Wahkohtowin is a Cree word that means kinship or the state of being related. Wahkohtowin-Strengthening Families Program (SFP) is a five-year project funded by the National Crime Prevention Centre under the Ministry of Public Security. The project will implement a new comprehensive model of family based outreach in Winnipeg. Wahkotowin-SFP is a 14-week, curriculum-based program that engages youth who are facing systemic challenges and barriers between the ages 11-17 along with their families. This initiative involves and supports the entire family in developing skills that will enhance parenting skills and empathy and promote effective parenting styles. The program builds decision-making and life skills in youth, including: stress management, conflict resolution, refusal skills, and empathy. It strengthens family bonds and promotes positive communication and the ability to jointly solve problems.

The Wahkohtowin-Strengthening Families Program will be implemented through four different agencies. The project will be hosted at Ka Ni Kanichihk. The partners include: N’dinawe, the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM), Spence Neighbourhood Association, and the University of Manitoba. Each community agency will manage its own staff (Site Coordinators and Parent and Youth Group Leaders).

Qualifications:

A Wahkohtowin-SFP Site Coordinator will work at one agency site as part of a team of professionals and under guidance from the Project Manager. Reporting to the Program Manager, the Site Coordinator’s primary role will be to assume site-specific program coordination and management responsibilities, and to supervise and coordinate the activities of the Parent and Youth Group Leaders at their respective site. Ultimately, the Site Coordinator will endeavour to ensure a warm, respectful, and welcoming program environment for participating families and effective program delivery through efficient staff coordination.

Qualifications:

• Be a detail oriented, highly organized, and self-motivated individual with excellent interpersonal, and writing abilities, strong computer proficiency and demonstrated cultural competency;
• Demonstrate a flexible and adaptable orientation;
• Have credentials and experience in adult education, teaching and/or in a curriculum-based program setting (a university degree is an asset);
• Must be respectful, sensitive, and responsive to gender, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status and sexual orientation as demonstrated in ability to communicate and interact with other staff, parents/guardians and youth;
• Exemplify the qualities of honesty, integrity, fairness, empathy, patience and trustworthiness when dealing with youth and their families;
• Possess experience in project coordination, program evaluation, and staff training and supervision;
• Excel in working collaboratively with culturally diverse, inner-city communities;
• Demonstrate a facility with an anti-oppressive framework and skills in community engagement;
• Cultivate a strong understanding of the Wahkohtowin- Strengthening Families Program model;
• Possess reliable transportation;
• Ability to work independently and under stress;
• Current Emergency First Aid Certificate and current CPR, (Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate is an asset);
• Provide a clear Criminal Record with vulnerable sector completed and Child Abuse Registry check.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Serve as the site host, leading those portions of the weekly sessions where the group assembles as a whole (meals, family practice, evaluations, cultural events, graduations and so on);
• Facilitate oneself with agency policy, and consult with the Project Manager on the proper course of action for all program components;
• Provide close support and monitor the work of the Parent and Youth Group Leaders to ensure fidelity, and staff participation in training events;
• Provide skills-based support and mentoring, problem solving challenging situations; and building relationships within the community;
• Participate in weekly meetings on program days and engage in ongoing youth and family outreach and case management;
• Maintain regular contact with participants, and conduct weekly visits with families;
• Assist in data collection as supervised by the Program Manger and Lead Researcher;
• Greet and assist Elders and visitors and set up and clean up weekly sessions
• Maintain, in cooperation with other team members, the physical facilities of the program site in accordance with accepted norms of health and safety;
• Order and monitor supplies, plan meals and photograph sessions;
• Arrange transportation and child care for families, managing child care for participants when needed;
• Assist with behaviour management and contribute toward participant retention and program sustainability, assuming responsibility for other tasks that may be assigned

The Wahkohtowin-Strengthening Families Program Partners encourage all qualified individuals to apply, however preference will be given to those with a proven ability to work collaboratively and effectively with Indigenous, oppressed, immigrant, and/or refugee peoples, and/or to those who possess life experience positioned within these communities.

Applications for this position will be received up to Friday, May 6 at 4:30pm. Please forward your cover letter and CV/resume to:

Melanie Brass
Human Resource Administrator
Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc.
455 McDermot Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R3A 0B5
Fax # (204)953-5824
Email: mbrass at kanikanichihk.ca

Ka Ni Kanichihk thanks all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted

SOURCE: Ka Ni Kanichihk