Indigenous Youth Wellness Coordinator

**Objectives**:
To create preventive, strengths-based programming and promote culture-based mental wellness for urban Indigenous youth that are involved or at risk of becoming involved with the justice system, including holistic prevention, early intervention, system navigation and advocacy.

**Responsibilities**:
The Naawageeshiigoong Program Coordinator will ensure all aspects of the Indigenous Youth Wellness Program are designed, planned, coordinated, delivered, maintained, and evaluated. In addition, will practice and role model cultural competency and cultural safety using a trauma-informed holistic approach within the broader community.

**Job Specifications**:

- Support individuals using trauma-informed approaches, including one-on-one services and peer support as needed.
- Enhance youth understanding of the criminal justice process and raise their awareness of all relevant community resources, supports, and services available to them.
- Facilitate and implement care plans and case management processes that build on the strengths of families, individuals, and communities, addressing needs such as anxiety, depression, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, substance misuse, and suicidality.
- Work alongside Native Inmate Liaison Officers, Aboriginal Liaison Officers, police services, corrections, and parole and probation officers to establish diversion options, develop reintegration plans, deliver programming in correctional facilities, and support the mental health and cultural needs of service users.
- Build networks and develop partnership agreements with relevant social service agencies, Children’s Aid Societies, healthcare professionals, and other relevant organizations to ensure available support.
- Facilitate sharing circles and peer-based activities that include cultural and traditional knowledge exchange, such as medicines, foods, languages, ceremonies, and storytelling.
- Encourage the participation of Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ youth through inclusive practices and diverse programming.
- Promote and distribute program promotional materials and ensure access through a variety of outreach efforts and activities within the community and social media platforms

**Qualifications**:

- Minimum of 2 years post-secondary education in Indigenous studies, justice, legal studies, child and youth work, social work, or related field
-  Minimum three (3) years of related work experience working with youth (a combination of education and experience will be considered)
- Strong knowledge and awareness of Indigenous culture and history, with emphasis on the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the justice system, the impacts of trauma, child welfare, Indigenous youth engagement and community outreach
- Experience in building and maintaining positive working relationships with local organizations/institutions to foster collaborative and coordinated approaches to achieving program objectives;
- High proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
- Ability to work within the established policies and procedures of the NFC organization with the ability to work under pressure, prioritize work and meet tight deadlines
- Outstanding communication, analytical, problem-solving, and trouble-shooting skills
- A valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle & be willing to travel when required;
- Must possess current First Aid / CPR certification or be willing to be certified;
- A satisfactory Criminal Reference Check (CPIC) with a Vulnerable Sector Search (VSS) will be a condition of the employment offer.

**Salary**: $45,900.00 - $56,100.00 (with a 3-month probation)

**Benefits**:Health care spending account, 2 weeks paid vacation, 10 days of paid sick time, 5 paid wellness days, holiday closures.

**Schedule**: 8:30-4:30 Monday to Friday with evenings and weekends as needed

**Work Location**: In person ((Nogojiwanong/Peterborough)

Only those Resumes which include a Cover Letter, and Three (3) Working References will be considered.

**Posting open until filled**

**only those selected for an interview will be contacted**

Pay: $45,900.00-$56,100.00 per year

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person