Justine Mekish
Coquitlam,BC
Summary
Motivated Indigenous Support Worker with comprehensive knowledge of social justice issues and systems affecting marginalized communities. Passionate about developing and facilitating programs to support communities in need. Collaborative and analytical advocate builds strategic partnerships, advocate for clients and advance change for communities in need. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
ARC Payments Administrative Officer (Pilot)
Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Assoc.
07.2023 - 01.2024
- Collected, validated, and distributed information and payments to Jordans Principle Recipients.
- Created, prepared, and delivered reports to various departments and Funders
- Prepared reports to assist Funders with key decision making and strategic operational planning.
- Developed strategies to streamline and improve program delivery to community.
Indigenous Positive Health Support Worker
Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre
12.2021 - 07.2023
- Targeted specific community groups with wellness and disease management information.
- Managed enrollment, transportation, and paperwork for individuals to take advantage of community resources.
- Helped vulnerable individuals navigate complex healthcare system.
- Worked directly with patient treatment teams and participated in care coordination procedures.
- Led outreach activities to target specific demographics and promote health initiatives.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community partners to build program scope.
- Worked as part of a diverse Housing Team to meet basic needs of our community experiencing and/or at risk of homelessness, addiction and poverty.
Assistant Team Lead
Pathways To Housing /Boyle McCauley Health Centre
03.2018 - 07.2018
- Coordinated with community stakeholders for successful implementation of social and community service initiatives.
- Created and managed budgets, efficiently allocating resources for social and community service projects.
- Collaborated with program teams, community organizations, peers and volunteers in execution of events and activities.
- Collected and analyzed data to identify community needs before implementing programs to vulnerable population.
- Advocated for social and community service programs to increase awareness and funding.
- Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
- Partnered with local organizations to expand access to social and community services.
Aboriginal Peer Support Specialist
Pathways To Housing /Boyle Mccauley Health Center
10.2015 - 07.2018
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of recovery and wellness principles and shared this information with others struggling during recovery.
- Built relationships with others based upon trust and honesty by using active listening, dynamic communication skills and personal lived experience.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning ie; Peer support Group, Wellness Recovery Action Plan Group.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, including creating treatment plans and connecting clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Organized clinical interventions and treatment plans for clients experiencing homelessness, addictions and mental health concerns.
Aboriginal Family Support Worker (Pilot)
Street Workers Advocacy Project-Raising Hope
07.2014 - 04.2015
- Supported Woman facing Mental,Physical, Emotional, Substance Abuse, as well as poverty and family violence in a residential setting.
- Provided, found, and arranged for support services, such as child care, prenatal care, substance abuse treatment, job training, counseling, parenting classes housing, medical treatment, and financial assistance.
- Worked alongside with Regina Qu'Apelle Health Region and Saskatchewan Ministry of Social Services, as well as advocated for Women and Children in the support program.
- Harm Reduction and Holistic based policy.
- Crisis Intervention- Violent/Non-Violent Situations.
- Attended/Arranged meetings with Elders/Sweat Lodge/Round Dance/Aboriginal Ceremonies.
- Maintained daily documentation, case history and monthly summaries.
Group Care Worker
Ben Calf Robe Society
10.2012 - 03.2014
- Supported aboriginal children with barriers such as mental health and family violence aided children in emotional and social development in a wholistic group home setting.
- Organized daily activities - School, outings, medical, Culture
- Maintained daily documentation - Daily observations, medical, critical incident reporting.
- Maintained daily living tasks - cooking, cleaning and transportation.
Education
Aboriginal Community Support Worker Certificate -
Norquest College
Edmonton, Alberta2011
High School Diploma -
Boyle Street Education Centre
Edmonton, AB2004
Skills
- Effective collaboration and interaction
- Social/Cultural activity planning
- Recovery guidance
- Leadership skills
- Mental health support
- Crisis Response
- Intervention planning
- Case management proficiency
Timeline
ARC Payments Administrative Officer (Pilot)
Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre Assoc.
07.2023 - 01.2024
Indigenous Positive Health Support Worker
Fraser Region Aboriginal Friendship Centre
12.2021 - 07.2023
Assistant Team Lead
Pathways To Housing /Boyle McCauley Health Centre
03.2018 - 07.2018
Aboriginal Peer Support Specialist
Pathways To Housing /Boyle Mccauley Health Center
10.2015 - 07.2018
Aboriginal Family Support Worker (Pilot)
Street Workers Advocacy Project-Raising Hope
07.2014 - 04.2015
Group Care Worker
Ben Calf Robe Society
10.2012 - 03.2014
Aboriginal Community Support Worker Certificate -
Norquest College
High School Diploma -
Boyle Street Education Centre
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