Children and Family Services Language Coordinator
Location: #200 12308 111 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta
Closing Date: Until suitable candidate is found
Position Status: Full Time (40 hrs per week), Permanent
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is recruiting for a Children and Family Services (CFS) Language Coordinator to support the revitalization, consistent use, and meaningful integration of the Michif languages across CFS programs, services, and initiatives. Reporting to the Associate Director of Children and Family Services, this role will work collaboratively as a part of the Languages Team within the Intergovernmental Relations Department to ensure alignment with Métis language standards, dialect protocols, and broader language revitalization strategies. This position will play a coordination role in embedding Michif languages into CFS work in a culturally grounded and accessible way, ensuring linguistic consistency, coordination, and integration. This position will support translation, phonetics, and language planning rather than requiring fluency in Michif.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and support timely, consistent Michif language translation and review for CFS materials, including resources, program materials, and public-face communications.
- Apply linguistic principles to support accuracy, consistency, and clarity across translations and language resources.
- Ensure alignment with recognized Métis dialect standards, language protocols, and cultural intent in collaboration with the IGR Languages Team.
- Support the development and inclusion of phonetic Michif language components to improve accessibility for staff, families, and Citizens.
- Manage and track translation requests, timelines, and follow-up to ensure quality and timely delivery.
- Collaborate with CFS teams to integrate Michif languages into programs, services, events, and community-facing initiatives.
- Participate in program planning, development, and review process to ensure language considerations are incorporated early and thoughtfully.
- Serve as a key coordination point between CFS and IGR Languages Team to support shared priorities and alignment.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with CFS program areas, translators, language speakers, and Elders/Knowledge Keepers.
- Contribute to the development of a CFS-specific approach to Michif language integration aligned with broader Métis language revitalization goals.
- Identify gaps, trends, and opportunities to strengthen the presence and accessibility of Michif across CFS programs and services.
- Provide updates and summary information to CFS leadership related to language coordination activities and emerging needs.
- Other duties as required or assigned.
Skills & Competencies
- Effective knowledge of linguistics, language structure, and applied language principles.
- Understanding of Indigenous language revitalization and culturally grounded language work.
- A strong passion for the Michif language and a commitment to its preservation and revitalization.
- Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
- Flexible and adaptable to work in a diverse and fast paced environment.
- Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with diverse internal and external partners.
- Receptive to constructive feedback, committed to continuous improvement, and aligns personal development with overarching team objectives.
- Strong organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential and politically sensitive information.
- Culturally sensitive and compassionate.
- Cultural humility, professionalism, and respect when working with Métis communities, language speakers, and Elders/Knowledge Keepers.
- Clear understanding of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and knowledge of Métis history, culture, and languages, with an understanding of language revitalization principles.
Qualifications
- Post-secondary education in Linguistics, Indigenous Languages, Indigenous Studies, Education, Human Services, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
- Experience coordinating language translation, linguistic review, or language-related projects.
- Experience working with Indigenous governments, community-based organizations, or public-sector environments is an asset.
- Knowledge of Children and Family Services programs or systems is an asset.
- Michif language proficiency is not required; willingness to learn and work closely with Michif language speakers is expected.
Other Requirements
- Ability to work a regular schedule of Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, as well as occasional evenings and weekends.
- Some travel within Alberta is a requirement. Additional, less frequent, out-of-province travel may also occur, with notice.
- Reliable transportation and a valid Class 5 Driver’s License.
- Acceptable attainment of a Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Check and an Intervention Record Check is required.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to work for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government under its newly ratified Constitution and be an instrumental part of the largest Indigenous Government in Canada as it rapidly grows and develops.
- An opportunity to learn about Métis culture, languages, and art.
- Meaningful work in a fun and supportive work environment.
- Training and professional development opportunities.
- A comprehensive benefit package and employer contributions to Pension Plan.
- Generous time off policies.
Métis applicants are encouraged to apply!
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government thanks all applicants for their interest. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that candidates who have been selected to move forward to the next stage of the recruitment process will receive an email to complete a short online one-way video interview. Should you have any concerns with completing the video interview, please reach out to Human Resources by responding to the email invitation. No phone calls please.
