BACKGROUND:
SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in southern Manitoba. Established in 1999 by the Chiefs, SCO is mandated as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
SCO provides competitive compensation and excellent pension and benefits, as well as a positive work environment.
OVERVIEW:
The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) requires a Senior Harm Reduction Program Specialist to lead the coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of key activities related to the Harm Reduction Program in addition to furthering the development and expansion of harm reduction services offered by SCO and providing oversight to program staff.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Oversees and fosters the implementation of a southern First Nation and urban harm reduction and sexual health strategy in accordance with the program vision
- Oversees front line staff who educate and promote awareness on harm reduction as a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with substance use, and who participate in harm reduction activities that advocate a belief in, and respect for, the rights of people who use substances
- Explores and develops southern First Nation led problematic substance use prevention programming for diverse participants (youth, adults, Elders, on and off reserve citizens) including peer-led programming and groups
- Builds connections and relationships to establish southern First Nations harm reduction networks, incorporating a diverse set of participants and stakeholders including people with lived experience, health leadership, and Knowledge Keepers
- Establishes partnerships with multiple stakeholders to develop, implement, and evaluate the progress of programming and process evaluations
- Prepares program reporting, presentation materials, briefings and statistics as required
- Uses evidence informed practices, First Nations research methodologies and compiles community information to develop comprehensive and culturally appropriate education, workshops, and curriculum on harm reduction and sexual health for a diverse range of ages and experiences (youth, adult, Elder, on and off-reserve citizens)
- Use substantial knowledge of substance use, overdose prevention, sexual health and harm reduction to design and support the delivery of workshops and presentations in southern First Nation schools, health forums, and other settings on and off reserve
- Provides content expertise and works with others within the organization to support development of communications materials and campaigns focused on harm reduction, safer sex, stigma reduction, HIV and STBBI testing and treatment, and reducing overdose events
- Works in collaboration with internal programs to develop a repository of substance addiction recovery programs and services available for those seeking support including Anishinaabe and Dakota healing and wellness approaches, community, regional, and provincial initiatives
- Collaborates and professionally represents SCO while working with external partners including health system partners (First Nation, provincial and federal)
- Advocates for improved access to services and works to reduce health disparities and associated outcomes, for First Nation citizens on and off reserve in the areas of harm reduction, sexual health, testing and treatment for HIV/STBBIs, and substance use treatment and recovery
- Develops trusted relationships with community health teams, schools, wellness service providers, and community members
- Seeks, develops, and applies for funding opportunities to expand SCO’s harm reduction and sexual health programming. Collaborates with senior SCO staff to submit funding proposals and complete funding reports
- Maintains records of program materials and activities to document milestones
- Monitors on-going work of front-line staff, making recommendations for continuous improvement
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in health sciences, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Nursing, Indigenous Studies, or a related field/discipline is required
- Minimum of five years of experience in addiction treatment, harm reduction, program coordination, and facilitation
- Experience delivering workshops and public presentations to a wide variety of audiences
- Sound knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, concurrent conditions, anti-stigma practices, and Harm Reduction Foundational Principles
- Knowledge of the impacts of colonization, Indian Residential and Day Schools, the 60’s Scoop, MMIWG2S+, the Child Welfare System, and intergenerational trauma
- Appreciation of the significance of Anishinaabe and Dakota ancestral teachings, language, songs, and ceremonies in promoting health and wellness
- Experience supervising a team of professionals and/or other administrative staff
- Ability to prepare and deliver high quality reports for diverse audiences with the ability to express ideas clearly, concisely, and respectfully
- Demonstrated program coordination, collaboration, and organizational skills
- Ability to problem solve and think critically with strong attention to detail
- Must have strong written and oral communication skills
- Must be skilled in working with internet browsers, Windows, and Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Must be able to work independently, as well as with a team, and be able to prioritize and adapt within a fast-paced changing environment
Preferred:
- Fluency in Anishinaabemowin or Dakota language would be considered an asset
- Nurse Practitioner or Master of Nursing with RN(AP) in Reproductive health, sexually transmitted infections and blood borne pathogens
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Must provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check (with vulnerable sector check) and a current and clear Child Abuse Registry Check and Adult Abuse Registry Check
- If the candidate is a member of a registered profession, they must be in good standing with their regulatory body
- Must be available to work occasional evenings and weekends
- Must have a valid Class 5 MB Driver’s License with access to a reliable vehicle for occasional travel
- Occasional overnight travel may be required
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Wednesday, September 18th, 2024, at 4:30 PM CST
Please submit a cover letter and resume to: Human Resources – Southern Chiefs’ Organization 202-600 Empress Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3G 0L5 Fax: (204) 946-1871 | hr@scoinc.mb.ca
Preference will be given to qualified First Nations candidates.
Please self-identify in your cover letter.
We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected will be contacted for further consideration.