Early Years Cultural Facilitator

Company: Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC)

Early Years Cultural Facilitator

Status:                      Part-Time, Permanent

Location:                 Cambridge, ON

Hours:                      21 hours/week

Hourly Rate:          $ 25.29 - $31.61 per hour

Pension:                  HOOPP (defined benefit plan) optional

Posting Date:         Until filled

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is a diverse, dynamic, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency.  We strive to provide quality, wholistic health services by sharing and promoting traditional and western health practices to enable people to live in a more balanced state of well-being. SOAHAC provides services to Indigenous people including those who live on and off reserve, status, non-status, Inuit and Metis within the Southwest, Waterloo-Wellington and Erie St Clair regions.  SOAHAC has a mandate of ensuring that health services are accessible, of high quality and are culturally appropriate. It is SOAHAC’s objective to build health care capacity within Indigenous communities.  Currently, we are seeking the services of an Early Years Cultural Facilitator to join our interdisciplinary staff team to work at our Cambridge Site.

Reporting to the Integrated Care Manager and Program Coordinator, The Early Years Cultural Facilitator supports indigenous children, ages 0–6 and their families through culturally grounded programming that promotes connection, identity and wholistic wellness. The Facilitator works collaboratively with SOAHAC staff to plan, prepare and deliver cultural activities, teachings and family programming in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

This position fosters family engagement and community connection by encouraging participation in culturally relevant activities and promoting access to wellness-based programs.

Requirements

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Family Support worker, Social Services Worker, Indigenous Studies. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures, teachings and wholistic approaches to wellness
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience working with children and families in early years programming, community-based services, education, cultural programming, or related social service settings

• Experience working with Indigenous children and families is considered an asset
• Experience facilitating group activities or family programming is considered an asset
• Strong interpersonal, communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and take direction from the Program Coordinator
• Comfortable working in community-based programming environments
• Reliable, flexible and committed to supporting culturally safe and respectful programming

• Willingness to participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, teachings and ceremonies.
• Clean and current vulnerable sector police check as a condition of employment
• Travel within Cambridge and Waterloo Wellington area, as well as SOAHAC sites as required
• Ontario Driver’s “G” license, clean driver’s abstract, as well as proof of personal auto insurance (must be insured a minimum of 3 years)
• Up to date immunizations and records

Responsibilities

• Support the planning, preparation and facilitation of culturally based early years programming for children ages 0–6 and their families, including cultural activities, teachings and group-based experiences
• Assist with coordinating family participation in programming and support positive engagement in group activities and cultural learning opportunities
• Support program accessibility by assisting families with basic program-related forms, registration and participation requirements as needed
• Collaborate with the Program Coordinator and SOAHAC staff in the delivery of early years and family programming
• Participate in team meetings, cultural teachings and organizational gatherings, including ceremonies and community events as appropriate
• Work collaboratively with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and community partners in the delivery of programming and cultural activities
• Support group facilitation and contribute to a safe, welcoming and culturally grounded program environment
• Assist with community outreach and promotion of early years programming and services
• Support basic program documentation, attendance tracking and administrative tasks related to program delivery in accordance with SOAHAC policies
• Maintain accurate and respectful records related to program participation and activities, ensuring confidentiality at all times
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment through open communication and participation in program planning and reflection

This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.

SOAHAC values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants (please self-identify). SOAHAC is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please advise Human Resources.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume through the career portal. <LINK>

Please note that our applicant tracking system may use automated tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to support aspects of the recruitment process. All hiring decisions are made by our team.

Please visit Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre online at:  www.soahac.on.ca or like us on www.facebook.com/soahac to learn more about us!

We thank all those for applying but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.