Shkabewis/ Cultural Support Worker

Hours: 35 hrs per wk.

Range: $22.69-$40.59 per hour

Classification: 1-yr Contract Full-Time (Replacement)

Location: Various NCFST Sites/Hubs

Position: Union-BU

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, (NCFST) strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, caring and healing for our children and families in the Toronto Indigenous Community. We do this by creating a service model that is culture-based and respects the values of Native people, the extended family, and the right to self-determination and through the integration of holistic, culturally based prevention services that are child centered, family focused, and community driven.

At Native Child, we are guided by our purpose: Honoring Our Roots, Embracing Our Future. We are inspired to be and do our best, recognizing the profound impact we have on our communities, our people, and our shared heritage. Our commitment to preserving and celebrating Indigenous culture drives us to be a leading force in our region. Here, you are welcomed into an inclusive and supportive environment that values each individual's contributions and fosters collective success.

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Supervisor, Cultural Services, The Shkabewis Cultural Support Worker will ensure that each family participating in child and family programs is supported in fostering their child's development; assisting these families to identify and attain their individual and personal goals and supporting their success in building and sustaining healthy connections within their community; ensuring accessibility and integration of individual and family services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide fair, respectful and culturally relevant services to Indigenous children and families, consistent with the mission, vision, and values of Native Child and Family Services of Toronto.
• Assist program staff and supervisory team with the integration of Indigenous knowledge and material to all participants.
• Work with Elders/Knowledge Keepers and facilitators to support cultural programs and protocols.
• Assist and support the traditional healers, elders and medicine people with a range of traditional healing approaches such as fasting, sweat lodge, shake tent, naming ceremony, ancestor's ceremony, clan ceremony and pipe ceremonies.
• Provide cultural programs; considering interest, age and ability of participants.
• Organize participants to ensure engagement in program and that all participants have equal opportunities.
• Ensure programs include “on the land” experience.
• Work with community to learn about their cultural identity.
• Support cultural events and activities.
• Conduct oneself in a manner consistent with the concept of “Indigenous role model”.
• The individual must demonstrate respect, humility, integrity, and a commitment to upholding cultural protocols while fostering a safe and welcoming environment for community members.
• Prepare and maintain the sacred fire before, during, and after ceremonies
• Follow all organizational policies related to health, safety, and cultural protocols
• Duties include being able to lift up to 40 pounds. Responsible for unloading stones / grandfathers, unloading fire wood, dressing and undressing the lodge.
• Must have flexibility some ceremonies may require you to stay longer until ceremony ends and closing is completed.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills:

• Recognized and respected by their own community as someone who has lived experience and a learned understanding of Indigenous worldviews and traditional teachings, and they carry themselves within community according to those teachings
• Lived experience as an Indigenous person with the ability to share and transfer traditional knowledge and facilitate cultural programming while respecting the unique cultural distinctions across Indigenous communities.
• Strong ability to engage and collaborate respectfully with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, children, youth, families, community members, students, caregivers, allies, and partners.
• Fire keeping experience is preferred.
• Valid Infant/Child CPR certificate.
• Pass a Vulnerable Sector Police Record check.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture in an urban environment, including ceremonies and protocol.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively or as a team when appropriate.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Leadership skills.
• Knowledge of cultural safety practices.
• Flexibility in working program hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others from a strength-based and culturally-based approach.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all information related to children, parents and staff.

Working Conditions

• Outdoor and Indoor work environment.
• Exposure to heat, smoke, changing weather conditions, and uneven terrain.
• Evening and weekend availability may be required for ceremonies or community programs.
• Physical demands include lifting, carrying, bending, standing, and walking.

Our Commitment:

• We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected ground.
• In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Native Child will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process to applicants with disabilities as required. If you require accommodation during the interview process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].
• We thank all applicants for showing an interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Come join our team - and help create a difference in the community

Closing Date: Nov 25, 2026