The CTD Project Community Development Coordinator will collaborate with Youth, Elders, Service Providers, and the Aboriginal community to address the mental health promotion needs of young Aboriginal families.  This will be done by supporting a sustainable partnership between the Port Alberni Friendship Center and the Canadian Mental Health Association - Port Alberni Branch, as well as by utilizing Indigenous knowledge and evidence-based models as required.

Overview & Job Summary

The CTD Project Community Development Coordinator is responsible for coordinating all local activities related to the Connecting the Dots Project.  this person will mobilize Youth, Elders, Service Providers and the Aboriginal community to identify, prioritize, and create action on the determinants of mental health that affect Aboriginal youth.  the Coordinator will work with Elders, Youth and local partners to develop evidence-based models as required and lead the project with Indigenous knowledge and cultural practice.  the Project Coordinator will work with Elders, Youth and community members to assist with the implementation of projects/programs as identified to support community needs.  Key tasks include youth and elders leading and engaging in an inspiring way and supporting the Connecting the Dots community to be rooted in culture, social marketing, project management and knowledge translation.

Working Conditions

This is a full time term position (ending January 31st, 2015) dependent on Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) funding.  Some evening and weekend hours will be required to meet with Youth, Elders, and other project supporters.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Excellent understanding of colonization and the subsequent impacts on the mental health of Aboriginal families.

Rooted in Indigenous knowledge and traditional cultural practice, with experience using both to deliver services to clients and community.  Understanding of Nuu-chah-nulth history and cultural practice is an asset.

Strong Youth self-determination framework and demonstrated ability to engage with empower, and mentor youth.

Excellent oral and written communication skills, including a proven ability to communicate in a culturally safe way and address conflict.

Driven, organized, and able to prioritize multiple tasks and interests.

Excellent group facilitation skills, particularly in collaborative environments, especially with Youth and Elders.

Experience with community-based reserarch (such as focus groups, surveys, and photovoice), knowledge translation, evaluation, and proposal writing experience. preferable.

Education & Qualifications

Successful candidates will have one of the following:

Two-years post-secondary with extensive experience working in community and fundamental understanding and practice of traditional culture;

Undergraduate degree in First Nations Studies, Chld & Youth Care, Social Work, Psychology or other social science with experience working in community and a history of traditional cultural practice; or

Graduate degree in First Nations Studies, Child & Youth Care, Indigenous Governance, or other social science with experience working in community and knowledge of traditional cultural practice.

The candidate must have:

Five years minimum experience coordinating community-based research or collaborative community projects.

Be motivated, flexible, and personable.

Ability to develop, sustain and demonstrate positive community relationships.

Strong understanding of Nuu-chah-nulth history and cultural practice.

Demonstrated ability to create and sustain collaborative and culturally safe environments. 

Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have reliable transportation which can be used for work.

Must be willing to provide a driver's abstract and to submit to a criminal record check.