Wabanaki Wise Worker - Penobscot

Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness (WPHW) is growing, and we are excited to be adding new people to our team! If you value inclusivity, balance, and cultural centeredness and have a true passion for serving others, you may be a great fit for our team! WPHW is a non-profit organization that serves four federally recognized tribes located in five communities: the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Aroostook Band of Mi'kmaq, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point, and the Penobscot Nation.

Wabanaki traditions, language, and culture guide our approach and describe the ways we live in harmony with each other and the land we collectively share. Services are available to community members living on and off-reservation across the State of Maine.

Position Summary:

The Wabanaki Wise Worker helps support the health and well-being of Wabanaki Elders by focusing on fall prevention, safety, and community connection. This position works closely with Elders, caregivers, Wabanaki communities, teams throughout WPHW, and community partners to plan, support, attend events, activities, and outreach efforts across Wabanaki territories. This position is part time, 24 hours per week and reports to the Family Lifecycle Manager of Wabanaki Public Health.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Organize and support monthly Elder activities that promote wellbeing and connection.

• Organize and support community events such as Elder Expos, Community Health Fairs, Community Days, and other Community Events to share fall prevention tips and resources.

• Work with other WPHW teams to support and lead Elder and family-centered programs and events.

• Support intergenerational gatherings that bring together youth and Elders in meaningful ways.

• Participate in regular planning meetings with staff and Elder Coordinators in each of the five Tribal communities.
• Ensure Wabanaki traditions, practices, and ways of knowing are built into all program deliverables

• Share information with Elders and caregivers about how to stay safe at home and prevent falls.

• Help create and share home safety checklists and other tools that reflect Wabanaki culture and lifestyle.

• Coordinate and support fall prevention training for caregivers, community health workers, and clinics.

• Complete reporting and evaluation as related to grant deliverables
• Attend required training, both in person and online, in accordance with grant funding.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including, but not limited to working and supporting work in other tribal territories.

Education and Experience

Required:

• University degree or college diploma in public health, health, education or a related field two years previous experience; OR
• 4 years of experience in public health, health, education, elder-serving profession, or a related field.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• A strong desire to support our elders.
• Good interpersonal communication.
• Experience organizing cultural and wellness-based activities and events.
• Ability to adapt quickly to change.
• Willingness to support other tribal territories as needed.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Experience collaborating with Tribal communities.
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently.
• A strong work ethic and enthusiasm.
• Candidate must be willing to travel overnights for training and events.
• Must have a valid Maine Driver's License, safe driving record and access to reliable transportation.
• All candidates must pass a criminal background check.
• Able to have a flexible work schedule; must be willing to work hours in the evening, at weekends, and overnight.
• Able to lift and carry fifty pounds regularly.
• Must Pass all required background checks.

Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.