Job Title: Knowledge Keeper
Program: Indigenous Early Years
Location: 717 Princess Ave. Vancouver, BC V6A 3E4
Status: Full Time, Permanent, Union (BCGEU)
Wages: $28.00/hour + benefits and pension

Application Deadline: Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 11:59 PM PDT

Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS) is a not-for-profit organization located in the Downtown Eastside community for over 30 years. VAHS programs are designed by and for urban Aboriginal people to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Our services include a Primary Care Clinic, a Dental Clinic, a cultural team of Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and Indigenous Early Years programs.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

VAHS Indigenous Early Years (IEY) is seeking one full time Knowledge Keeper. IEY services are a complement of family-centered programs that work in partnership with parents and/or caregivers to provide support and intervention to families with children. Although the services are directed towards the child, the Knowledge Keeper will provide a variety of culturally-based support services to the family. These may include cultural work and interventions, advocacy, skill development (especially in traditional areas like crafting, food preservation, bodywork, and medicines), and linking the family in community-based activities/services.

This is a full time, permanent position (40 hours/week), with the hours generally being from 8:30 to 4:30 Monday to Friday, but with some flexibility to deliver programs one evening per week. This is a BCGEU union position with a starting wage of $28.00/hour, with benefits and pension after three months.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • A recognized pathway to your Cultural Teachings and Ways
  • Experience in using cultural methods and norms within your own life
  • Minimum two years’ work experience with Indigenous people from a cultural perspective

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Working knowledge of Indigenous cultures, issues, and support services
  • Well-developed assessment, supportive counselling, and advocacy skills
  • Demonstrated ability to teach and support learning from an Indigenous pedagogy
  • Demonstrated punctuality, adaptability, discretion, and confidentiality
  • Ability to foster strong relationships with families and community professionals
  • Working knowledge of local early childhood development/support resources
  • Strong interpersonal skills, and excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work as part of an effective team with various groups offered at the Phil Bouvier Family Centre and/or our partners
  • Good organization, time, and general management skills
  • Knowledge of group process and facilitation techniques
  • Ability to function independently while managing concurrent tasks and deadlines, often under pressure
  • Computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Outlook
  • A valid BC Driver’s License and access to a safe, reliable vehicle would be an asset

VAHS encourages all people with relevant professional, grassroots, education, and/or lived experience to apply, even if they do not meet all of the points listed. We look for people who are committed to ongoing learning and development, and we will train the successful candidate.

In alignment with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, this position is intended for Aboriginal (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) peoples. Please self-identify in your cover letter.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your application or questions about this posting to: [email protected]
ATTN: Mary Clifford, Director of Indigenous Early Years
Email Subject Line: Knowledge Keeper Application

All VAHS job applications require a resume and a cover letter; please submit both in PDF format.

Closing Date: Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 11:59 PM PDT

VAHS thanks all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.