Indigenous Cultural Support Worker

**ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW**:
The Old Strathcona Youth Society is a non-profit low-barrier drop-in center that supports unhoused and vulnerable youth between the ages of 14 and 24. Supporting Edmonton youth for the past 25 years, OSYS provides non-judgmental, trauma-informed access to basic needs items, services and referrals. Taking a relationship-based approach to providing care, the OSYS team believes that healthy communities start with healthy, meaningful connections. With this in mind, OSYS is committed to ensuring that the center is a place where youth feel safe and supported.

**MISSION STATEMENT**:
To provide purposeful resources and create a safe and supportive environment that fosters youth empowerment and development.

**COMMITED TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION**

**ROLE**:
The Indigenous Cultural Support Worker is responsible for the ongoing development & facilitation OSYS’ Indigenous cultural programming. The Indigenous Cultural Support Worker collaborates with all staff and the Executive Director to provide information and referrals and ensures that the agency remains a safe and positive space for all youth.

**REPORTS TO**:Program Coordinator and/or
Executive Director

**HOURS**:

- Tuesday to Saturday
- Days, Evening, Weekends

**SALARY & BENEFITS**:

- Salaried Position: $64, 800*
- Health Benefits, Paid Sick leave, and Vacation
- Mileage reimbursement
- Full-time hours based on a 37.5 / week

**WORK LOCATION**:

- Located at 9912 81 ave and in the community

**START DATE**:

- Immediately

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:
**SPECIALISED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES**:

- Develop and deliver OSYS’ Indigenous cultural programing to connect youth from varying Indigenous backgrounds with their culture (Facilitation of ceremony, access to cultural resources, and education, etc.).
- Deliver services and programs to youth in a non-judgmental manner while ensuring that the services being provided are tailored to meet the needs of the individual.
- Work to improve community response and knowledge with respect to the needs, circumstances, and barriers Indigenous youth experiencing poverty, homelessness, mental health crisis, and addiction face.
- Develop and maintain partnerships/collaborations with Indigenous-based community services and other youth-serving organizations.

**GENERAL RESPONSIBLITIES**
- Provide support in a non-judgmental and harm reduction-centered approach
- Coordinate with service teams and referral networks when necessary
- Document relevant client interactions in a timely fashion and store client information in a secure way to maintain client confidentiality
- Establish rapport and develop strong helping, client-centered relationships with vulnerable youth ages 14-24
- Daily supervision of drop-in activities to create a safe environment
- Ensures adequate supervision regarding youth behaviors and interactions within OSYS to create and maintain a safe place.
- Uses appropriate crisis intervention techniques to de-escalate situations
- Actively facilitates, participates in, and promotes professional team functioning through participation in professional development, team debriefs, and self-evaluation.
- Participates in fundraising activities as a representative and advocate for OSYS.
- Deliver services and programs to youth in a non-judgmental manner, while demonstrating a commitment to providing services that suit the needs of each youth who accesses services.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Education**:
Post-secondary education in a discipline relevant to this work or equivalent experience.

**Experience and Qualities**:

- Knowledge in the Indigenous culture and traditions.
- Experience working with Indigenous youth and families.
- Demonstrated ability to develop positive, effective, professional rapport and relationships with youth.
- Demonstrated competency in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and behavior management skills
- knowledge of the complex issues that youth face when dealing with poverty, homelessness, addiction, and self-esteem issues, particularly knowledge of the unique experience of homeless Indigenous youth.
- Demonstrated ability to manage crises, emergencies, and work calmly in a high-pressure environment
- Demonstrated ability in working collaboratively with community agencies.
- Proficient computer skills, familiarity with Microsoft Office Programs (Outlook and Excel)
- Clear and effective written and oral communication, strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently with mínimal supervision, excellent time management, and organizational skills.

**Record Checks & Transportation Requirements**
- Must provide a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector and Intervention Record Check (within a 6-month period from date of completion
- Valid Driver’s License, own vehicle and good driving record.
- 2-million-dollar liability insurance coverage