Wasa Nabin Youth Worker

**Who We Are**

The vision of the Barrie Native Friendship Centre is to improve the quality of life for all Indigenous people in the area, regardless of legal definition by providing a gathering place which promotes unity and wholistic healing within the community at large. This is accomplished through a network of culturally based programs, services and teachings.

**Job Purpose**

To ensure the effective delivery of the Wasa Nabin program such that the needs of youth referred to the program are met in a timely and culturally sensitive manner. The Wasa Nabin program provides 1:1 support and group activities to urban-Indigenous youth ages 13 to 18, offering tools and healthy activities to build their abilities in order to improve quality of life. Supports include: general social activities, youth-in-care, healthy eating & physical development, education, culture and ceremony, justice intervention, and violence prevention.

**Primary Duties and Responsibilities**
- To support children and youth by providing participant based and one to one services that are timely.
- To empower urban-Indigenous children and youth through educational, social, and cultural supports.
- To provide wrap around type services to ensure the development of a culturally relevant and Strengths Based, person-centered Action Plan is developed for each individual youth.
- To promote awareness and ensure access to the Program through a variety of outreach efforts and promotional activities.
- To promote the development of protocols and referral agreements as appropriate to meet the needs and outcomes of children and youth.
- To conduct strengths and needs assessments for children and youth and to develop client Action Plans to meet the needs and goals of children and youth in the program.
- To refer children and youth to appropriate services as required and to document, advocate and liaise with internal and external resources and supports.
- To participate in case conferences and Plans of Care as provided by CAS/DBCFS to support and ensure the needs of children and youth are met.
- To ensure appropriate supervision of clients and activities at all times and to report incidents and SOR details to MCYS and the OFIFC as required.
- To engage in “one to one” supports with children and youth through an active case management structure.
- To accurately report and ensure all program objectives are being met in accordance with agreements.
- To outreach and engage community partners and stakeholders as it pertains to the needs of the children and youth served and the program deliverables.
- To ensure all service activities utilize culture throughout all junctures of planning and delivery.
- To utilize the OFIFC integrated database to input all data as required.
- Maintain strict confidentiality
- Working and contributing with the team to organizational wide projects (community events, socials, fundraisers, and committees etc.) when needed.
- Other duties as from time to time assigned by Executive Director.

**Qualifications and Experience**
- Shall possess post-secondary education in Indigenous studies, social work, child and youth work or combination of the equivalent and relevant education.
- Strong knowledge and awareness of Aboriginal culture and history, with particular emphasis on family violence, child welfare, the impacts of trauma, Aboriginal youth engagement and community outreach.
- Ability to work professionally and collaboratively with child welfare agencies in Ontario.
- Strong understanding of the Child and Family Services Act and Ontario Children’s Aid Societies, with particular emphasis of impact on Aboriginal families.
- Must have working Valid class “G “Drivers License and own reliable vehicle
- CPIC and vulnerable sector clearance

**Employment Conditions**

Specific employment conditions are specified in an employment contract with the Executive Director.
- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector
- Valid Ontario Driver’s License, use of own insured vehicle
- CPR and AED Certificates

**ATTENTION: Wasa Nabin Youth Worker Job Posting**

Hiring of Indigenous People will be given preference, as allowed under Section 24 of the Ontario Human Rights Code - Special Programs

Please note only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Pay: From $49,600.00 per year

**Experience**:

- Indigenous Community: 3 years (required)

Work Location: In person