PLEA Community Services is currently seeking an Excluded Full-Time Indigenous Elder/Knowledge Keeper in Residence for our Vancouver Coastal Youth Services team located in Vancouver, BC. This temporary fixed-term contract is proposed to start as soon as possible, and end on March 31, 2025. This position is excluded from BCGEU membership.

Hours of Work: The usual hours of work in this position are Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, based on 37.5 working hours per week. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required to meet departmental needs.

Closing date for Internal Applications: Monday, November 11, 2024, at 4:30PM. If the position is not filled internally, it will remain open until filled.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Two (2) years of experience in social services organizations, developing and delivering cultural programs and services, facilitating events and ceremonies, as well as working with Indigenous people, organizations and communities.
• Training in child welfare practices, as it relates to Indigenous practices and communities.

Who We Are:

PLEA is an accredited, charitable community services organization that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. We deliver community-based services and specialized supported homes to children, youth, adults and families facing significant challenges in their lives. We continually adapt our programs to suit each individual’s diverse strengths, needs and circumstances. As a result, we have a strong reputation for helping those we serve to overcome the challenges they face and lead fulfilling lives.

What You Will Do:

• Develop and maintain a cultural development plan to support the Indigenous Matters Committee’s strategic plan that builds upon existing evaluations, reports and promising practices to guide the agency’s service delivery.
• Present recommendations and provide guidance on the agency’s cultural practices to the senior leadership and management through the lens of continuous quality improvement.
• Teach, educate and inspire agency staff and clients in First Nations culture, traditions and practices.
• Participate in and provide mentorship and coaching to the Indigenous Matters Committee members. Utilize the Indigenous Advisory to support the development and execution of an agency cultural framework.
• Support and guide the development and implementation of program and/or client cultural plans by offering consultation and training to agency staff and volunteers.
• Provide ceremonial introductions at PLEA meetings and events. Collaborate with agency staff to prepare events that include appropriate cultural protocols.
• Liaise with all programs supporting the development of cultural plans for First Nations clients. Provide guidance to clients on cultural practices as assigned.
• Develop partnerships with Indigenous providers, families, bands and community leaders. Represent PLEA in the community, including at meetings, networking opportunities and cultural events.
• Provide management with guidance and support in recruiting Indigenous Family Caregivers, agency staff and volunteers.
• Develop and deliver cultural safety training for all agency staff, new hires and Family Caregivers.
• Protect and uphold confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as required.

What You Will Bring:

• Strong interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to build trusting and effective relationships with Indigenous communities, clients, Family Caregivers, agency staff, professionals and families.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to facilitate talking circles, teachings, and ceremonies.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to guide and support individuals in their desires and efforts to embrace Indigenous values and traditions.
• Demonstrated ability to support traditional and contemporary healing practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative, make sound decisions and be accountable for results.
• Demonstrated ability to be sensitive and understanding of individuals’ social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, poverty and lifestyle.
• Demonstrated knowledge of traditional and cultural Indigenous ceremonies and practices, including how it relates to Indigenous practices.
• Knowledge of the history and culture of First Nations Peoples of Canada.
• Recognized and respected by their community as someone who has lived experience and a learned understanding of Indigenous worldviews and their traditional teachings.

PLEA Benefits and Perks:

PLEA offers a comprehensive set of benefits and perks! These include:

• Four (4) weeks of vacation annually
• A benefits package (effective on your first day!)
• A physical activity fund
• Training and development dollars
• A number of agency-sponsored social events, including a summer barbeque, annual holiday party, and a team day each year.

Minimum Requirements:

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
• A valid Class 5 or 7N B.C. Driver's License and suitable driver's abstract/claims history.
• Access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland.
• Must possess a valid Basic First Aid certificate (formerly OFA Level 1) or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.
• Documentation that the applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.

Note: PLEA conducts primary source verification of applicants' credentials including education, training, work history, and licensure.