Job Title: Indigenous Cultural Liaison – Nanaimo Correctional Center (NCC)
Company: John Howard Society, Nanaimo
Location: In person, 3945 Biggs Road, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5N3
Job Type: Part-time, Permanent
Work hours: Tasks for this position are completed during a 21-hour workweek at Nanaimo Correctional Centre, however, some flexibility will be required according to the needs of the program and or John Howard Society
John Howard Society, Nanaimo is a fast paced growing, dynamic and innovative social service organization that strives to create safe, healthy, and inclusive communities for all. Our goal is to help individuals achieve greater independence by providing support with housing, life-skills, education, employment, and community-based services.
At John Howard Society, we come from various backgrounds and share a common goal of wanting to make things better in our community, for our community. We believe in creating a dynamic work environment that adapts to your needs.
Our Vision, Mission, Goals, and Values:
Our Vision: A safe, healthy, and inclusive community for all
Our Mission: We contribute to a safer, stronger and more sustainable communities by supporting people to achieve greater independence
Our Goals:
Service Excellence: Improve the quality of life of the people we service through more relevant, accessible and sustainable services.
Organizational Sustainability: Realize a resilient operational and governance model that supports JHSV to consistently serve the end-to-end client journey.
Capacity: Increase our capacity to work effectively and efficiently as a team.
Our Values:
Our Service Commitments (How we provide services to clients) – Dignity, Advocacy, Empowerment
Team Values (How we work together) – Collaboration, Accountability, Resiliency
Supportive Environment: Our Employee Assistance Program and professional development opportunities are designed to help you succeed both personally and professionally. We invest in our employees' growth through training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities.
Engaging Culture: Be part of a friendly team that values your input! With numerous employee engagements, you can make your voice heard and contribute to meaningful change for our clients and our community.
Employee Engagement: We often organize team and social gatherings to strengthen relationships and foster camaraderie to create a supportive network among colleagues.
Impactful Work: Employees at JHS are driven by a shared mission to make a positive difference in the community. Engaging in meaningful work enhances job satisfaction and connects team members to a greater purpose.
We are seeking a passionate and resilient Indigenous Cultural Services Coordinator to join our team in a fast growing and dynamic environment. This role is pivotal in enhancing the cultural services provided to Indigenous residents, promoting healing, community engagement, and reconciliation at NCC. If you have a passion for cultural connection and a commitment to supporting Indigenous communities, we want to hear from you! This is an in-person role with no opportunity to work-from home.
The Indigenous Cultural Liaison (ICL) provides the Indigenous lens and consults with staff and Indigenous residents at Nanaimo Correctional Centre (NCC) to provide/connect residents with a range of Indigenous specific supports. Using a culturally informed model that is rooted in harm reduction, the ICL walks alongside residents in their self-identified and self-determined goals for culture, connection/reconnection, and community integration; while advocating for access, rights, and Cultural Safety as needed.
Cultural Services Development and Delivery (60%)
Identify, develop, and deliver Cultural Services that meet the needs of indigenous residents within the operational objectives of NCC. Cultural activities can include art, carving, sewing, beading, drumming, singing, healing circles, smudging, cedar brushing, or other ceremonies as approved by NCC.
Build a partnership with leadership and staff at NCC and incorporate Indigenous activities and services into agendas, committees, and meetings to support reconciliation
Provide counselling for Indigenous residents specifically related to spirituality and life skills
Provide a link between Indigenous residents and Elders for spiritual support
Meet with Indigenous residents as requested by Correctional staff or the residents themselves to assist in the development of viable release plans
Meet regularly with the Indigenous population within NCC, utilizing appropriate resources to provide guidance and instruction
Promotes improving outcomes for our Indigenous residents and community and inspires NCC staff to participate in programming to increase cultural awareness
Provide cultural training to NCC staff
Support residents with case management and release planning support
Community Engagement (40%)
Liaise with corrections staff in identifying and referring Indigenous residents to appropriate program(s)
Plan and deliver cultural awareness activities that promote Indigenous cultural heritage and involve residents in traditional ceremonies; including, Talking Circles, Smudge, Pipe and Sweat Ceremonies
Provide cultural information sessions to NCC staff
Support relationships and connections to the local First Nations and Metis communities, families, and Indigenous Service Delivery agencies in support of reintegration into the communities.
