Life long Care Support Worker - Kingston Native Centre & Language Nest

The Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest (KNCLN) is an urban Indigenous Friendship Centre and a member of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres. KNCLN serves a diverse urban Indigenous community in Kingston, including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people from many territories and language families. Through culturally grounded, wholistic, and trauma-informed programs, KNCLN supports wellness and connection at every stage of life.

KNCLN provides a culturally grounded work environment that reflects the Indigenous teaching systems that guide how we hire, lead, support, evaluate, and care for one another.

We are seeking a Life Long Care Program Support Worker to join our Community Care team. This role provides hands-on, person-centred support to community members, with dignity, cultural safety, and wholistic care at the centre of the work.

Role Details:

• Position Title: Life Long Care Program Support Worker
• Job Type: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
• Wage Band: $21.00 to $25.00 per hour
• Vacancy: Immediate opening, current vacancy
• Reports To: Community Care Manager
• Location: KNCLN office and community-based sites in Kingston, with travel as required
• Closing Date: Friday, September 11 at 4:30 p.m.

Working with clients, caregivers, and families, the Program Support Worker helps plan health and wellness activities, connects people to needed supports, and creates opportunities for cultural participation and community connection. The role is guided by KNCLNs values, and the Indigenous teaching systems that guide our organization including 7 Generations thinking: the work we do today is done with care for those who come after us.

This relationship-based position is well suited to someone who respects Indigenous traditions, languages, and protocols. The successful candidate will be steady in changing settings and comfortable supporting people through difficult times with care and respect.

KNCLN welcomes applicants with different types of professional, community, and lived experience. If you meet the spirit of the qualifications below and believe you can do this work well, we encourage you to apply.

Work Environment:

This position is based at KNCLN, with community-based programming and home visits as required. Remote work or hybrid arrangements are not available. Hours are primarily weekdays, with flexibility for occasional evening and weekend programming.

The role involves light physical activity, event set-up, and travel between sites. It also asks for emotional steadiness: supporting participants with complex needs while maintaining healthy boundaries and accessing the supports available to staff. All KNCLN health and safety protocols apply, including OHSA, WHMIS, PHIPA, and AODA requirements.

Why Join Us ?

Joining KNCLN means becoming part of a team that is guided by Indigenous values and care for future generations. In this role, you will support meaningful work that strengthens access to cultural, and practical supports for community members. Reflecting our values of care and community, KNCLN provides a comprehensive health benefits plan and enhanced paid time off.

Key Responsibilities

1. Service Delivery

• Provide culturally safe peer support, coaching, and supportive conversations to individuals and families.
• Help community members develop safety plans, coping strategies, and daily routines that support independence.
• Service includes both on-site at KNCLN and in the community, including but not limited to, community service provider locations, medical clinics or hospitals, and home.

2. Program Development & Wellness Supports

• Develop and deliver mental health and wellness programming that is culturally relevant.
• Use peer support practices such as motivational interviewing and strengths-based approaches.
• Organize community workshops and cultural events in collaboration with Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
• Facilitate group activities including sharing circles, wellness sessions, and land-based healing.
• Adjust supports to meet the needs of people with complex or overlapping needs.

3. Case Navigation & Referral

• Identify participant needs and connect people to internal and external supports.
• Advocate for access to housing, medical, social, and harm reduction services.
• Maintain current knowledge of local resources and referral pathways.
• Participate in case planning with service partners as required.

4. Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain accurate participant files, case notes, and program records.
• Complete all required reporting, including Serious Occurrence Reports (SOR/ESOR).
• Follow KNCLN policies and applicable legislation, including OHSA, PHIPA, AODA, and workplace violence and harassment requirements.

5. Collaboration & Partnerships

• Work closely with the Community Care Manager and KNCLN staff teams across programs.
• Engage Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and cultural advisors in program delivery.
• Build partnerships with health providers, harm reduction services, and housing agencies.
• Represent KNCLN at community events, coalitions, and interagency meetings.

6. Other Duties

• Support cross-program initiatives and KNCLN community events.
• Incorporate cultural teachings, ceremony, and traditional medicines into supports.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Indigenous Studies, Social Work, Community Services, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of lived, community-based, and work experience.
• At least three (3) years of experience providing peer support or wellness services to Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge of Indigenous health and wellness issues, supports, and service pathways.
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to drive independently; access to a reliable vehicle (preferred).
• Valid First Aid/CPR certification (preferred).

Skills & Strengths

• Respect for, and knowledge of, Indigenous traditions, languages, and protocols.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Trauma-informed and culturally safe approach to program delivery.
• Organized, adaptable, and dependable in dynamic settings.
• Ability to maintain healthy boundaries and reflect KNCLN’s community values.
• Working knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
• Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality.

How to Apply:

• Please submit a cover letter and resume in one document to apply@kncln.ca by Friday, September 11 at 4:30 p.m. Please include your name in the document title. 
• KNCLN requires a cover letter or statement of interest for each application describing why the work matters to you. 
• This can be lived experience and knowledge, work-related experience and knowledge, and or shared values. Applications without a cover letter will not be accepted or retained.

This position is open to all qualified applicants. Preference will be given to qualified First Nations, Métis, and Inuit applicants in accordance with Section 24(1)(a) of the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applicants to self-identify.

KNCLN is committed to an accessible and inclusive hiring process. If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact apply@kncln.ca and we will work with you to meet your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.