Indigenous Wellness Liaison

Position Summary
Northern Health values diversity within the workplace and our commitment of reaching a representative workforce. For this position, we also want to highlight First Nation, Inuit, Métis or Indigenous Ancestry is regarded as directly relevant to the skills and knowledge for this position. All candidates will be considered; however, preference will be given to Indigenous applicants. For this initiative candidates from this group who wish to qualify for preferential consideration are encouraged to self-identify.

Are you someone who has a real passion for helping others? Are you looking to highlight your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a new and dynamic environment? We currently have an opportunity for you to bring your excellent work ethic to our Specialized Substance Use Stabilization Service department.

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison positions were created in partnership with Northern Health, Northern First Nations Alliance (NFNA) and First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) as part of the Northwest Specialized Substance Use Stabilization Services.

In accordance with the established mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities of Northern Health and under the general supervision of the Program Lead, the Indigenous Wellness Liaison works in collaboration with the Interprofessional teams including Physicians, Nurses, Mobile Support/Outreach/NFNA teams, other indigenous partners and health care providers to provide trauma informed, culturally safe, substance use stabilization services that are flexible and person-centered. This role is designed to promote stability, recovery, wellness along side Indigenous individuals who require substance use supports. The Indigenous Wellness Liaison may maintain a caseload and, in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team, coordinates and provides, in a compassionate and responsible manner, assessment, crises intervention and follow-up services to Indigenous persons and identified supports as required. The Indigenous Wellness Liaison performs all routine team responsibilities including lead responsibility for integrating concurrent treatment with the tasks of other team members.

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison will have knowledge of and ability to apply the principals of Indigenous Wellness, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and solutions focused therapy when working with individuals. They work to ensure services are lead with culture in a safe and effective way for Indigenous people. Components of the role may include face to face services in client’s homes, community, in facilities and through virtual, tele-health formats.

Shift Rotation/Hours of work: Days – 08:30 to 17:00, Rotating

Terrace The thriving community of Terrace is northern living at its best. Snow-capped mountains, pristine glacier-fed rivers, lakes, and streams all add to the beauty of this community. The main industries in Terrace are communications, transportation, and natural resources. The population is approximately 12,700. There are nine elementary schools, four secondary schools, and Northwest Community College and a UNBC campus. Check out Terrace where there is always something new to experience.

What Northern Health has to offer you!
• Comprehensive benefit packages including, extended health/dental and a municipal pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. Casuals have the option of paying for benefits.
• Four weeks vacation with one year of continuous service
• Financial Support for Moving Expenses is available for eligible positions
• Employee referral program
• Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities
• Spectacular outdoor activities and the shortest commutes in BC
• “Loan Forgiveness Programs” are offered through the Federal and BC Government for eligible professions.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
As part of your application process, you will need to upload the following documentation:
• Registration number (if you are part of a regulated profession)
• Any supporting documents regarding education/qualifications for this position.
Examples may include:
• Program certificates or diplomas
• High school/college/university transcripts etc.
• It is also recommended to provide a cover letter and resume

Are you an International Applicant? Before applying for a job with Northern Health, please follow these steps on our Northern Health careers page

Qualfications
• Bachelor’s Degree (from an accredited educational institution) in an Allied Health, Behavioral or Social Science field relevant to the position plus two (2) years recent, related experience in a health setting working with Individuals with complex, concurrent disorders or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to complete initial and ongoing client assessments (clinical and diagnostic reasoning) through appropriate/prescribed technical, therapeutic, safety type interventions. Broad knowledge of trauma-informed practice, cultural safety, harm reduction approaches, stages of change, motivational interviewing, CBT, and solutions-based therapy. Knowledge of the long-term impacts of Colonization and intergenerational trauma on the health and well being of Indigenous persons would be an asset.
• Ability to teach clients and others both one on one and in groups.
• Integrates best practice and current research evidence to support professional practice decisions and actions.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, the public, medical staff, and members of the interdisciplinary team using verbal, written, computer communication means.
• Ability to effectively apply conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to integrate and evaluate pertinent data (from multiple sources) to problem solve and make decisions effectively. Applies the problem-solving process demonstrating critical thinking and decision-making skills using a systems approach.
• Ability to promote client-focused care that demonstrates care for clients and significant others, sensitivity to diverse cultures and preferences, client advocacy and social justice concerns.
• Ability to organize work, set objectives and establish priorities. Manages time and resources, implements activities to promote cooperation among the interdisciplinary team and collaborates across disciplines.
• Promotes staff morale, engagement, and empowerment. Demonstrates creative planning for change and innovation, implementation of NH policies or other protocols, and ongoing professional development of self and others.
• Ability to foster teamwork and commitment to excellence in the provision of client care.
• Demonstrated computer skills including the use of Meditech and Windows based programs. Demonstrated data analysis skills including appropriate data analysis and reporting tools. Ability to operate other related equipment as required in the specific practice area.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Who we are
Northern Health covers an area of nearly 600,000 square kilometers and offers health services in over two dozen communities and 55 First Nation’s communities. We deliver hospital and community-based health care for a population of 300,000.
Employing more than 7,000 staff throughout the region, Northern Health provides exceptional health services for Northerners, through the efforts of dedicated staff and physicians, in partnership with communities and organizations in Northern BC.
There is a wide variety of career opportunities available in our two dozen hospitals, 25 long-term care facilities, public health units and many other offices providing specialized services.