Community Outreach Navigator in Fort McMurray

The Community Outreach Navigator is a highly visible, relationship-focused member of the Child and Family Services Community Engagement Team. This position works directly within Member Nations to build trusting relationships with children, youth, adults, caregivers, and families while promoting early intervention, strengthening protective factors, and increasing awareness of available supports and services. This position has a primary service focus within Fort McMurray First Nation (468), with outreach and engagement guided by Nation-identified priorities, community needs, and opportunities to strengthen relationships with Members and families.

Working where people naturally gather, the Community Outreach Navigator serves as the first point of contact for Members seeking information or support. Through consistent community presence, participation in Nation initiatives, and culturally respectful engagement, the role identifies emerging needs, provides initial support, facilitates referrals, and connects Members with appropriate internal and external services. The incumbent is expected to uphold the safety, dignity, and best interests of children and youth while demonstrating professionalism, cultural respect, and sound judgment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain a consistent and visible presence throughout Member Nations by participating in community activities, cultural gatherings, and local initiatives to build trusting relationships with Members and increase awareness of Child & Family Services supports.
• Serve as the initial point of contact for individuals and families seeking information or support by building rapport, identifying immediate needs, and connecting Members with appropriate services and resources.
• Refer Members to the Community Intake Navigator for assessment and service planning, ensuring timely connections to prevention programs, community resources, health services, and external supports based on identified needs and Member consent.
• Support individuals seeking immediate addictions treatment by coordinating with Nation Health Services and facilitating connections to Prevention 1:1 service for pre and post treatment support.
• Participate in Community Education programs, cultural activities, and community initiatives to strengthen relationships, identify emerging needs, and promote protective factors that support healthy children, youth, and families.
• Maintain safe, welcoming, and confidential outreach spaces within Member Nations that encourage Members to seek support while respecting privacy and cultural protocols.
• Collaborate with Member Nations, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Health Services, Community Services, and other internal and external partners to strengthen service coordination and improve community access to supports.
• Complete accurate documentation, maintain outreach statistics, contribute to program evaluation, prepare monthly and annual reports that measure engagement, referrals, and community outcomes.
• Maintain outreach spaces, equipment, and supplies in a respectful, organized, and culturally welcoming manner while ensuring resources are available to support community engagement activities.
• Conduct outreach activities safely by following organizational policies, maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the goals and objectives of the Child & Family Services department.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Diploma or degree in Social Work, Human Services, Indigenous Studies, Community Development, Psychology, Addictions, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in community outreach, prevention, addictions support, family support, First Nations community services, or a related human services environment.
• Knowledge of Cree and Dene languages, cultures, traditions, community protocols, and culturally grounded approaches to healing, family wellness, and community engagement.
• Knowledge of community resources, addictions treatment pathways, referral processes, and collaborative service delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusting relationships with individuals, families, and communities through respectful, culturally responsive engagement.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent organizational, time management, including managing priorities, coordinating activities, meeting deadlines, evaluating outcomes, and preparing reports.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and complying with applicable legislation, organizational policies, privacy requirements, professional standards, and ethical practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and electronic documentation systems including maintaining accurate and confidential records.

Requirements:

• Clear Criminal Record with Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Clear Child Intervention Record Check.
• Class 5 License with a clear Drivers abstract.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification or willingness to obtain.
• Position is based in Fort McMurray, with a primary service focus supporting Fort McMurray First Nation (468) Members, families, children, youth, and caregivers. Expected to travel to Fort McMurray 468 First Nation 4-5 days per week.
• Ability to travel regularly throughout Member Nations and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Company benefits include pension, dental care, employee assistance program, on-site parking, paid time off, and wellness program.