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 Wellness Specialist to join our team and support Seabird Island’s Clinical Substance Use Programs, working collaboratively to enhance the holistic health, wellness, and recovery of community members struggling with substance use and addictions.
Under the direction of the Acting Department Manager of Community and Family Wellness, the Traditional Wellness Specialist ensures that service delivery is centered in First Nations worldviews, emphasizing holistic health and cultural approaches to healing from addictions. In collaboration with clinical team members, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community partners, this role will develop and implement recovery focused wellness programs, facilitate traditional healing activities, and provide direct support to individuals, families, and the broader community to promote cultural continuity within substance use treatment services. The Specialist will also engage in outreach, education, crisis support, and partnership development to strengthen Seabird’s overall approach to healing from addiction.
This is a two-year Term position with the possibility of extension.
What you'll do
The Traditional Wellness Specialist will work in collaboration with the Senior Clinical Substance Use Program Lead and other program staff, including those from Fraser Health, to ensure culturally appropriate, holistic, and trauma-informed support is embedded within Seabird Island’s Clinical Substance Use Programs. All responsibilities will be carried out as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team approach, ensuring that cultural wellness and traditional healing practices complement clinical and therapeutic supports.
Addictions Program Development and Management:
Design, develop, implement, and facilitate culturally based wellness and healing initiatives and land-based healing activities that promote connection to culture, identity, and community.
Ensure all programs and services integrate First Nations traditions, values, and traditional healing practices.
In collaboration with clinical team members, develop individualized wellness and recovery plans for community members and clients.
Provide cultural mentorship and guidance to individuals preparing for or transitioning out of treatment.
Collaboratively support individuals in navigating treatment programs, and post-treatment reintegration while incorporating cultural practices.
Provide cultural supports to individuals and families in crisis due to substance use and related issues.
Community Engagement and Cultural Education:
Facilitate traditional wellness activities, including healing circles, traditional plant walks, smudging, and cedar brushing, ensuring that clients in recovery have access to cultural practices in a safe, respectful, and inclusive manner.
Lead workshops and education sessions on traditional medicines, holistic wellness and recovery strategies, and land-based healing practices.
Provide cultural training, education, and guidance to staff, families, and community members to ensure they understand traditional healing approaches in addiction recovery.
Engage and coordinate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members in program development and service delivery, ensuring a continued presence of traditional healing in program settings.
Health and Wellness Support:
Engage clients in a trauma-informed, person-centered approach to support emotional, social, physical, and mental health growth and stability in their recovery journey.
Coordinate traditional-based healing activities to aid in emotional, social, physical, and mental health stabilization.
Assist individuals in developing coping and personal wellness strategies rooted in cultural teachings and traditional knowledge, working alongside clinical teams to ensure a balanced approach.
Provide traditional knowledge, ceremonies, and cultural teachings to strengthen resilience and promote long-term wellness.
Collaborate with harm reduction, mental health, treatment, primary care, housing, and employment services to provide wrap-around support.
Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and care planning to advocate for and integrate traditional wellness approaches within treatment services.
Collaboration and Partnership Building
Establish and strengthen relationships with cultural practitioners, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community champions, and First Nations-led healing networks to enhance traditional wellness opportunities.
Support the Senior Program Lead in partnership-building efforts with local and regional service providers such as First Nations Health Authority, Fraser Health, and community-based organizations.
Advocate for culturally safe and responsive addiction services within healthcare and social service networks.
Work closely with management to ensure a positive and effective experience for clients and families.
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.
Participate in regular team meetings to discuss client progress, service delivery improvements, and collaboration strategies.
Contribute to funding proposals and program development reports, ensuring cultural programming remains supported and resourced.
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 dynamics.
Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
Excellent writing, editing, charting and verbal communication skills.
Cultural Competency:
Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.
Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
Benefits
Extended health and dental benefits,
Accrued vacation and sick time,
Pension plan with matching employer contributions.
How To Apply
Have a question about this position before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to Traditional and Holistic Wellness. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.
Pre-Employment Screening
Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.
Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.
We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
