Attention Gold River Residents - Community Assessment

Published: December 11 2024 16:18

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Job Opportunity | Community Health Nurse

Published: December 09 2024 14:02

Employment Opportunity

COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE

Wasoqopa’q First Nation (formerly Acadia First Nation) is governed as a custom band under the provisions of the Indian Act with established bylaws, policies and procedures. The First Nation's electoral system constitutes an election once every five (5) years with positions for one Chief and eight (8) councillors. Chief and Council elect, are the governing body responsible for making decisions for the overall health and well-being of communities, Elders, youth and families.

Wasoqopa’q First Nation is unique in its geographical composition, spread throughout the Southwestern regions of Nova Scotia spanning five counties from Yarmouth to Halifax, encompassing six (6) reserves - Yarmouth, Ponhook, Medway, Wildcat, Gold River, and Hammonds Plains, in both rural and urban settings. To support administration and business operations, Wasoqopa’q First Nation, with supporting staff, provides programs and services within two (2) Health Centres, a Youth Centre, two (2) Community Centres, six (6) administration offices, and six (6) business establishments, including economic development, education, employment, fishing, forestry, health, housing & maintenance, human resources, and social.

POSITION OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVE

WFN is currently recruiting for a Community Health Nurse, reporting to the Health Director, responsible for providing a holistic approach to overall health and wellness that is sustainable, honouring the customs and traditions of our Mi’kmaw communities, with a focus on developing and implementing health programs, services and education for WFN community members, including disease prevention, treatment and rehabilitative services, and promoting health education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

Nursing Services

• Conducts health assessments with WFN members clients to address health care concerns and determine action plans to improve health care status
• Supports the clinician, providing check-in registration and triage services to WFN community member clients
• Addresses inquiries and requests regarding WFN health programming, information and access to additional health resources
• Monitors and supports acutely and chronically ill WFN community member clients
• Provides wound care to WFN community member clients, as needed
• Responds to health emergencies including support for communicable and or reportable disease related pandemics, as required
• In collaboration with the Assisted Living/Health Care Coordinator supports health assessments for Home Care clients
• Provides referrals for WFN community members clients to appropriate services including other health care providers to support overall health and well-being
• Provides individual counsel to WFN community members clients to address Health-related issues and or concerns

Health Promotion and Education

• Develops and implements WFN community workshops (across WFN communities) to raise awareness and educate WFN community members regarding Health-related topics and or issues (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, healthy lifestyle)
• Collaborates with health care providers and or organizations to support access to Health-related information (i.e. brochures, pamphlets, workshops, programming)
• Provides Health-related resources for use in school, daycare and WFN communities to support healthy lifestyle choices
• Support the development, organization and implementation of an annual WFN Health Fair, bringing together Health-related providers and organizations to promote WFN overall health and well-being

Immunization

• Develop and administer, with Health Canada and Public Health, an immunization program for WFN community members and children according to Nova Scotia immunization standards
• Build and maintain a partnership with Public Health to access immunizations for WFN community members and children
• Establish and maintain cold chain standards and data for storing immunizations
• Establish and maintain up to date child immunization records
• Provide annual reports to Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) regarding immunizations

Communicable and Reportable Disease

• Assess and monitor WFN community members that have a communicable or reportable disease
• Provide monthly reports to NIHB regarding all WFN community reportable diseases
• Collaborate with Public Health, to contact WFN community members, regarding communicable and or reportable diseases
• Provide updates and access to resources and information to support education and awareness regarding any communicable and or reportable diseases
• Establish, with the Health Director, Health Canada and Public Health, vaccination program(s) for communicable and or reportable diseases, as required to support the overall health and well-being of WFN communities

Pre-Natal and Post-Natal Care

• Support expectant families, providing health counseling to pregnant women and partners regarding nutrition, smoking, alcohol, drug use, labour, delivery, and infant care
• Conduct post-natal home visits and provide breastfeeding information to support new families
• Provide tele form reporting to NIHB regarding all birth statistics in WFN communities

