Indigenous Program Facilitator

About the Program: Ee-Des-Spoom-Ooh-Soop, meaning 'the environment that gives opportunity to guide our lives forward in a positive direction,' was a name gifted to Closer To Home in ceremony by Piikani Elder Leonard Bastien Weasel Traveller. Ee-Des-Spoom-Ooh-Soop is a culturally-based Indigenous (First Nations, Metis, Inuit) program specifically designed for Indigenous parents and families. A key outcome of the program is that participants report a deeper understanding of historical knowledge to help process the impact of intergenerational trauma. They'll also experience an increased sense of belonging within the Indigenous community, culture, and with Indigenous resources. The Indigenous Program Facilitator is culturally grounded and offers a range of services, resources, and support. Their main goal is to help parents and families overcome obstacles to their healing and reconnection journeys.

Responsibilities: 

• Provide culturally relevant and trauma-informed programs that integrate the Teaching-Family Model to build resilience, social-emotional development, and self-determination.
• Offer individual and group support to families on various needs, including parenting, child development, budgeting, housing, and advocacy.
• Connect families with appropriate Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, or Ceremonialists for guidance.
• Help families set and achieve short-term and long-term goals.
• Support families in accessing and navigating community resources like education, housing, healthcare, and employment.
• Assist with program administration, including data collection, evaluations, reporting, and maintaining family files.
• Contribute to general program duties, such as meal preparation or resource gathering, as needed.
• Champion a learning environment that celebrates Indigenous identities, cultural practices, and ancestral knowledge.
• Support and participate in traditional ceremonies and feasts.
• Help organize cultural education and awareness activities.
• Foster networks with other social service agencies in Calgary and the Treaty 7 region.
• Travel between various Closer to Home Programs and sites to share knowledge with program participants and staff.

Qualifications:

• Diploma or degree in Indigenous Studies, Social Work, Community Development, Counseling, or a related field is preferred, however equivalent experience in Indigenous community work, facilitation, or program coordination will be considered.
• Deep understanding of Treaty 7, Indigenous history, worldviews, beliefs, values, culture, and spirituality.
• 1-2 years of experience working with families and program facilitation
• Proven ability to build relationships and connect individuals with Indigenous communities, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Ceremony People, professionals and community leaders.
• A strong commitment to understanding and integrating the cultural and spiritual needs of participants.
• First Aid/CPR certification level C or higher from an Alberta OHS approved agency.
• A Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search and an Intervention Record Check must be completed prior to commencement.
• This position requires the use of a personal vehicle for work-related purposes. Candidates must show proof of a class 5 Alberta driver's license, a personal vehicle, and a clean 3-year driver's abstract. Candidates must also agree to maintain a 2 million liability insurance on their personal vehicle and consent to the possibility of an annual driver's abstract review to meet our insurance provider's requirements. Mileage will be reimbursed in alignment with the CRA guideline and CTH policy
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training and evaluations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Required Competencies 

All positions at Closer to Home Community Services require (5) competencies: Instills Trust, Consumer Focus, Communicates Effectively, Situational Adaptability and Ensures Accountability . 

Closing Date: Until suitable candidate is found 

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information on our organization, please visit our website at

In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that we are gathered on the ancestral lands of the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), which is comprised of the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani and Amskapi Piikani Nations, and the shared territories of the Tsuut'ina Nation and Iyarhe Nakoda Nations, all of whom are the original signatories of the Blackfoot Treaty #7 in Southern Alberta. We also recognize Mohkinstsis (Calgary) as a home to members of the Metis Settlements and communities within Alberta.