About Us:

The Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Association is a non-profit organization that provides a diverse range of culturally safe and supportive services to Indigenous People residing in the Fraser Region. As a Friendship Center, we work to strengthen connections to culture, community and wellness and work from a decolonizing perspective. Our philosophy is to provide a culturally safe, collaborative wrap around model of care.

About Surrey:

The City of Surrey is one of 21 municipalities in Metro Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. We are located on the Lower Mainland on the south side of the Fraser River and share a border with the United States of America. Surrey is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Salish Peoples, including

the q̓icəy̓ (Katzie), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), and Semiahma (Semiahmoo) land-based nations.

Why FRAFCA:

• Opportunity to work alongside cultural knowledge keepers & Elders
• Holistic, culturally safe, approaches to serving our clients and community
• Freedom to share and observe own cultural practices (i.e. smudging in the office)
• Access WorkBC Employers Training grants and other bursaries to fund training & other professional development
• Extended Health Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Travel) and Employee Assistance Plan after 3-months on continuous employment
• Paid vacation days (up to 25 days based on years  of service)
• Offices   located    along   main    transportation  routes (Main office closely location to the Skytrain station);
• Parking available on-site

Positions Overview:

The Traditional Counsellor plays a key role in planning, coordinating, and promoting FRAFCA’s health and wellness initiatives to support Indigenous community members affected both directly and indirectly by the 60’s Scoop. This role focuses on promoting a healthy lifestyle and providing positive encouragement to individuals on their wellness journey.

The Traditional Counsellor works closely with the Clinical Counsellor, assisting with workshop development, managing schedules, and coordinating programs aimed at fostering healing and well-being. Through collaboration and dedication, this position is committed to creating positive outcomes for the community, helping members navigate their personal healing processes while contributing to the overall wellness of the Indigenous community.

  Job Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Health and Wellness Programming and Promotion:
2. Plan, and assist in development, and implement workshops and educational series for community members, with a focus on spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental health. These programs are designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of 60’s members of the Indigenous community who have been directly or indirectly affected, fostering a culture of continuous learning and personal development within the organization.
3. Coordinate and facilitate health, recreational, and fitness activities** for youth, promoting active lifestyles that contribute to their overall well-being.
4. Promote a healthy lifestyle for community members, serving as a positive role model for clients demonstrating healthy behaviors and wellness practices.
5. Stay informed about current wellness initiatives and activities, developing a network of resources and contacts to enhance and expand the organization’s wellness programs.
6. Lead special wellness projects and initiatives as directed by the wellness manager, contributing to the organization’s commitment to health and well-being.

2. Client Support:

• Support the development of individualized wellness plans for community members/clients.
• Using a trauma informed approach, support, motivate, and encourage youth with their wellness goals and objectives
• Troubleshoot with team members to mitigate challenges that arise with client support.

3. Resource Utilization and Allocation:

• Collaborate with the management team for effective program scheduling.
• Monitor program budget and assure appropriate expenditure of funds with detailed record keeping and reporting to the wellness manager.
• Develop creative program materials, such as a newsletter to communicate clearly and effectively to staff about the various wellness opportunities.
• Manage inventory of wellness supplies and materials.

4. Track, Evaluate, and Report:

• Gather and analyze data to evaluate program success with wellness initiatives
• Track participant attendance, feedback, and individual progress towards personal
• goals. Additionally, create reports that can help inform program development.
• Conduct ongoing program evaluation based on feedback to further enhance programs and services by FRAFCA.
• Publish workshop reports to the manager on a monthly basis.

5. Collaborate with service partners and other professionals:

• Coordinate activities, events, and session with wellness, program, and Registered Clinical Counsellor.
• Work in partnership with health and wellness professionals, such as dieticians, recreational therapists, physiotherapists, and psychologists when designing workshops and events and ensure effective and evidence-based programs that appeal to clients and encourage participation.
• The Traditional wellness counsellor must work well with the RCC to design week- specific programs that can help promote the weekly program theme.
• Facilitate effective communication and coordination within the teams to troubleshoot and address matters efficiently.

5. Pre- Opening Duties:

• Assist with all role-related activities relevant to the planning, development, and implementation of FRAFCA’s services and programs.
• Assist the RCC and the EY Manager with developing and implementing the wellness program in line with its vision, mission, values, and guiding principles.
• Write required job-related policies and documents as directed.

6. Perform other job-related duties as required.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A Diploma, or a combined experience and education
• A minimum of three-five years working in the Indigenous community.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License
• Valid First Aid Certificate
• Valid Food safe Certificate
• Must consent to a criminal record check and a prior contact check
• Good working knowledge of Indigenous teachings is an asset
• RedPath training an asset.

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills to efficiently manage multiple tasks and responsibilities in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with staff, clients, and community members.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other office management software to support program administration and coordination.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment, ensuring timely and effective delivery of programs.
• Capability to integrate wellness initiatives into the organizational culture, promoting a holistic approach to health and well-being.
• Forward-thinking and creative mindset, demonstrating energy, motivation, strong leadership, and the ability to build positive relationships.
• Professional demeanor with a positive attitude, fostering trust and respect within the team and the community.
• Quick learning ability to grasp new concepts and implement effective teaching strategies in wellness and educational initiatives.
• Critical thinking and presentation skills to effectively lead workshops, health programs, and special projects.
• Must be open minded , willing to learn and to be curious about culture as we deal with a multitude of Indigenous people from all across Turtle Island.

How to Apply:

• Apply online at https://frafca.org/careers/careers/ (or)
• Email your resume and cover letter to hr@frafca.org  (or)
• Submit your resume and cover letter at: A101-10095 Whalley Boulevard, Surrey, BC V3T 4G1

We thank all the applicants, but only those applicants selected for interview will be contacted.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Open until suitable candidate is found.

*Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights code, preference may be given to Aboriginal Applicants.

We are committed to the National Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action. FRAFCA is engaged primarily in promoting or serving the interests of Indigenous peoples, FRAFCA prioritizes employment to Indigenous  peoples. Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants, unless that preference or employment would constitute a discriminatory practice under the Canadian Human Rights Act.