Indigenous Elder - Contracted Position

Encompass Support Services Society is an accredited, non-profit organization that provides a wide range of programs and support services in Langley and Aldergrove for over 25 years. We help to build strong, sustainable communities by offering inclusive, accessible services tailored to meet the changing needs of the individuals and community we serve.

At Encompass, we are committed to a journey towards cultural humility and safety; for the well-being of those we serve and those, we work along-side. We gratefully acknowledge that the programs, services and offices of Encompass are on the unceded, sovereign Indigenous lands of the Coast Salish People. This includes the territories of Kwantlen, Katzie, Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations. We also acknowledge the Diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis who make Langley their home.

Our purpose is to strengthen the health and vitality of community by identifying and responding to community needs, collaborating to enhance the lives of those we serve, while cultivating effective and sustainable partnerships.

Our vision is to empower individuals, to connect people, and to enrich lives. We value Integrity, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Community.
 
Our programs and supports are designed to build new skills, to foster healthy, productive lifestyles and to improve access to services within our community. Services are low-barrier, all-inclusive and at no cost to participants. Annually, we provide services to over 2500 individuals and families.

The Opportunity

Child and Youth Advocacy Centres (CYACs) are changing the way systems respond to children and youth who have experienced abuse, by providing collaborative, coordinated services. The Indigenous Elder provides emotional, spiritual, and cultural support to staff working within the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) and to the families accessing CYAC services. The Elder will offer guidance, cultural healing practices, and trauma-informed care to help staff navigate the challenging emotional impact of their work.

JOB POSTING #: 2025-0100 Indigenous Elder
DATE: September 19, 2025
POSITION: Indigenous Elder – this is a Contract position
SALARY RANGE: Compensated on an honoraria basis
CLOSING: This posting will remain open until the position is filled

Key Responsibilities in Support of Staff and Families:
•    Committed to provide a supportive space to debrief and reflect on the emotional and psychological impact of hearing difficult stories of abuse.
•    Offers mentorship, cultural guidance, and helps build resilience through cultural teachings and support through culturally-grounded healing activities, ceremonies, and protocols that promote healing and well-being, such as healing circles, cedar brushing, smudging, etc.
•    Collaborates with staff to incorporate Indigenous cultural protocols and practices into care. May participate in the circle of care or offer one-on-one and team support.
•    Uses a trauma-informed, person-centered and culturally responsive approach.
•    Recognizes the emotional impact of the work on self and utilizes personal and community resources to care for one’s own well-being.
•    Provides guidance on how the Circle of Care can support children and families in a culturally-sensitive and holistic way.              
•    Ability or time to take part in relationship / team building, and professional development.

Qualifications:
•    Community recognition of their lifetime of learning, understanding, and experience in Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
•    Strong knowledge of Indigenous traditions and teachings, acquired through lived experience and mentorship.
•    Experience working within a culturally safe, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed framework.
•    Experience providing cultural support to people who have experienced abuse.

Skills and Abilities
•    Demonstrates a practical knowledge of cultural practices and differences, traditions, and associated protocols.
•    Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and create connections for sharing and healing.
•    A deep understanding of the intergenerational impacts of abuse and trauma within Indigenous communities
•    Ability to maintain integrity, demonstrate accountability, boundaries, and confidentiality.
•    Demonstrated knowledge and application of trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally safe principles.
•    Willingness to adhere to Encompass Support Services Society’s policies and procedures, such as Duty to Report.
•    Knowledge of social service and government systems.
•    Knowledge of, and respect for, diverse populations, including, but not limited to, 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous, racialized, and neurodiverse peoples.

Other Information
This position requires:
•    Working outside of regular office hours, such as evenings and weekends, depending on the needs of the program.
•    Police Information check including vulnerable sector check.
•    Willingness to travel locally and to attend program sites.
•    Access to reliable transportation (transit/vehicle). Can support coordinating.
At Encompass Support Services Society, we have prioritized equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to embed these principles in our programs and services and in fostering an environment of dignity, respect, and belonging. We encourage applications from persons with historical and/or current barriers to equity, who will work respectfully within our inclusive organization and diverse community.

In lieu of a resume and cover letter, applicants are welcomed to submit a video application. Please email your video at [email protected] and include the following information:
•    Introduction and educational background: Introduce yourself and provide a brief overview of your Elder work and why you’re applying for the role.