Bradley Creek Wildfire Recovery & Resiliency Workers
Okanagan Indian Band
KʷU KʷLIW̓T L̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE
Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.
Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.
The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment and a total compensation package which includes:
- 6% Vacation Pay
- Pro-rated paid Statutory Holidays
- Paid Winter Holiday Break
- Cultural Leave
- Paid Sick Days
- Employee Assistance Program
Hours of work:
37.5 hours per week
Start Date:
ASAP
End Date:
Six-Month Term, with the potential to be extended
Deadline for applications:
September 2, 2026
JOB SUMMARY
The Recovery and Resilience Worker supports Okanagan Indian Band members and families impacted by the 2026 wildfire. Working as part of the Recovery Team, the Recovery and Resilience Worker provides compassionate, confidential, and client-centered support to individuals and families navigating recovery from wildfire-related losses and disruptions.
The Recovery and Resilience Worker conducts needs assessments, assists with access to recovery supports and services, develops recovery plans, completes documentation and applications, and connects community members with appropriate resources. The position requires strong interpersonal skills, empathy, cultural awareness, and the ability to support individuals experiencing stress, loss, and recovery-related challenges.
REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports to the Recovery and Resiliency Lead.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Client Support and Recovery Services
- Meet with affected band members and families in a confidential and empathetic setting, either in-person, remotely, or through outreach services.
- Listen to and document the impacts experienced as a result of the wildfire, including identified needs, barriers, strengths, and capacities.
- Assess immediate, medium-term, and long-term recovery needs.
- Create, update, and implement individual and family support plans.
- Support community members requiring Recovery Team services related to uninsured losses.
- Assist members in identifying appropriate services and supports available through community, provincial, and federal programs.
- Provide practical support, information, referrals, and assistance throughout the recovery process.
- Identify client strengths, vulnerabilities, and capacities and work collaboratively to develop recovery plans.
- Act as a client advocate to ensure members can access available supports and services.
- Schedule and conduct regular follow-up meetings to monitor progress and maintain professional and trusting relationships with clients.
- Provide referrals to agencies, organizations, and service providers as appropriate.
Recovery Program Administration
- Assist band members with completing reimbursement applications, recovery forms, and required documentation.
- Qualify applicants for food replacement and food security programs.
- Manage and distribute recovery food security supports.
- Contact Elders and community members without internet access to ensure they can access available programs and services.
- Coordinate appliance replacement supports, including fridge and freezer replacement programs.
- Complete Schedule of Loss documentation with families who experienced wildfire-related losses.
- Assist the Reconstruction Team by coordinating communication with households and scheduling recovery cleaning, restoration, and renovation services.
Documentation and Records Management
- Complete accurate and timely case notes and maintain assigned case files.
- Document all interactions thoroughly to ensure complete and current client records.
- Maintain all files in accordance with OKIB Data Governance policies and procedures.
- Scan, name, and store supporting documents appropriately within designated OKIB Recovery Team systems.
- Identify and escalate compliance concerns, file irregularities, incidents, suspected fraud, and complex cases to the Recovery Manager.
- Follow established processes and procedures with attention to detail and accuracy.
Team Participation and Collaboration
- Participate in team meetings, briefings, debriefings, and case conferencing activities.
- Collaborate with Recovery Team members to ensure services remain focused on community member needs.
- Identify emerging trends, service gaps, and community recovery needs and communicate findings to management.
- Support team-based recovery initiatives and projects as assigned.
- All persons employed by the Okanagan Indian Band may be required to assist the Band in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties.
- Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with OKIB policies and procedures.
Other Duties
- Perform related duties as assigned.
- Support special projects and recovery initiatives as required.
- Promote positive, culturally safe, and respectful service delivery to all community members.
WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
You have education, experience, or an equivalent combination may be considered. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, have a willingness to contribute to a team and an excellent communicator.
Education
- Diploma, Certificate, or post-secondary training in Human Services, Social Work, Counselling, Community Support Work, Indigenous Studies, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
- Valid Class 5 BC Driver's Licence.
- Access to a reliable vehicle and current vehicle liability insurance.
Experience
- Experience working in human services, social services, community support, wellness, recovery, or case management environments.
- Experience working with First Nations communities and Indigenous peoples, with OKIB membership preferred.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed and client-centered practices.
- Experience maintaining confidential client files and records.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, SharePoint, and electronic file management systems.
- Experience working independently while contributing effectively within a team environment.
Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)
- Excellent listening, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational and time management abilities.
- Demonstrated ability to build trust and maintain professional boundaries.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
- Strong documentation and record-keeping skills.
- Ability to assess needs and connect individuals with appropriate resources.
- Sound judgment and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Cultural awareness, sensitivity, and understanding of Indigenous communities.
- Adaptable, compassionate, and resilient when supporting individuals experiencing trauma, grief, and loss.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE
$24.00 - $33.00 per hour dependent upon education and experience.
Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of two ways:
Email: recruiting@okanagan.org
Mail or drop off: 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2A4
If you have accessibility needs, please contact Hollie Lachuk @ 250-542-4328 ext. 1011
The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references
Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal Applicants as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code.
