Position: AKWE:GO PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Term: Full time – Maternity Leave
Wage: Negotiable
Posting Date: December 4, 2023

Closing Date: January 9, 2024

The N’Amerind (LONDON) Friendship Centre is centrally located in the urban Indigenous community of London and has been an active supporter of Urban Indigenous people since its incorporation in 1967. Under the direct supervision of the Youth Section Manager, the successful candidate will be an
energetic, innovative person who will have an understanding of the Friendship Centre movement and its operations. The Akwe:go Program Coordinator will be responsible to improve the quality of life of urban Indigenous Children aged 7-12 years through the delivery of appropriate activities and services.
Traditional cultural teachings and values are the guiding principles through client based programming and individualized supports that encourage healthy lifestyle choices. The program’s focus is on enhancing the skills, knowledge, attitudes, and values that will demonstrate positive personal choices and develop awareness of the consequences of negative behaviours. We are looking for a dynamic employee who is willing to work hard to ensure the promotion of The N’Amerind (LONDON) Friendship Centre Mission, Value and Visions.

JOB SUMMARY
• Ensure that Akwe:go program is grounded in culture-based child development principles and practices.
• Strong knowledge and awareness of Indigenous culture and history, with particular emphasis on residential schooling, the impacts of trauma, Indigenous engagement, and community outreach; knowledge of an Indigenous Language(s) considered an asset.
• Promote awareness and access to the Akwe:go program, while providing the effective safe delivery of all Akwe:go Program activities.
• Conduct a needs assessment for children and to develop a plan of action to meet the needs of children registered to the Akwe:go program.
• Provide referral documentation for children to appropriate services as required to meet the needs of the children/families.
• Maintain accurate, comprehensive documentation regarding all interactions with program participants.
• Assist in program and service development to ensure that quality, effective and client-centered and program participant programs, and services are delivered.
• Work collaboratively with all team members and partnering agencies to achieve desired excellent service and outcomes.

Qualifications:
• Successful completion of two years post-secondary education, such as a diploma/degree in social Work or an Indigenous Studies program.
• Ongoing involvement with Indigenous culture and traditions, comprehensive knowledge, understanding and awareness of Indigenous traditions, ceremony, teachings, and practices.
• Strong knowledge and awareness of Indigenous culture and history, with particular emphasis on residential schooling, the impacts of trauma, Indigenous engagement, and community outreach; knowledge of an Indigenous language(s) and asset.
• Understanding of the barriers and issues facing Urban based Indigenous individuals.
• Ability to work independently and ensure confidentiality.
• Ability to engage people to build trust and rapport; effective verbal and listening communication skills; effective crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and/or weekends.
• Initiative-taking individual with the ability to work with minimal supervision in a collaborative setting.
• Group facilitation, team building and decision-making skills; able to problem solve and take initiative.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Teams, Microsoft applications and database applications.
• Safe Food Handling Certificate, an asset.
• Must provide copy of valid Ontario Driver’s License

Please read the following very carefully. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Interested candidates must submit:
1. A cover letter that demonstrates that you meet all the qualifications through your resume submission and why you believe you are the ideal candidate for the position.
2. Your resume.
3. A copy of all relevant educational degrees, diplomas and certificates including driver’s licence.
4. Three (3) written employment references including your current or most recent employer.

Must be submitted in person, mail or email marked AKWE:GO PROGRAM COORDINATOR and “CONFIDENTIAL” no later than January 9, 2023 at 4:00 pm to:

Glenn Forrest, Executive Director
N’Amerind Friendship Centre
260 Colborne Street
London, ON N6B 2S6
Email: gforrest@namerind.on.ca
Only those contacted will be granted an interview.

Preference will be given to qualified Turtle Island Indigenous people or members of First Nations, Inuit and Métis including treaty, status or registered Indigenous people, as well as those non-status and nonregistered who self-declare as such.

All applicants understand and agree that by submitting a job application; at their cost, the successful candidate will be required to submit a clear Vulnerable Sector Check from website of the police service in your local community, as a condition of employment