At The Indigenous Friendship Centre, we are passionate about the cause and the people we serve in our community through various programs and services offered.
Indigenous Healthy Living Coordinator is one of the key forces behind both. We are currently seeking a friendly and outgoing, self-starter with a desire to integrate culture into health and fitness activities. The selected candidate must have a passion about promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging others to live a healthy and fulfilling life while creating positive change. More specifically, the coordinator in this role is responsible for designing, implementing, facilitating and evaluating healthy living programs based on the communities’ needs and interests. This person must be energized by challenge and motivated to serve the community and be an active leader and role model in the coordination and administration of activities, programming and events through diabetes prevention, healthy eating, group fitness, healthy sexuality and after school programming. The successful applicant may work in conjunction with the Indigenous Family Support, and Healthy Kids programs, as well as other programs that the Centre offers to target the entire life cycle of individuals, who could enroll and participate in the program.
WHY THE INDIGENOUS FRIENDSHIP CENTRE?
• Meaningful and rewarding work provided in the development and mutual understanding of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through common activities
• A workplace that values equity, inclusion, anti-racism, self-expression and the development of Indigenous leadership
• A focus on teamwork, passion, and commitment through Indigenous needs, as well as the planning of services with Indigenous people in both public and private agencies
PROGRAM SUMMARY:
The purpose of the Indigenous Healthy Living program is to improve the health and well being of Urban Indigenous individuals and their families before they develop health issues. The program is designed to increase participation in sports and physical activity that promote healthy lifestyle behaviours and work with individuals to build relationships to increase confidence, reach personal goals, access good nutritional information and live a healthy lifestyle for years to come.
Indigenous people who possess the qualifications, competence, professional capabilities, previous work experience and ability and willingness to meet the defined needs, goals and policies of the IFCSSM will be given first preference.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Create innovative strategies, for promoting health that are culturally-appropriate community-based and engage all stages of the life cycle
• Lead, coordinate, evaluate and support a culturally-based health promotion program that includes set-up and clean-up of fitness activities, diabetes programming and general health education child and youth camps, community kitchens, running interactive information booths, and other community health initiatives;
• Develop and promote culturally inspired healthy living messages, resources and materials that meet community needs (includes interactive displays for community events);
• Meet diverse health needs of all clients by partnering with IFC programs and other community organizations in outreach settings;
• Provide referrals and resources to other agencies, such as schools and other local non-for-profit organizations;
• Ensure that work is underpinned by both sound, up-to-date knowledge of health promotion theory and traditional Indigenous teachings
• Empower Urban Indigenous people to live their healthiest lives;
• Ability to stand, bend, crouch, lift, participate in indoor and outdoor activities;
• Maintain and manage program activities, records, social media pages, marketing and participant files to effectively promote healthy lifestyles to target groups;
• Establish and maintain relationships and partnerships with local community sports, fitness and recreation agencies/organizations, schools and other relevant agencies/organizations
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE:
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Health Promotion & Recreation, or other Health/Fitness related programs
• Experience or certification in physical fitness training is considered an asset
• Minimum of 2 years of demonstrated and related work experience within an Indigenous organization or community
• Crisis Intervention certification or counselling training preferred
• Or the equivalent combination of education and experience
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
• Exceptional experience in program planning, development, implementation, data collection and evaluation
• Experience in presenting workshops and facilitating recreational programs and/or fitness training groups
• Knowledge of social, cultural and recreational needs and interests of Urban Indigenous individuals
• Knowledge and awareness of Indigenous culture and history, with particular emphasis on family violence, child welfare, the impacts of trauma, Indigenous youth engagement and community outreach
• Intermediate knowledge of diabetes and prevention;
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize competing demands to ensure effective, efficient and timely application of resources and services
• Advanced communication skills to persuasively communicate complex health messages through various outlets (ie. social media, website, resources development, booth displays, etc.)
• Excellent verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage and increase awareness of services
• Extensive knowledge of various Friendship Centre programs provided to the community
• Experience with maintaining and working within a budget is an asset
• Positive outlook to role model healthy lifestyle behaviours
• Ability to work under pressure within a changing environment
• Well-developed problem-solving, prioritization and conflict resolution skills
• Proven ability to maintain sensitivity towards cultural, religious, economic and social beliefs, values and opinions
• Ability to maintain databases and produce rudimentary reports
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, virtual conferencing, and database experience
REQUIREMENTS:
• Proof of valid Covid-19 Vaccination (Dose 1 & Dose 2)
• Current and valid Vulnerable Sector Check, as per the Criminal Record Review Act
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle
• Must provide a clear Driver’s Abstract
• Must have or is willing to obtain First Aid/CPR Training Certification
• Ability/willingness to travel and to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends for client-based programs and services
The Indigenous Friendship Centre (IFCSSM) is dedicated to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live and serve. IFCSSM encourages applicants from all qualified individuals. Applicants that may require accommodation during the selection process are encouraged to notify HR when contacted for an interview.
LOCATION: 122 East St. – Sault Ste. Marie, ON,
POSITION STATUS: Full-Time, Permanent
CURRENT HOURS OF WORK: 40 Hours/Week
POSTING DATE: March 06, 2023
CLOSING DATE: March 17, 2023
APPLICANTS MAY SEND A COVER LETTER, RESUME & 3 EMPLOYMENT REFERENCES TO: [email protected]
link