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 Kids Coordinator is one of the key forces behind both. We are currently seeking a creative, motivated and community-minded individual. The selected candidate must be able to engage in social, cultural, interactive, and age-appropriate nutrition and recreational activities that interest children and their families. More specifically, the coordinator in this role is responsible for designing, leading and ensuring that the program complies, with both the Friendship Centre and Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) Standards of Performance, to ensure program requirements are attained. This person must be able encourage healthy food alternatives by implementing cooking demonstrations, recipe creations, and promoting physical fitness to endorse everyday good living and instill a strong sense of identity and self-esteem for the urban Indigenous youth and their families. The successful applicant may work in conjunction with the Indigenous Family Support, Healthy Living and additional youth based programs that the Centre offers.
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 Kids program is to increase awareness and provide education on 3 specific components: promotion and provision of healthy nutrition, physical activity and a lifelong healthy lifestyle for children ages 0-18 years and their families. The program implements culture-based activities to enhance the well-being and traditional knowledge of urban Indigenous participants.
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:
• Plan, organize, supervise, assess and facilitate nutrition and fitness education programs 2-3 times a week
• Provide snacks for programming by shopping for supplies and food
• Increase awareness and provide education on healthy eating and consumption of traditional foods
• Actively seek volunteers to assist with and support programs activities and events
• Provide healthy meal preparation tools and instruction + relay proper nutritional information
• Increase access and availability to healthy food for children
• Provide opportunities to support healthy food consumption i.e. community kitchens, parent/child cooking classes, etc.
• Promote healthy alternatives to alcohol, drug and solvent abuse
• Increase recreation activities that incorporate traditional activities through external facilities, education and other accessible programs – i.e. sports, dancing, archery, etc.
• Support community and family gardens and greenhouses + promote food preservation – i.e. canning, drying, freezing, etc.
• Maintain and manage program activities, records, social media pages, marketing and participant files
• Evaluate program effectiveness and identify program enhancements
• Establish and maintain relationships and partnerships with local community sports, fitness and recreation agencies/organizations, schools and other relevant agencies/organizations
• On-going program promotion within the community, specifically targeting urban Indigenous children, youth and families
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE:
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Social Services, Sports & Recreation, or other Health/Fitness related program
• 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 children and youth
• 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
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize competing demands to ensure effective, efficient and timely application of resources and services
• 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
• Ability to provide social and health navigation to enhance youth connections while maintaining strong boundaries
• 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]
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