Documentation and Reporting

• Establish an annual workplan with objectives, goals and actions to address Health-related priorities in WFN communities
• Provide a monthly report to the Health Director on the activities and progress, as identified in the workplan
• Document all WFN community member client interactions and treatments in the Paper Health File or the Nightingale Electronic Medical Record
• Maintain strict confidentiality guidelines and professionalism regarding all WFN community member client conversations and referrals
• Report all death and birth statistics to NIHB via tele form report
• Report annually to NIHB regarding immunizations
• Report monthly to NIHB on reportable diseases
• Adhere to all Wasoqopa’q First Nation (WFN) Policies, Procedures and necessary procedures, as required
• Other duties, training and activities related to the position, as required

QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from a recognized post-secondary institution
• Registered Nurse, in good standing with the Nova Scotia Registered Nurses Association
• Several years of experience preferred
• Knowledge and experience delivering health programs and services in Mi’kmaw communities
• Experience working in a rural or remote health care setting
• Knowledge and understanding of Mi’kmaw culture and traditions, that impact communication patterns, attitudes and approaches to health-related matters
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle
• First Aid and CPR certification
• Occupational Health & Safety training is considered and asset
• Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check required upon hiring
• Child Abuse Registry Check required upon hiring

REQUIRED ABILITIES, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent multitasking skills, ability to prioritize priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to use research, local data and best practices to inform work and priorities
• Effective organization and time management skills
• Ability to meet reporting requirements and deadlines
• Demonstrated keen listening and observational ability
• Proficiency in use of IT including databases, and Microsoft Office programs
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Strong analytical skills and critical thinking
• A commitment to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion
• Demonstrated adherence to integrity and sincerity

WORKING CONDITIONS

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Submit Cover Letter and Resume to **Please quote CEDO# on your cover letter and indicate your salary expectations for this position.

WFN appreciates the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. WFN does not assume candidate expenses related to this recruitment process.

In accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, if all qualifications are equal, preference will be given to persons of Aboriginal ancestry and if a Wasoqopa’q First Nation Band member.

Deadline to Apply: January 6, 2025

Wasoqopa’q First Nation is committed to fostering a safe workplace that provides an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment, where employees are treated professionally and with dignity and respect. We value the contributions that each person brings, and are committed to ensuring equal opportunity and participation as part of the WFN team.

We are a community. We make a difference.

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Staff Memo: WFN Respectful Workplace Online Training Program

Published: December 02 2024 10:03

Wasoqopa’q First Nation has developed a Respectful Workplace Online Training Program to further support the implementation of the Respectful Workplace Employee Policy. The Program seeks to bring awareness and address discrimination, violence and harassment in WFN workplaces.

Program completion will be mandatory for all permanent full-time, part-time and or seasonal employees.

Roll out of the program will begin in January 2025.

  Click Here (219 KB) to view the full memo

School Health Grant Opportunity for Youth | Ages 16 - 19

Published: November 25 2024 14:18

APPLY HERE

We are excited to share that the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has informed us that they are now accepting applications for the School Health Grant for Youth!

Applications that meet all eligibility criteria set out in the Youth Grant Applicant Guide will be approved on a first-come first-served basis until December 20, 2024 at 11:59 AM EST, or until funds are fully expended (whichever comes first)!

If you are a Canadian student aged 16 to 19 enrolled in secondary or post-secondary school, you can apply for a $1000 grant. This grant is for creating a project that encourages healthy living, and must take place in a school-setting, aligning with health promotion goals. This grant program encourages youth to put their ideas into action while giving back to their school with a focus on one of the following priority areas: reducing substance-related harms, positive mental health and well-being, healthy eating and nutrition or physical activity. 

For additional information, please visit PHAC’s School Health Grant for Youth webpage. To request an Application Form please reach out to PHAC directly via email at . 

We wish you the best in your grant application process!

Housing Notice to Members

Published: October 31 2024 21:15

October 30th, 2024

Dear Members,

We are writing to advise that Wasoqopa'q First Nation ("WFN) has recently obtained a judgement in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia relating to a housing matter in one of our communities.

In particular, a member of WFN has been residing on properties located on the Yarmouth Reserve without authorization since 2022. The WFN Housing By-law sets out the requirements to be a lawful resident in our communities.

Click here (490 KB) to read more.

Join Us For a Walk Audit

Published: October 09 2024 08:28