Mi’kmaw Physical Activity Leader (MPAL)

Mi’kmaw Physical Activity Leader (MPAL)

Location:               Wagmatcook First Nation [WFN]

Department:       Prevention & Wellness

Reports to:           Prevention Program Supervisor

Position Type: Full-time

Job Overview:

The Mi’kmaw Physical Activity Leader (“MPAL”) will be required to develop and implement active living programs, events and other initiatives to increase opportunities for Wagmatcook First Nation residents to get physically active and to promote a healthy lifestyle. This role will require some evening and weekend work, as such the MPAL work schedule may be flexible when evening and weekend work is necessary.

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Develop, present for approval, implement, monitor and revise, as necessary, a comprehensive five (5) year community-wide plan to increase physical activity for all ages in Wagmatcook First Nation.
  • Create an annual implementation plan to be reviewed with the Prevention Program Supervisor or delegate.
  • Promote the community plan and identify best practices in engaging with community members, ensuring inclusion and accessibility.
  • Encourage and support community members to include more movement in their daily life under the ‘Let’s Get Moving’ action plan.
  • Collaborate with event organizers to identify activities to be part of community events, such as, National Aboriginal Day and National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
  • Develop and maintain respectful partnerships with other communities’ MPALs, sports and recreation organizations, local businesses and other related organizations.
  • Identify potential program developments and funding resources to increase program offerings.
  • Complete grant and funding applications, submitting for approval and complete necessary documentation.
  • Organize activities that assist with healthy lifestyle activities such as smoking cessation, nutrition, or healthcare.
  • Ensure participants have accurately completed required registration forms.
  • Collect participant information to provide feedback on the number of active/inactive community members, how many are regularly participating in programming, what programs are most successful for reporting purposes.
  • Remain current and informed on data and trends with respect to physical activity, practices, initiatives and supports; provide updates to the Prevention and Wellness department of any updates.
  • Maintain accurate records of work activities.
  • Meet the position principles as outlined in the MPAL agreement.
  • Maintain an inventory of physical activity assets, analyze for gaps, plan for enhancements.
  • Maintain positive and courteous interactions with participants, parents, youth, children, colleagues, service providers, business and organizations.
  • Submit reports upon program completion to the Prevention Program Supervisor, including but not limited to budgetary items.
  • Participate in professional development, training and safety programs.
  • Maintain privacy and confidentiality.
  • Adhere to all Wagmatcook First Nation policies.
  • Adhere to all Occupational Health & Safety policies.
  • Report any incidents or near misses to the Prevention Program Supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Degree in Recreation, Kinesiology, Health Education preferred, a combination of education, training and experience will be considered.
  • Must be able to provide a Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse Registry and Vulnerable Sector Check.
  • Must have a valid provincial driver’s license and have access to a vehicle.
  • Previous experience in a related field considered an asset.
  • Previous experience developing community plans through partnerships as asset.
  • Knowledge and experience with Mi’kmaq community life.
  • Ability to speak Mi’kmaq, preferred.
  • WHMIS and first aid training would be an asset.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision and in team-oriented settings.
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Ability to work with children, youth, parents of children and youth, adults and Elders.
  • Must have a positive attitude and enjoy being active.

Work Conditions:

  • Office environment, on-site.
  • Travel required.
  • Evening and weekend work as required.
  • Indoors, environmentally controlled.
  • Outdoors, exposed to weather.

Prevention Program Supervisor Support:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The MPAL may be assigned other duties within the scope of their role by the Prevention Program Supervisor or designate.

Interested candidates that possess some, but not all the above-listed knowledge, skills and abilities are encouraged to apply.

Wagmatcook First Nation offers a competitive compensation package that includes health and dental benefits, competitive salary bands, pension, and paid time off.

Interested candidates can apply by submitting their cover letter and resume to jobs@wagmatcook.com. Please reference “MPAL” in the subject line. Wagmatcook First Nation appreciates all applications received, only those selected for interview will be contacted.

This position will close on January 10, 2025 at 4pm.

Under the Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy, the Wagmatcook First Nation will give preference to the indigenous applicant when two or more candidates are deemed to be equal in terms of “best qualified”.

Apply now!