Huddle Family Advocate

Position DescriptionThe Huddle Family Advocate will work as a part of a service team at Huddle, Westman’s Integrated Youth Hub; a highly collaborative partnership between many health and wellness agencies and organizations in Westman and lead by Westman Youth for Christ (WYFC). Huddle is intended to be a place where young people can access mental and physical health, addictions, financial, employment and cultural/spiritual supports as well as opportunities to connect with their community and each other through structured peer supported programming and events. Huddle’s mission is to help young people (12-29) reach their goals and highest potential.The Huddle Family Advocate relates to and engages parents/caregivers of youth facing mental health and addiction challenges from the perspective of an advocate to inspire hope, empowerment, and recovery. The Huddle Family Advocate provides emotional, social, and cultural support to parents/caregivers, and links individuals with Huddle and community resources with the goal of increasing capacity at home for youth to thrive. Family advocacy is offered as part of a menu of options with the organization and Huddle itself but will work as a part of a team including the Huddle Director, Peer Support Staff, Counsellors, and others to provide holistic service and referrals. The Huddle Family Advocate works closely with individual youth/families accessing the Huddle, along with individuals from other community health and wellness agencies as well as members of the Huddle staff team.Supervision This position is under the supervision of the Huddle Director.Duties and responsibilitiesFamily Advocacy• Provide one-to-one and group support to parents and caregivers of young people facing mental health and/or addiction challenges;• Support family units in the Huddle to develop personalized wellness plans (PWPs);• Liaise with family units and service providers at Huddle to support the wellness plan of youth;• Provide basic service navigation and ensure linkages are made with Huddle partners and community resources;• Provide community outreach which may include facilitating presentations to community partners and parents/caregivers;• Co-facilitate educational sessions on a range of topics related to recovery, health, life skills, and wellness;• Support the co-development of course content;• Support community engagement and wellness activities;• Teach parenting skills;• Participate as a member of the service delivery team;Family Advisory Council• Recruit, maintain, and lead an active and healthy Huddle Family Advisory Council (FAC) made up of parents and/or caregivers of young people with mental health and/or addiction challenges. The purpose of the FAC is to engage in the co-design process of the Huddle;• Develop and implement a Huddle Terms of Reference;• Hold regular (minimum – once per month) FAC meetings and events;o Maintain minutes of meetings;Administration• Maintain and update documentation and statistical data as prescribed;• Ensure all reporting is complete and submitted on time;• Adhere to the WYFC Policy Manual;• Abide by Health and Safety Requirements and Policies;• Assist in the upkeep and cleanliness of the Huddle and office;• Contribute to agency-wide initiatives to advance the mission and ends of the organization;• Attend supervision meetings bi-weekly;• Attend weekly Huddle/WYFC staff meetings as directed and monthly WYFC All-staff meetings.Fundraising• The salary of this staff position is partly funded on a missionary basis requiring the gathering of a ministry partnership team;• Communicate with ministry partners regularly (newsletters, visits & phone calls as appropriate);• Participate in Huddle and Westman YFC fundraising events such as the Annual Golf Tournament and Gala of Hope.Spiritual Development & Personal Training• Take time for prayer, Bible reading and spiritual disciplines;• Ongoing participation in a community of faith;• Embrace teaching / seminars / conferences / spiritual direction for spiritual growth / renewal and professional development.Time Required This is a part-time position.Length of Commitment A one to two year commitment is requested.Qualifications and skills• Applicants must reflect and sign the Youth for Christ Statement of Faith and Community Covenant;• This position requires post-secondary education in a human services related field and over one year of direct service experience in a field related to social work, or a comparable combination of education, skills and experience;• WRAP Certification or a willingness to pursue certification is an asset;• Personal lived experience with mental health and/or addictions challenges and recovery, as well as a willingness, readiness and ability to share own experiences is an asset;• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous populations, the impact of colonization on Canada’s Indigenous peoples, the historical and continuing impact of the residential school system, and traditional Indigenous healing and wellness beliefs, practices, and support agencies; • Knowledge of settlement services and the impacts of immigration on newcomer youth;• An understanding of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and community services;• Experience working with people living with disabilities is an asset;• Knowledge of local mental health and addictions system and community services;• Empathy, understanding and peer support skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality;• Superior engagement and communication skills;• Problem-solving, and time management skills;• Facilitation skills are an asset;• Able to work independently and utilize sound judgment to perform all assigned duties with minimal supervision.• Possess a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and willing to travel (within Brandon).• Must have a clear criminal record check and child abuse registry check. 
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