Hi. We’re Trellis.
Trellis Society is committed to active Reconciliation in alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) 94 calls to action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Reconciliation is a highly valued and integrated part of our culture and work. Trellis’ Reconciliation journey is intentional with meaningful engagement from all team members both collectively and as individuals.
Trellis Society is focused on futures to provide a continuum of services to people from all backgrounds, including those with complex needs. Trellis meets people where they are in their journeys, whether they’re growing up strong, aspiring to achieve life goals or turning over a new leaf. With our support, people from all walks of life are empowered to reach their potential and move beyond systemic barriers and cultivate great outcomes.
Our programs focus on improving access to resources, developing family and community supports and building people’s capacity to deal with life’s challenges. At Trellis we work with children, youth, adults, families, and communities to unearth their potential and support their growth.
Our Values:
We define who we are through living our values to achieve our vision to support everyone reach their full potential.
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Courage: we willingly embrace growth, and don’t see it as optional
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Empathy: we relentlessly care about the growth of others and won’t let anyone go unsupported
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Learning: we choose to grow through uncertainty, even when the status quo feels easier
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Impact: we go beyond what seems doable and prove that growth is possible.
The resounding impact we have on individuals and communities is thanks to our network of passionate, open minded and dedicated staff who are committed to the work they do every day. We are looking for people who are eager to make an impact, while continuing to grow their expertise.
We’re Trellis – always growing and we’re looking for passionate people who want to grow with Trellis!
The Role: Circle Keeper (1-Year Contract)
Position Summary
We are looking to fill the role of a Circle Keeper to provide low-barrier services working in a multi-team environment. This role seeks to contribute to healing and wellness, support land-based learning, and support program development and delivery. The Circle Keeper, guided by various Elders and Knowledge Keepers, will ensure practice remains true to the diverse and unique ancestry of the individuals we serve, utilizing traditional teachings, practices, protocols, and ceremony. The Circle Keeper supports Indigenous people throughout all stages of their healing journey and ensures that all Trellis employees working with Indigenous people are provided the teachings and guidance to create a culturally safe environment throughout their journey.
This position is a one-year contract for a full-time 37.5 hour per week that will support multiple Trellis programs across both the Housing and Community streams but will focus primarily on supporting the Sustainable Families program, a Housing First Intensive Case Management program working with families exiting homelessness. This position works in tandem with the Case Manager team and serves an average of 81% Indigenous families each year and provides medium-to-long term support to help families achieve housing stability and a sustainable life in the community. Hours worked will be flexible and dependent on family availability and needs. Staff must have access to a reliable vehicle and will be expected to work in the community, family home, or Trellis office space as needed.
This position will also work collaboratively with the other Trellis Circle Keepers and the Director of Indigenous Initiatives to embed reconciliation across Trellis by ensuring Indigenous worldviews and paradigms are discussed and taught.
What You’ll Bring to the Role:
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Bachelor’s degree in a related human services or social services field with three to five years recent related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
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Strong knowledge and experience of Indigenous culture, protocols and ways of knowing is required
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External connection to Indigenous community in Calgary and surrounding areas
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Experience and teachings in hosting circles (sharing, healing, grief) is essential
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Understanding of colonization, intergenerational trauma and systemic factors that directly impact persons served
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Knowledge and understanding of paralleling western and Indigenous practices
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Knowledge of human development frameworks, including strength-based, trauma-informed care, stages of change, family and natural supports frameworks
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Experience working with vulnerable children and families involving community development in group facilitation and one to one support.
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Strong ability to build relationships with individuals and families
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Strong administrative and documentation skills, with experience in program evaluation and data collection
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Strong leadership and organizational skills
Accountability and Responsibilities
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Provide caseload management through:
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Providing support for families with Indigenous system navigation
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Integration of different roles such as coach, mentor, liaison, advocate, resource person and facilitator
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Supporting families during points of crisis
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Providing 1 to 1 support in the community to access services and natural supports within family transitions
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Documenting casework meetings, cultural goal plans, safety plans, and Critical Incidents
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Providing transportation as necessary
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Assisting families and Trellis in accessing ceremonial opportunities, which can include:
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Building and maintaining relationships with local Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Ceremonial communities
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Helping with ceremony and programs in an outdoor environment
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Understanding and enacting protocols and ceremonial requests with Elders
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Assisting Elders with various cultural requests and attend cultural events
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Gathering and compiling resources for ceremonies
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Ensure traditional knowledge and ways of knowing are embedded in daily program practice this includes the ability to provide leadership and mentorship to families and staff and supporting capacity learning with colleagues as needed.
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Represent agency at external events and be familiar with other resources in the community.
Additional Requirements
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Valid Class 5 Drivers License and Drivers Abstract
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Use of a reliable vehicle with $2,000,000 liability insurance
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Current Standard First Aid and CPR
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Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search
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Child Intervention Record Check
Reporting Structure
Reports to: Director of Indigenous Initiatives
Direct Reports: Managers of Sustainable Families
What Trellis Offers:
We provide people with meaningful work and are committed to offering equitable total compensation to all staff. This includes the following benefits:
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Flexible Health & Wellness Benefits
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RRSP Group Savings Plan
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Free and confidential support through the Employee & Family Assistance Program
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Paid Vacation, Sick Days, Wellness Days and your Work Anniversary off
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Consistent Training & Development Opportunities
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Diversity and Inclusion embedded into everyday practice.
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A safety focused work environment and ongoing safety training
Our Commitment:
We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and connectedness, where everyone is welcomed. We believe in creating a workplace that celebrates diversity of our teams, our program participants and reflects the communities we serve.
For more info on Trellis Society, visit www.growwithtrellis.ca or find us at @TrellisYYC on social media.
We appreciate your interest and thank all who apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
