Indigenous Youth Systems Navigator

Posted: July 24, 2024
Full Time

Youth Opportunities Unlimited

Be the best YOU!

Being a part of Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) means you have a shared passion for supporting youth in reaching their full potential. YOU is a place where your unique background, perspectives, and talents are valued, and help innovate new program ideas to best support youth in our community.

You can make your impact here! Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where the work you do is truly valued. You will have the freedom to excel in your way by serving young people and knowing you are making a difference for our community.

Come be a part of a team that works alongside youth as they work on goals and be there to celebrate when they achieve those milestones. Help us continue creating a community where youth are embraced and will thrive.

Reporting to the Youth Wellness Hub (YWH) Team Leader and alongside coordinated Hub staff, the Indigenous Intake Coordinator will be responsible for creating a welcoming culture, triaging youth into programming, booking appointments, receiving, and processing external referrals, and collaborating with community partners to support Indigenous youth accessing services throughout Youth Opportunities Unlimited. The Indigenous Youth Systems Navigator will support and assist in creating a safe, culturally appropriate, and welcoming environment for youth (12-25 years old), specifically focusing on the needs of youth from Indigenous, marginalized, 2SLGBTQ+ communities and intersections thereof. This position will work closely with the Youth Wellness Hub which offers programming and services that include, but are not limited to, mental health, substance use, primary care, education, employment, housing, peer support, outreach, system navigation, well-being activities, and other social services.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  • Contribute to creating and maintaining a safe, culturally appropriate, welcoming, non-judgmental, and non-stigmatizing hub atmosphere; including greeting visitors, and being the first point of contact for questions and information pertaining to the Hub.
  • Act as the initial point of contact for youth, families, and community partners who are interacting with the YOU and YWH programming.
  • Work alongside YOU and YWH staff to welcome new youth and help them navigate services, including explaining and assisting with the digital registration process through My Wellness Passport (MWP).
  • Maintain My Wellness Passport and generate reports, file information and maintain electronic client files.
  • Maintain accurate and timely documentation.
  • Maintain inventory of office and programming supplies and replenish as needed.
  • Participate in the orientation of new staff, volunteers, and students.
  • Consult with the Youth Wellness Hub Team Leader regarding client complaints, serious occurrences, high-risk situations, computer problems, and conflicts that remain unresolved at other levels.
  • Work from a harm-reduction, trauma-informed, and youth-centered approach from an Indigenous lens.
  • Utilize successful de-escalation strategies to support youth experiencing trauma, mental health, or behavioral challenges in accordance with policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

  • Youth Opportunities Unlimited values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants (please self-identify)
  • University Degree or College Diploma in human /social services from an accredited institution
  • Experience working with youth aged 12-25 affected by poverty, mental health, justice, addictions, and homelessness
  • Minimum of 2 years experience working with a diverse population, including persons from diverse cultural backgrounds, LGBTQ2S groups, youth
  • Understanding of Indigenous culture and traditional practices
  • Ability to speak an Indigenous language will be considered a strong asset
  • Strong case documentation, statistical reporting, file management, and organizational skills
  • Ability to build interpersonal and supportive relationships with youth clients
  • Ability to handle a large client caseload, multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office 365 including Word, Outlook, Excel, and SharePoint as well as other online software programs are required
  • Knowledge of community resources for youth, Not-For-Profit, and Indigenous organizations is an asset, along with familiarity with Youth Opportunities Unlimited
  • Ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with other staff teams and abide by all YOU policies
  • Prior First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain is a requirement
  • Certifications in Suicide Prevention, Crisis Intervention, Prevention Training (PMAB or CPI) and/or similar Indigenous-focused training is an asset
  • A satisfactory and current Vulnerable Sector Screening is a requirement

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent 

Pay: $23.08-$25.45 per hour

Hours of Work:

  • Average of 35 hours per week, flexible schedule depending on service needs.
  • Evening and weekends.

Benefits:

  • Dental care
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible schedule
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision care
Closes:
jordanb [at] you.ca