SENIORS OUTREACH WORKER POSITION

21 HOURS PER WEEK - PERMANENT

The Seniors Outreach Worker Program is operated by the North Okanagan Friendship Centre Society, which is a non-profit society, working to enhance the lives of Indigenous seniors in the North Okanagan. Outreach is an activity of providing services to any populations who might not otherwise have access to those services. A key component of outreach is that the person providing it are not stationary, but mobile: in other words, they are meeting those in need of outreach services at the locations where those in need are.

• By providing support and linking them to other needed services, we help, isolated seniors stay connected to their community and each other.
• We provide information on a wide variety of resources and services available to seniors, including but not limited to social, recreational, housing, health, and safety.
• Seniors Outreach role is to enhance the lives of Indigenous seniors in the North Okanagan by offering supports, information and referrals as well as working in partnership with other organizations.
• Together, we strive to support and link Indigenous seniors to the essential services and supports needed for Indigenous seniors to age with assistance to maintain their independence.

DUTIES:

• Confidentiality of information is critical to success in working with the seniors and their families, a high degree of confidentiality is always required to be maintained.
• Maintain and update client records with plans, notes, appropriate form, or related information.
• Assist with the client regarding issues related to improving general health within their abilities to do mild exercise and maintain a nutritious diet.
• Contact clients in person, by phone or in writing via text or email services to ensure they have required information and resources.
• Act as liaison and advocate to assist seniors interfacing with mainstream service providers.
• Enhance relationships between mainstream mental health service providers and the Aboriginal Community.
• Connect with local service providers who work with seniors.
• Develop community capacity for better treatment of seniors and their needs.
• Provide client centered service through individual home support activities.
• Refer and assist seniors to attain appropriate health care services as needed.
• Group activities to include healing circles, workshops, cultural activities, and education.
• Elders will have access to many other supports including services offered at the North Okanagan Friendship Centre.
• Any other duties as required to assist the North Okanagan Friendship Centre Society in a non -profit setting.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

• Submit monthly progression reports to Executive Director.
• Maintain accurate program statistics in accordance with the requirements of the funding body and the North Okanagan Friendship Centre.
• Accountable for your professional conduct to your clients, supervisor, and colleagues.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Human Services Certificate or equivalent.
• Indigenous person preferred.
• Experience working with Indigenous People
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member.
• Absolute maintenance of confidentiality and 100% no-risk to Clients
• Reliable transportation.
• Clear Vulnerable Criminal Record check.
• Must have a valid Drivers Licence, a clear driver’s abstract, and reliable transportation.

REQUIRED SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of Indigenous history, colonization, and anti-oppressive practices.
• Knowledge of Indigenous protocols and Indigenous world view.
• Empathy, compassion, and empowering practice.
• Strong positive communication skills both verbal, non-verbal and written.
• Mediation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to effectively plan and organize.
• Works well independently, can take initiative and be self directed.
• Familiarity with North Okanagan community services and agencies, roles, and responsibilities. and services to Indigenous peoples – First Nations, Metis, and Inuit.
• Strong ethical standards and principles.

Hourly wage $27.00 per hour; 21 hours per week, benefits available following a 3-month probationary period.

Apply by submitting a cover letter and resume with three letters of reference by mail or email to:

Annette Madsen              email address:

Office Manager

2904 29^th Avenue

Vernon, BC    V1T 1Y7

Posted May 30, 2024

Closing Date: Until filled.