Cultural Connector

Overview

Reports to and is Responsible to: Sr. Manager, Programs and Community Impact

Compensation: $30/hr

Benefits: Full benefit package, RRSP contribution plan, wellness and vacation

Work Location: Morinville, Alberta. JMMF Admin Building

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday (8:30am-5:30pm), occasional evenings and weekends as required.

OUR WHY

On April 29, 2009, Jessica Martel, a young mother of three, was tragically murdered in her home by her intimate partner on the very day she attempted to leave the relationship. This critical moment is often the most dangerous for survivors, as they face an increased risk of physical violence or homicide, as exemplified by Jessica’s case. Her story underscores the urgent need for our organization to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.

OUR MISSION

To break the cycle of Domestic Violence through the actions of advocacy, community engagement, education, awareness, and safe housing through Jessie’s House – a 35 bed all gender emergency shelter and Eileen’s Place – a second stage housing program.

OUR VISION

To see a future free of violence for all individuals.

OUR VALUES

• Safety: We value a safe environment that allows us to challenge each other and explore ideas.
• Partnership: We value and seek partnership whose values align with those of the Foundation and together we can reach our vision.
• Empowerment: We value innovative and creative thinking as a means of serving the best interests of the individuals and families we serve.
• Awareness: We value positive, continual messaging that highlight healthy relationships.

OUR PRINCIPLES

• We are committed to healing, truth and reconciliation for all people of Turtle Island; past and present, Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
• We promote safety, accessibility, and inclusion for individuals of all races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, nationalities, ages, and disabilities.
• We foster a culture of respect for all clients, staff, and visitors to Jessie’s House.
• We honour and respect the lived experiences of everyone.
• We celebrate and value the resiliency, successes, and teachings of indigenous people, as well as the unique contributions of every culture.

 

Are you a visionary leader passionate about driving change and innovative approaches to ending domestic violence?

CORE COMPETENCIES FOR JMMF

Safety: Ensuring physical and emotional safety for clients, community and staff.

Trustworthiness and Transparency: Building trust through clear, consistent, and honest communication.

Peer Support: Incorporating shared experiences to promote healing and understanding.

Collaboration and Mutuality: Engaging clients, community and staff as partners in decision-making.

Empowerment, Voice, and Choice: Focusing on clients’ strengths and enabling them to make decisions about their care.

Cultural, Historical, and Gender Sensitivity: Recognizing and addressing the influence of cultural, historical, and gender-related factors in trauma.

Role Objective

The Cultural Connector supports the Leadership Team in achieving the organization’s mission and strategic priorities by providing culturally specific support and programming for First Nations, Inuit, Metis, New Canadians, Racialized, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people. This role requires a sound understanding of the impacts of colonialism, residential schools, and intergenerational trauma.

General Functions

• Facilitates programming such as Sharing Circles and Smudging, which supports Indigenous cultural practices and healing
• Provides culturally specific programming and support for First Nations, Inuit, Metis, New Canadians, Racialized, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people, helping to restore and foster cultural connections that were systematically destroyed by residential schools.
• Assists clients with future planning, housing resources, and financial assistance, addressing some of the socioeconomic disparities resulting from the legacy of residential schools
• Ensure clients have access to cultural supports and build capacity for long-term connections
• Build and maintain partnerships with agencies providing culturally specific resources
• Provide public education on gender-based violence (GBV) and its links to colonialism

Mandatory Requirements

• Post-secondary education in Gender Studies, Indigenous Studies, or a related cultural field
• Criminal Record Check
• Children’s Services Intervention Check
• Valid First Aid/CPR Certificate
• Valid Driver’s License and current Driver’s Abstract

Working Conditions

• Work in a busy, noisy environment with frequent interruptions
• Physical requirements include moving furniture, bending, reaching, and lifting objects
• Navigate stairs and handle potentially unpleasant situations
• Transport and accompany clients to appointments
• Participate in on-call rotation for the Residential Program

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Cultural Support:
   • Provide cultural support and programming to individuals and families
   • Conduct counseling, risk assessments, and safety planning
   • Develop and facilitate in-house programming (e.g., Sharing Circles, Smudging)
   • Assist clients with future planning, housing resources, and financial assistance
2. Community Awareness:
   • Develop and deliver presentations on GBV prevention, focusing on its links to colonialism and unique barriers for specific groups
   • Attend community and interagency meetings
   • Maintain contact with community agencies to ensure awareness of programs and referral processes
   • Organize and promote cultural events (e.g., Moose Hide Campaign, Pride Month, Indigenous Peoples Day, Eid)
3. General and Facility-Related Responsibilities:
   • Maintain safety, security, and confidentiality
   • Support co-workers in implementing other programs
   • Assist with meal preparation, cleaning, and house laundry
   • Provide transportation support for clients
   • Maintain accurate reporting data and submit monthly reports

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Gender Studies, Indigenous Studies, or a related cultural field
• Experience working with diverse populations and knowledge of Indigenous history and culture
• Strong computer, verbal, and written communication skills
• Group facilitation experience
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and client-centered approaches
• Experience working with diverse and multi-cultural community agencies

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and references to greg.mcneill@jmmf.ca