Relief House Parent

Our Mission:

The Namima Program believes in deriving solutions from their clients, the Matriarchs, and Hereditary Chiefs of their Namimas. The Namima program will deliver culturally embedded programs that recognize advocacy in all aspects of a person’s life. Namima Village believes in connection and belonging that is embedded in our traditional and cultural ways. We provide a variety of cultural programs that identify the challenges of residential school affects, and intergenerational trauma of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation.

Our Vision:

Creating strong voices through unity of choice, togetherness and culture.

Our Philosophy:

To provide valuable services to all Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Band members, or those connected through marriage, with respect and collaborative planning.

All Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Band members and those connected through marriage deserve to have a voice through collaboration, transparency, and honor.

Position Summary:

Relief House Parents are responsible for the care of the children living in Namima on a rotational basis, providing relief for the full-time house parents or families living in Namima Village.  Relief parents work to maintain a healthy home environment so children can learn life skills, problem solving and observe positive life activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

·        Providing life skills training, including hygiene and social skills, to children involved with Namima;

·        Taking part in collaborative planning for Comprehensive Plans of Care for Children in care of Namima, as required;

·        Providing transportation and/or accompanying displaced individuals to visits or appointments when appropriate and necessary;

·        Working closely and communicating on an on-going basis with other Namima staff but particularly the regular house parents to ensure continuity of care;

·        Supervising and positively interacting with children;

·        Planning, preparing, engaging in and arranging supervision of age appropriate activities with children

·        Directing children in eating, resting, and personal hygiene

·        Maintaining the order, safety, cleanliness of the home and surrounding yard

·        Providing structure and guidance in a positive manner that will establish positive role models for the children

During the school year, ensuring attendance and that all homework and assignments are completed
Maintaining consistent routine, house rules, and expectations for the children;
·        Responsible for daily cleaning, organizing, sanitizing and laundry, as needed; prepares meals for children;

·        Administering medications and documenting dosage and times;

·        Ensuring all medical directives are followed;

·        Appropriately managing all Home funds and maintaining records and receipts as required;

·        Liaising with other staff on guest progress and any issues affecting such progress;

·        Encouraging and supporting healthy, safe, and permanent relationships and identity building;

·        Engaging in collaborative community partnerships to promote traditional healing;

·        Participating in team meetings, agency meetings and training deemed necessary for this position;

·        Completing accurate and confidential records of all activities;

·        Adhering to all approved standards, policies, and procedures;

·        Completing accurate and timing reports on all activities;

·        Ensuring services are delivered in a culturally appropriate and culturally safe manner.

Other:

·        To fulfill other related duties as directed.

Education:

·        Degree from an accredited school or university in Human Services or related field

·        CPR, First Aid certified

·        Food safe certified

·        A demonstrated and deep understanding of trauma-informed practices.

·        Non-Violent Crisis Prevention and Intervention.

Knowledge / Experience:

·        Explicit knowledge of the Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw culture and tradition, cultural processes and protocols, and traditional family systems;

·        Minimum of two years experience providing direct services to children or youth

·        Knowledge of traditional Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw healing and support systems, and conflict resolution processes etc required.

·        Experience working with Indigenous families and communities;

·        Three years experience in community-based health/social service programs;

·        Knowledge of positive family systems and cultural practices

·        Knowledge of Mental Health issues (e.g. depression, anxiety, abuse, addictions, FASD, grief, loss, trauma, etc.) considered an asset;

·        Knowledge of Residential schools and trauma impacts on individuals and families, including intergenerational effects, required.

Managerial Skills:

·        Ability to exercise sound judgement in setting priorities and dealing with confidential and sensitive issues;

·        Ability to function professionally in high stress and highly emotional situations;

·        Ability to work both independently with minimal oversight and as part of a team.

·        Excellent interpersonal skills, professionalism and integrity;

·        Ability to set appropriate boundaries and limits with residents;

Applicant Criteria

·        A successful criminal record and vulnerable sector check will be required prior to the start of employment.

·        Must have a valid Class 5 (minimum) driver’s license

Working Conditions:

·        Week days, and weekends around 20 hours per week, some on-call work as well

·        The position adheres to the personnel policies and procedures, code of ethics and current job description of the Gwa`sala-`Nakwaxda`xw Nations.

Equipment Used:

·        Computer /printer;

·        Scanner;

·        Photocopier/fax machine;

·        Cellular telephone

·        Cleaning equipment and products

Wage:$24-28/hr

Only those shortlisted will be contacted for interviews.

Please send your cover letter, and resume, as well as three reference names and phone numbers to: Jorawar Brah at Jorawar.brah@kedc.ca by 10-31-24