CULTURAL NAVIGATOR

Deadline To Apply: This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Contract Type: TEMPORARY FULL-TIME

Position Overview:

Funded through a Community Support Fund grant, the Cultural Navigator plays a critical role in supporting children, youth, and families involved with Child Services. This position focuses on maintaining and strengthening connections to family, community, culture, and land.

The Cultural Navigator provides culturally informed guidance, advocacy, and coordination to promote the best interests of children. This includes involvement in Family Enhancement Agreements, Supervision Orders, Temporary and Permanent Guardianship Orders, and Kinship placements.

Working collaboratively with families, Elders, Child Services personnel, and community partners, the incumbent ensures services are delivered in a respectful, consistent, and culturally appropriate manner.

Duties:

Case Support and Coordination

• Provide support for new and ongoing Child Services cases, including intake, crisis intervention, and family reunification
• Conduct initial assessments to identify family networks, cultural connections, and support resources
• Develop and implement culturally appropriate care and connection plans
• Support children placed outside their community to maintain cultural and family ties
• Maintain a caseload of a minimum of six (6) families per month
• Meet regularly with caseworkers to ensure effective communication and coordination

Family Engagement and Advocacy

• Build and maintain trusting relationships with children, youth, families, and Elders
• Advocate for the needs and best interests of families within Child Services processes
• Facilitate culturally safe communication between families and Child Services personnel
• Support families in understanding Child Services expectations and processes.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Participate in case conferences, planning sessions, and network meetings
• Collaborate with Child Services and other service providers to ensure coordinated service delivery
• Attend court proceedings as required to support families and gather information.

Cultural Programming

• Plan and deliver culturally relevant programming for Child Services staff and impacted families, including:
  • Two (2) short-duration cultural sessions annually
  • Two (2) land-based cultural retreats annually
• Promote cultural identity, traditions, and practices in all interactions.

Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of local Indigenous culture, families, and community structures
• Understanding of Alberta Child Services systems, legislation, and practices (lived experience considered an asset)
• Experience collaborating with Elders; ability to speak or understand Cree is an asset
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Strong report writing and documentation abilities
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrated cultural competency and commitment to culturally safe practices
• Effective conflict resolution and stress management skills
• High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity.

Work Demands:

• Primarily an office-based role with occasional travel.
• Periods of sitting (e.g., while driving or at a desk) and standing or walking during community engagements and program delivery.
• Occasional lifting of materials up to 30 lbs.

How To Apply:

AWN offers a comprehensive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

 To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume to: hr@adcalberta.com. This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.