Braiding the Sweetgrass – Relief Staff

Hull Services has an organizational commitment to pursuing truth and reconciliation, decolonization and anti-oppression.

About Us:

Hull Services is a charitable, multi-service organization that offers a range of evidence-based and evidence-informed programs to support children, youth and families to overcome challenges and build resilience. Hull’s programs and services include prevention, early intervention, in-home support, kinship and foster care, group care, school day treatment, therapeutic campus based care, secure and stabilization programs, supported interdependent living and education and training services. Located in Calgary, we have been serving Alberta’s young people and families for over 60 years, and support over 8000 individuals annually.

The Program:

Braiding the Sweetgrass is a program offered to Indigenous families in Calgary by Hull Services. This program guides Indigenous families through the effects of intergenerational trauma (IGT) to a place of well-being. In Braiding the Sweetgrass (BTS), families experience culture, community and reconnection on their journey of healing. The primary goal of BTS is to create a foundation upon which we can build a future for healthy Indigenous families, free from the trauma cycle.  Hull has developed this unique approach blending Traditional healing practices and Western understanding of brain development and the effects of trauma. Elders are important wisdom keepers of Traditional knowledge and a team of selected Elders from a variety of tribes have been integral contributors to the development and delivery of the program. Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) has provided the lens for understanding trauma and working with culture to heal the effects of IGT.

The Position:

Braiding the Sweetgrass is currently seeking individuals to assist in the facilitation of culturally specific programming for Indigenous families. Working alongside BTS Facilitators & Elders, this role supports the delivery of programming to promote participation, learning, and growth by helping to blend cultural activities and teachings with trauma informed care and activities that support healthy brain development.

Preference will be given to individuals who have lived experience with Indigenous Canadian cultures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
• Respond to behavior management needs with an approach consistent with cultural teachings and trauma informed perspective.
• Participate in group delivery.
• Contribute to group preparation needs (e.g. transportation, room set-up, meal prep) and post-group debriefings to share their perspective and bring value to planning for the group.
• Support with Administrative duties as needed.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience and ability to relate to Indigenous children, families and Elders.
• Cultural awareness and understanding of the effects of intergenerational trauma.
• Experience facilitating groups.
• Minimum certificate with preference of a diploma or a degree in human services or social sciences, or currently enrolled in a program.
• Energetic, fun and dedicated to supporting Indigenous children and families.
• Good time management skills.
• Ability to relate and work effectively with co-workers as a member of the BTS team.
• Flexibility and availability for evening and weekend work.
• Participation in regularly scheduled supervision and in-depth performance appraisals.
• Cross cultural competence; knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the recommendations, goals and activities of the commission.
• A Police Information Check, which includes a vulnerable sector search, is required (or is in process of being completed) prior to employment.
• A Child Intervention Record Check is required upon commencement of employment.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license and ability to drive Agency vehicles is preferred (min. 2 years driving experience with a class 5/GDL class 5 license).
• Completion of ASIST, First Aid, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and Certified with CYCAA would be considered an asset.

How to Apply:

• If interested, please direct your cover letter and resume to careers@hullservices.ca
• Please indicate “Your Full Name – BTS Relief” in the subject line of your email

Application open until suitable candidate is found. 

Note: We personally review every application received through careers@hullservices.ca and our team will give your application due consideration. It may take up to two weeks to review all applications. If your qualifications and experience match our requirements we will contact you directly.

At Hull, one of our core values is Inclusion and we seek to understand people’s lived experience, holding a deep respect for their unique backgrounds, ethnicities, abilities, cultures and identities. It is our desire to humbly build trust and mutual respect with the people we serve who have often been marginalized and oppressed for their differences. To achieve this, Hull seeks open, self-aware individuals who reflect the diversity of those we serve and can help us build a safe, healthy, inclusive culture. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, place of origin, religious beliefs, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, family status, or sexual orientation.