MMIWG Liaison Unit Director

MMIWG Liaison Unit
Full Time Position

 

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. (MKO) Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) Liaison Unit is seeking a dynamic, experienced individual to provide expertise and leadership to the Unit.  The MKO MMIWG Liaison Unit Director supports the design and delivery of culturally responsive and dignified, trauma-informed health and wellness supports for individuals who have been impacted by the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people (MMIWG2S+). This includes providing support to survivors of gender-based violence, families of MMIWG and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals, and communities who have been impacted by the issue of MMIWG2S+. These health and wellness support services are available to anyone affected by the issue of MMIWG2S+ in Manitoba, including all First Nations, Inuit, Metis, Non-Status and non-Indigenous individuals residing in Manitoba.

Experience and qualifications:

  • Completion of post-secondary education in the Social Sciences/Services field; Social Work is preferred; other diploma in Human Service, such as in the areas of gender-based violence, psychology, crisis intervention, individual/group counselling, community development, or program delivery will be considered. Relevant combination of education and experience will be considered.
  • Strong understanding of the issue of MMIWG2S+, including an understanding of the impacts of colonization on the safety of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
  • Advanced understanding of the impacts of gender-based violence on the individual, family, and community and experience working with Indigenous survivors of gender-based violence.
  • Awareness of the various formal processes that have taken place to address the issue of MMIWG, including various regional and local initiatives.
  • Ability to identify and address gaps in services for survivors of gender-based violence, families of MMIWG2S+, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, including developing protocols for service delivery agencies.
  • Experience building and maintaining relationships with organizations that provide assistance, support, and services to survivors of gender-based violence, families of MMIWG2S+, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
  • Experience in public speaking engagements, specifically with the media and justice system.
  • Advanced knowledge about the impacts of unresolved loss, trauma, and grief as it relates to having a missing or murdered family member.

Duties and responsibilities:

  • Manage, direct, supervise, and support MKO MMIWG Liaison Unit staff.
  • Review and assess all incoming referrals/diversions for suitability/eligibility for Program participation.
  • Provide and/or arrange the provision of short-term safe and culturally appropriate mental wellness supports for MMIWG2S+ families and survivors of gender-based violence, while respecting individual and family beliefs, traditions, customs, and spirituality.
  • Plan, coordinate, and facilitate in-person meetings with families of MMIWG2S+ and community agencies.
  • Liaise between MMIWG2S+ family members and Victim Services, including the Winnipeg Police Service’s Family Liaison Contact, to ensure critical information is communicated in a timely fashion.
  • Develop and maintain working relationships with funders, stake holders, police and any others involved in the issue of MMIWG2S+.
  • Plan, coordinate, and deliver healing, wellness, and other related workshops and programming.
  • Raise awareness on the issue of MMIWG2S+ and gender-based violence through the facilitation of presentations, workshops, large group discussions, and awareness campaigns.
  • Assist in drafting and finalizing grant and funding proposals, provide support in finalizing project related reporting, and collaborate and provide updates to funding department officers as necessary.

Other duties and skills:

  • Work under the supervision of the Executive Director.
  • Must be highly organized with an ability to work independently while managing multiple projects and priorities on strict deadlines.
  • Ability to adapt to evolving responsibilities and willingness to expand capacity as the job requires.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Effective crisis intervention skills and counselling.
  • Ability to speak a First Nation language is an asset.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality as outlined under The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) and The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).
  • Work with the Portfolio Chief and Political Team and provide updates on the Unit.
  • Follow through with any recommendations/directives from the Executive Council and Chiefs in Assembly.
  • Ability to travel and work flexible hours as required.
  • Ability to comply with all MKO policies and procedures.
  • Possess a valid Manitoba Drivers license and access to a reliable vehicle.
  • Current criminal record, child abuse, and vulnerable sector check, including clearance to work with vulnerable women, youth, and children.
  • Proof of vaccination required.
  • Work collaboratively with other Programs and Leads.
  • Assist other team members and carry out other duties as needed and assigned.

A comprehensive job description is available upon request.

Interested applicants please submit a cover letter, resume and three (3) written references, with written permission to contact references by 4:00 PM on March 18, 2022, to:

Dorothy Smith
Email: [email protected]

Fax: (204) 778-7655
Mail: 206-55 Selkirk Avenue
Thompson, MB R8N 0M5

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