Cedar Walk Program-youth Care Counsellor

**Full Time Employment Opportunity**

Youth Care Counsellor - Cedar Walk Program

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:
Cedar Walk is an alternative education program designed for Indigenous youth ages 16 to 18, whose needs are not being met in traditional school settings. The program integrates Indigenous teachings, knowledge, and perspectives into the learning experience, providing tools and creating space for each student to explore traditional Indigenous practices and share their own cultural knowledge.

As a member of the Cedar Walk program team the Youth Care Counsellor is responsible for working together with family, guardians, and other support workers to support youth in a way that considers all aspects of their wellbeing: physical, emotional, social, economic, and spiritual, at school, at home, and in the community.

The Youth Care Counsellor reports directly to the Cedar Walk Program Manager. The position is 40 hours per week and regular hours will be Monday - Friday from 8:30am - 4:30pm. These hours will be adjusted occasionally based on the needs of the program.

What We Offer
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: 100% employer-paid.
- Vacation: Starting with ten vacation days for full-time staff after successfully completing 3-month probationary period.
- Health and Wellness: Three health and wellness day after successfully completing 3-month probationary period.
- Paid Sick Days: Available for all staff after successfully completing 3-month probationary period.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Access to no-cost counseling services for UNYA staff.
- Cultural and Spiritual Support: Guidance and teachings from UNYA’s Elder in Residence available upon hire.
- Professional Development: Monthly Staff Development Day.

Compensation: $27.96 to 32.56/hourly (based on years of service)

Work Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm.

Location: 1043 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC

Qualifications and Conditions:
1. Educational Experience: A diploma in a relevant field, 2 years of recent related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

2. Community Experience: Proven experience working with the Indigenous community. Must demonstrate a good working knowledge of community resources in Vancouver, particularly youth and Indigenous-specific resources.

3. Cultural Understanding: Knowledge and understanding of the family and social issues Indigenous youth face today, including the generational impacts of the residential school system on families and communities.

4. Organizational Alignment: Ability to identify with the mandate, policies, and procedures of the organization.

5. Background Check: Must have a criminal record check completed by and satisfactory to UNYA.

6. Health Requirement: Proof of Covid-19 vaccination will be required.

8. Driver's License: A valid Class 5 Driver's License is required. Willingness to obtain Class 4 BC Driver’s License.

9. Additional Requirements: Vehicle/driving abstract/first aid/food safe requirements

**Responsibilities**:
1. Care Plans: Ensure care plans meet each youth’s mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional needs, including areas such as culture, safety, finance, housing, education, social support, and recreation. Support the implementation of care plans and intervention strategies.

2. Team Communication: Keep all members of a youth’s professional team up-to-date on the effectiveness of the care plan, the youth’s progress, any new issues or trends, and any behavioral changes.

3. Program Activities: Organize, facilitate, and supervise youth in group activities/outings, P.E., arts and crafts, tutoring, academics, etc. Integrate cultural activities, organizing Elder visits, sweat lodge ceremonies, and workshops that incorporate cultural learning for the students. Positively participate in all Cedar Walk programming and activities to provide a positive role model experience for youth participants.

4.