Perform other duties and projects as required and not limited to the responsibilities as mentioned.
- The assigned percentage of job responsibilities may vary based on organizational and operational priorities.
Qualifications:
Post-Secondary Diploma in Social Services or another relevant diploma.
Two years of recent, related work experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge of legislation and regulations related to Indigenous persons, including residential schools, the 60’s scoop, child and family welfare system, knowledge of indigenous cultures, services, ways of holism and recovery.
Working knowledge of cultural, policies, and procedures of indigenous governments as it relates to health and well-being services.
Proficient in verbal and written English at a professional level, with excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
High proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, SharePoint).
Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check Clearance at the Institute.
Emergency First Aid certification is an asset.
Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information effectively and possess strong integrity.
Skills and Competencies:
Indigenous North American ancestry/identity is a bona fide occupational requirement for this position.
Knowledge of Lelum practices and protocols.
Excellent liaison, networking, and advocacy skills.
Ability to establish workload priorities, create and review schedule of activities with leadership, adjust to new or unexpected events (dynamic environments), problem solve, and deal effectively with conflict situations.
Well-developed listening skills with the ability to empathize and establish rapport with residents.
Proven community development/networking skills.
Fostering awareness and understanding of the cultural context of trauma related addiction/MH among Indigenous community members – work to create paths to holism.
Excellent organizational, time management, and administration management skills.
Who You Are:
Cultural Humility and Respect: Demonstrates deep respect for Indigenous cultures, traditions, and ways of knowing, with a commitment to ongoing personal learning and reflection.
Authenticity and Integrity: Acts with honesty, transparency, and strong ethical principles, particularly when handling sensitive and confidential information.
Empathy and Compassion: Possesses a trauma-informed and non-judgmental approach, with the ability to understand and support individuals impacted by intergenerational trauma, substance use, and mental health challenges.
Relationship-Oriented Mindset: Builds and maintains trusting, respectful relationships with residents, Elders, staff, and community partners.
Strong Advocacy Orientation: Demonstrates courage and commitment to advocate for Indigenous residents' rights, access to culturally appropriate services, and cultural safety within institutional settings.
Adaptability and Resilience: Able to work effectively in dynamic, high-demand environments; remains calm, flexible, and solution-focused when addressing complex or evolving situations.
Self-Awareness and Reflective Practice: Engages in continuous self-reflection to recognize personal biases, maintain professional boundaries, and improve service delivery.
Collaborative and Inclusive Approach: Values teamwork and inclusivity, actively contributing to partnerships with correctional staff and community agencies to enhance outcomes for residents.
Strong Communication Presence: Demonstrates respectful, clear, and culturally appropriate communication, with strong listening skills and the ability to engage diverse audiences.
Commitment to Reconciliation and Community Impact: Passionate about advancing reconciliation, promoting cultural revitalization, and supporting successful reintegration of Indigenous residents into their communities.
Creating Safe, Healthy and Inclusive Communities at JHS Victoria:
At John Howard Society of Victoria, we proudly embrace the rich diversity of the communities we serve, and we’re excited to invite applicants from all backgrounds to join our team! We understand that everyone’s journey is different, and we are committed to providing the support needed to ensure equal opportunities for success throughout the hiring process. John Howard Society of Victoria will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email
[email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation. We’re here to help!
Ready to Make a Positive Impact?
If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in people’s lives and meet the qualifications for this role, we’d love to hear from you!
Please submit your application on the portal. Submission deadline is June 25, 2026 and we’ll be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. So don’t wait—apply today and take the next step in your journey with us!
