Youth Worker On-Call

Position Summary 

The Youth Worker is responsible for engaging youth from Seabird Island and surrounding communities (age 13-24) in youth-led programming, Youth Drop-In Centre, small groups and individual (one-on-one) sessions. The core of this work will be at the Seabird Youth Centre, as well as in the local schools and at community events. From a youth-centered practice, the Youth Worker walks alongside youth to continually develop programs and opportunities to help youth grow and thrive. 

Through creating a safe space and welcoming environment, the Youth Worker will be expected to develop strong and healthy relationships with youth that could include discussions and support related to youth issues such as suicide, sexual education, gender, mental health, drugs, and alcohol, and developing healthy relationships. The Youth Worker can expect to host youth through our Drop-In Centre (Monday-Wednesday, 3pm-8pm), school groups, one-on-one interactions, evening activities and outings. The Youth Worker may have a caseload of higher-risk clients in which one-to-one support will be provided.

The goal of our youth team is to use our programs to connect with as many Seabird Island, and surrounding communities, youth as possible, navigating with them, life situations and collaborating with other programs. Our team is looking to help youth navigate teenagerhood and learn more about who they are as individuals and who they are as part of a larger community. 

The Youth Worker will work closely within a team and, sometimes, on their own, to support youth. Regular staff support meetings and communication with the Supervisor are a vital part of the work.

This is an on-call position.

What you'll do 

Connect and engage with Band youth ranging from 13-24 years old, including engaging students at Seabird Island

Community School, Agassiz Secondary School, Hope Secondary School, and other school related programs.

Receive a caseload and connect with youth through one-to-one support or small groups.

Facilitate youth-led programs and events.

Ability to set appropriate boundaries and remain professional.

Guide and mentor inappropriate behavior of youth that may occur.

Build a rapport with community resources, organizations, and community members to develop new opportunities for the youth.

Research youth opportunities, services, and programs in surrounding area.

Connect youths with necessary and appropriate programs and services both at request and in a proactive/preventative manner.

Ability to independently supervise up to 15 youth at a time.

Ability to engage youth in meaningful authentic discussions to explore topics that are relevant to youth development. (Suicide, sexuality, bullying etc.)

Establish strong, healthy, and appropriate relationships with youths as well as a positive relationship with parents and guardians through communication.

Serve as a positive role model and support for youth as needed.

Daily reporting (in Mustimuhw).

Record youth activities and attendance to track impacts and trends; submit reports monthly based on trends.

Seek and attend professional development opportunities to grow knowledge of relevant topics and theories.

Work collaboratively with other Youth Outreach Workers and Program Coordinators.

Engage students at Seabird Island community school as well as other districts.

Other Duties

Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.

What you Bring 

Qualifications

Formal education or training in Social Work, child/youth care/human services or a related field. Other forms of post-secondary education and training, including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers, will be considered.

At least 3 years of relevant experience working within Indigenous communities, focusing on working in a youth and childcare setting. 

Experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

First Aid Level 1 is required.

Food Safe Level 1 is required.

Preferred

 Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.

Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.

Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.

Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.

Cultural Competencies 

 Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.

Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.

Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities

Working / Special Conditions

Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.

Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.

Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively transport clients, students, or children.

Flexibility in working hours may be required, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate the needs and schedules of clients and community needs. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule.

Reports to: Youth and Young Adults Program Manager 

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email [email protected].

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Pre-employment screening 

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.