauma and impact of the Indigenous people of Canada.
- Moderate to strong knowledge of colonialism, and the historical and ongoing impacts on Indigenous peoples.
- Demonstrated strength in interpersonal relations, problem-solving, crisis prevention, group dynamics, and trauma-informed approaches.
- Effective communication (written and verbal), interpersonal skills, and the ability to interact with others in a respectful manner as defined in the Atlohsa Code of Conduct.
- Knowledge of the First Nation Mental Wellness Continuum Framework and the Native Wellness Assessment is an asset.
- Valid Ontario G-Class driver’s license, First Aid and CPR certificate and a current Vulnerable Sector Check.
- ICBOC certifications require three years of sobriety from substance misuse and abuse.
While applicants are under no obligation to do so, Atlohsa welcomes applicants to indicate their own lived experiences of homelessness, substance use, and/or Indigenous community teachings within their application. Professional experiences, academic experiences, traditional teachings, and personal lived experiences are all valuable forms of knowledge.
Why Work for Atlohsa?
We offer competitive pay and benefits:
- $25.00 per hour
- 100% employer provided benefits
- Employer-Employee contributory Pension plan
We are committed to ensuring YOUR work-life balance and offer extensive paid time off:
- Three (3) weeks vacation, accessible in your first year of employment and increased entitlement based on years of service.
- Up to 12 paid sick days per year.
- Up to 12 paid self-development days per year
- We recognize 14 statutory holidays every year.
We have a strong commitment to our cultural teachings and traditional knowledge practices, which encompass not just our programs but our daily interactions in the workplace, including:
- Regular opportunities for staff to engage in ceremonies and cultural gatherings.
- Access for staff to connect with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to foster active participation in cultural traditions.
We strive to inspire, empower, and instill a profound sense of pride and belonging within the community while promoting Mino Bimaadiziwin, The Good Way of Life.
How to Apply
If interested to apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with Cultural Support Worker in your subject line.
Within the body of your email, please provide answers to the following questions:
- Please briefly outline where your experience with or understanding of First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis communities comes from. You may note professional, academic, or your own personal lived/community experience.
- Are you a First Nations, Inuk, or Métis applicant? If yes, please indicate which community you are from. If you are not connected to your community, just write what you know.
At Atlohsa, we value diversity in our workforce and encourage all qualified candidates to apply, however, due to the nature of our organization, preferences will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources to make arrangements.
We thank all those who apply however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- • Please briefly outline where your experience with or understanding of First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis communities comes from. You may note professional, academic, or your own personal lived/community experience.
- • Are you a First Nations, Inuk, or Métis applicant? If yes, please indicate which community you are from. If you are not connected to your community, just write what you know.
Work Location: In person
