First Nations Community Claims Helper- Whitehorse, Yukon

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Starting salary: $65,000–$70,000

Location: Yukon, ideally in or near the following location:

Whitehorse Area

Who we are:

We partner with clients committed to investing in better pathways forward. Our team is dedicated to providing trauma-informed, culturally safe communications and community support programs.

Position Overview:

The First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle Settlement is aimed at compensating those harmed by discriminatory underfunding of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program, as well as those impacted by the federal government’s narrow interpretation of Jordan’s Principle. The Settlement Agreement was approved by the Federal Court on October 23, 2023.

As a Claims Helper you will be working with sensitive and thoughtful subject matters that may be emotionally challenging and complex. In your role you will need to provide a safe and respectful space for dialogue with Class Members, providing them with trauma-informed support to ensure they are well-informed and empowered throughout their Claims journey. This includes supporting them over the phone, virtually or in person to help them:

Understand the Claims Process
Understand eligibility
Complete Claim Forms
Access wellness supports, financial information and legal support, as needed

General Responsibilities:

Provide Class Members with support throughout their Claims journey by sharing information about the Settlement and the Claims Process, and by providing trauma-informed, one-on-one support over the phone, video or in person, where available
Help Class Members understand the Claims Process, whether they may be eligible to receive compensation, and identification and documentation needed to support their Claim
Help Class Members understand and complete Claim Forms, check the status of their Claim and understand the appeal process
Respect and maintain confidentiality in all interactions with Class Members
Refer Class Members to mental health, legal and cultural resources as needed
Collaborate with other Claims Helpers to address potential support gaps, including health and wellness resources
Build relationships with local First Nations communities, band councils and community organizations
Develop workplans and identify community needs for one-on-one services, group workshops or educational sessions
Deliver in-person educational gatherings, presentations and workshops about the Settlement using trauma informed approaches
Participate in mandatory training to ensure you are equipped to deliver support to Class Members
Work collaboratively with the Settlement team to provide and address community feedback to support First Nations communities and increase awareness and engagement with the Settlement
Complete data entry, online bookings and reporting

Job Specific Responsibilities will include:

Travel: Some travel required, a valid driver’s license and daily access to reliable transportation is required. Evening and weekend work may be required based on community needs.
Residency: Applicants must live in or near their assigned region.
Background Checks: This position requires successful candidates to complete a criminal record check and vulnerable sector check as a condition of employment. These checks are necessary to ensure compliance with the responsibilities of the role and organizational policies.
Internet: Must have access to reliable internet.

We're looking for someone with:

3+ years of experience working with Indigenous communities or peoples
Strong knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures, history and the impacts of intergenerational trauma
Understanding of colonial policies and their effects on First Nations peoples
Ability to build trust and communicate effectively with diverse groups
Experience using computers and software such as Microsoft Office Suite, Teams and Zoom
Willingness to travel, including overnight stays and work evenings and weekends if needed
Public speaking and effective communication skills, both spoken and written
Willingness to work in a corporate environment and culture and to meet contracted obligations on budget and on time
Preferred: Self-identifying as Indigenous and/or ﬁrsthand experience living or working in an Indigenous community

Company Benefits:

Beneﬁts: Health, dental, life, and disability insurance (100% employer paid), an Employee Assistance Program and a Flex Health Spending Account
Vacation: 3 weeks of accrued paid vacation annually

If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform us, and we will work to meet your needs.

Compensation Range:

Starting salary: $65,000–$70,000

Apply now

About the project:  First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle Settlement

On October 24, 2023, the Federal Court approved the Settlement Agreement for the First Nations Child and Family Services and Jordan’s Principle (FNCFSJP) Class Action (the Settlement). The Settlement Agreement includes $23.34 billion in compensation for impacted First Nations individuals and some of their family members.

This agreement intends to compensate those harmed by discriminatory underfunding of the First Nations Child and Family Services program and those impacted by the federal government’s narrow interpretation of Jordan’s Principle.

The Caregiving Parents or the Caregiving Grandparents of children who were removed from their homes or denied access to an essential service may also be able to receive compensation.

Castlemain’s role in implementing the FNCFSJP Settlement – Claims Helper Program is to assist the Claims Administrator in providing claim form assistance to Class Members in the Claims Process as outlined in the Settlement Agreement Schedule I, Framework for Supports for Claimants in Compensation Process in a culturally safe and trauma informed way. Our guiding purpose is to provide compassionate and skillful Claim Form assistance to Class Members. We offer practical support by helping with the completion of Claim Forms, providing information to help Claimants understand the details of the Settlement and Claims Process, and fostering supportive interactions with Claimants throughout. Furthermore, we are dedicated to ensuring that Claimants are well-informed about the wellness support and resources available to them.

At Castlemain, we recognize that the best candidate may not meet all the criteria listed above. We encourage all those interested and with relevant experience to apply even if you don’t match the job posting perfectly. We welcome creative, out-of-the-box thinking, and lived-experience and we strive to provide an environment for best-in-class innovation that quickly and fulsomely meets our clients’ needs. 