Youth Wellness Navigator

**Who we are**:

- UNYA has been supporting the health and wellbeing of Indigenous youth in the Metro Vancouver area for over 30 years. As a respected non-profit, charitable organization, we recognize Indigenous youth as experts in their own lives and strive to provide youth with programs and opportunities that are relevant and meaningful to them.
- At Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) we have developed a Philosophy of Care foundation, drawing from best practices. These philosophies are the grounding framework that shapes all of our decisions and every interaction we have with the youth we serve. Following these philosophies empowers our staff to meet youth where they are at, by giving them the ability to balance flexibility and structure. This allows us to meet our youth’s needs, and ensure that our youth experience a consistent quality of care across all UNYA programs. Our 5 key philosophies are:

- Trauma-Informed Practice
- Two-Eyed Seeing
- Harm Reduction Practice
- Youth/Person Centered Practice
- Culture as Therapy

**Highlights of this opportunity**:

- The Native Youth Health & Wellness Centre (NYHWC) is a youth clinic providing cultural relevant, welcoming, accessible health and wellness services to Indigenous youth up to 30. The clinic is a safe, accessible health centre, where youth can feel comfortable accessing services and programs that support their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. The NYHWC’s approach to health and wellness includes both Indigenous and western perspectives and knowledge; the clinic cares for the overall wellbeing of youth in a way that is youth and family-centered, that focuses on youth’s strengths, and that considers the effects of trauma.
- The Youth Wellness Navigator’s (YWN) purpose is to be the first point of contact, build relationships with youth who access programs across UNYA and provide health navigation services that promote access to primary care at the NYHWC. This position is also responsible for assisting the Director with the overall operation and management of UNYA’s primary care clinic. The YWN will work in partnership with all of UNYA’s programs, as well as external agencies and partners; collaborating with the NYHWC team to provide high quality care to Indigenous youth. Regular working hours for this position are Monday to Friday 10:00-6:00. This position reports directly to the Director of Operations and Director of Youth Engagement.

**Qualifications and Conditions**:

- 1. Relevant education and a minimum of 2+ years of experience working in office administration in the social service and/or health sector, or related field. Specific education, training & experience as a Medical Office Assistant or Clinic Manager is a strong asset.
- 2. Experience working with the Indigenous community, including the generational impacts of the residential school system on families and communities.Must demonstrate a good working knowledge of community resources in Vancouver, particularly youth, Indigenous-specific & health-focused resources.
- 3. Demonstrated strong computer proficiency, including the ability to work with the Microsoft Office suite. Fluency in medical terminology & experience with EMR systems Profile and OSCAR is a strong asset.
- 4. Must demonstrate strong organizational, and written & oral communications skills - including the ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks, compile accurate records, prepare reports, and coordinate the program schedule.
- 5. Must demonstrate the ability to identify with mandate, policies and procedures of the organization.
- 6. Must have a criminal record check completed by and satisfactory to UNYA.
- 7. Proof of Covid-19 vaccination will be required.
- 9. A valid BC Driver’s License, and ability to provide a Drivers Abstract, is an asset.

The Youth Wellness Navigator’s (YWN) purpose is to be the first point of contact, build relationships with youth who access programs across UNYA and provide health navigation services that promote access to primary care at the NYHWC.

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- 1. Collaborate with the NYHWC team to plan, develop, and deliver dynamic and engaging, youth-driven and culturally-appropriate programming; ensuring cultural integration in all aspects of programming which focuses on trauma-informed practices and the family systems perspective. Collaborate with NYHWC staff, and coach other team members on how to establish and maintain a welcoming, non-judgmental environment that is accessible and relevant to the needs of Indigenous youth. Schedule and lead regular team meetings.

2. Facilitate access to on-site practitioners, book appointments and notify clients of appointments, facilitate registration and obtain relevant client information. Receive and process intake referrals and respond to enquiries and provide general info regarding the NYHWC, its mandate, programs and services.
- 3. Coordinate the day-to-day operations of the NYHWC by perf