Indigenous Wellness Liaison in Terrace

Northern Health values diversity within the workplace and our commitment of reaching a representative workforce. For this position, 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.

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 Manager or designate, 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 alongside 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 principles of Indigenous Wellness, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and solutions focused therapy when working with individuals. They work to ensure services are led 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, Evenings - 08:30 to 20:30, Rotating

Qualifications: 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.

Where you will be working: Community: Information about living, working, and thriving in the area is available through Terrace.

More about Northern Health: Northern Health (NH) boasts the most affordable communities in BC to live, work, and play. NH covers an area of nearly 600,000 square kilometres and offers health services in 26 communities, 55 First Nations communities, 11 Métis chartered communities, and Inuit families. We provide both hospital and community-based care to a population of approximately 300,000 people. With a team of over 12,000 staff and physicians, we are committed to offering high quality care in collaboration with communities and partner organizations throughout Northern BC.

What Northern Health Has to Offer You!

• Benefits for Indigenous Employees: Ceremonial, Cultural, and Spiritual Leave, Access to NH Indigenous Community of Practice.
• Comprehensive benefits including extended health, dental, and a municipal pension plan for part-time and full-time employees.
• Casual employees have option of paying for benefits.
• Four weeks of vacation after one year of continuous service.
• Financial support for moving expenses for eligible positions.
• Employee referral program with attractive incentives.
• Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities.
• Access to spectacular outdoor activities and enjoy the shortest commutes in BC.
• Loan Forgiveness Programs offered through Federal and Provincial Government for eligible professions.

International Applicants: Before applying, please review the steps outlined on our Northern Health Careers page: Information for international applicants.