Traditional and Holistic Wellness Specialist

Position Summary
Seabird Island is committed to advancing holistic wellness and culturally centered healthcare. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values First Nations knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a Traditional and Holistic Wellness Specialist to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance the holistic health and wellness of community members and clients through culturally informed programming and services.
Under the direction of the Director of Health and Social Development, the Traditional and Holistic Wellness Specialist ensures service delivery is centered around First Nations worldviews, beliefs about holistic health, and cultural aspects of personal and family wellness. This role involves developing and implementing wellness programs that incorporate traditional practices into our programming, offering workshops on holistic health, and promoting cultural continuity within wellness services. The Traditional and Holistic Wellness Specialist will also engage in community relations activities to support clients and strengthen the connection between traditional knowledge and health outcomes in the community and provide support while on their path to wellness or in crises.
What you'll do
Program Development and Management:
Lead the planning, evaluation, development, redevelopment, and implementation of traditional wellness programs and services that reflect First Nations values and holistic health practices.
Ensure all programs and services incorporate First Nations traditions, values, and cultural aspects of wellness.
Develop and implement individual wellness plans for community members and clients.
Ensure all programs and services incorporate culturally appropriate services, treatment, and support to individuals seeking balance within all aspects of self: Emotional, Spiritual, Physical, and Mental wellbeing.
Community Engagement and Education
Facilitate events for healing and sharing circles, traditional plant walks, healing gatherings, coming-of age workshops, elder workshops, etc.
Conduct workshops on traditional plants and remedies, holistic teachings, traditional learnings, protocols and season harvesting knowledge.
Provide cultural training, education, and guidance to staff to ensure they provide services to families and communities in a culturally appropriate manner.
Provide cultural training, education, and guidance to families and communities to ensure they can access traditional healing services with an understanding of appropriate protocols.
Provide mentorship and learning opportunities to staff, families, and community members.
Provide consultation to staff on protocols, ceremonies, and practices of Seabird Island.
Provide ceremonial support and guidance as requested.
Health and Wellness Support:
Engage clients in a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to support emotional, social, physical, and mental health growth and stability.
Coordinate traditional-based activities that involve the specific use or development of traditional knowledge, practices, teachings, or services to achieve the objectives of the activity or event.
Determine courses of action for client-driven needs.
Provide traditional knowledge, cultural teachings, and ceremonies so that families and communities can learn and practice traditional healing strategies in their daily lives.
Collaboration and Partnership Building
Develop networks and build partnerships to influence all levels of management and cross-functional areas, including health, community engagement, education, human resources, finance, planning, and community infrastructure.
Build relationships and networks with external service providers such as First Nations Health Authority and Fraser Health.
Work closely with management to ensure a positive experience for clients and the community.
Leadership and Supervision:
Provide orientation, supervision, work direction, and feedback to volunteers and practicum students.
Facilitate group activities, meetings, and groups.
Collaborate with the team to work within a harm reduction model of care for participants.
Strong mentorship skills for other staff members.
Documentation and Reporting:
Complete all charting and documentation clearly, concisely, and factually.
Prepare reports on program effectiveness and community impact.
Maintain accurate records of client interactions, program activities, and community engagement efforts.
Other Duties
Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.
Working / Special Conditions
Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.
Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively engage and support projects, work, and initiatives
Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of clients and community needs. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.
What you bring
Qualifications
Extensive knowledge of First Nations traditional wellness practices, holistic health, and cultural protocols.
Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences, Social Work, or a related field with a focus on First Nations health and wellness.
Experience in program development, management, and evaluation.
2+ years of relevant experience working within First Nations communities, focusing on holistic wellness.
Excellent communication, relationship-building skills and ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team and community members.
Preferred:
First Nations candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dyna

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
No