Casual Relief DAY/AFTERNOON/AWAKE OVERNIGHT – Youth Care Counsellor

Awake Overnight

Day – 7:00AM – 3:00PM or 8:00AM – 4:00PM

Afternoon – 3:00PM – 11:00PM or 4:00PM – 12:00AM

Overnight – 11:00PM – 7:00AM or 12:00AM – 8:00AM

Download Opportunity

Highlights of this opportunity:

As a member of the Ravens Lodge team, you will contribute to a vital 24/7 live-in program that serves Indigenous female youth, ages 12-18, who are in the care of the Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society (VACFSS). Ravens Lodge offers a safe and nurturing environment where Culture as Therapy is central to our approach. In this role, you will provide one-to-one support, engage youth in cultural and recreational activities, participate in care-planning, manage crises, and advocate for the youth's well-being. The Youth Care Counsellor reports directly to the Program Manager.

We currently have open relief positions for the day, afternoon, and awake overnight Youth Care Counsellor position. The shifts available for relief coverage are:

Day – 7:00AM – 3:00PM or 8:00AM – 4:00PM

Afternoon – 3:00PM – 11:00PM or 4:00PM – 12:00AM

Overnight – 11:00PM – 7:00AM or 12:00AM – 8:00AM

Qualifications and Conditions:

• Education and Experience: Diploma in a related human/social service field, one year of recent related experience working with Indigenous youth addressing mental health, substance use, and homelessness; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and lived experience.
• Cultural Knowledge: Understanding of the family and social issues faced by Indigenous youth today, including the generational impacts of the residential school system on families and communities.
• Background Check: Completion of a criminal record check satisfactory to UNYA and an MCFD Hub Screening Clearance.
• Health Requirements: Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations and a negative TB skin test.
• Certifications: First Aid and Food Safe Level 1 certificates are an asset, though paid training is available upon hire.
• Driving: Valid Class 5 Driver's License is a requirement.
• Preference: Given the needs of the youth accessing our programs, priority will be given to qualified Indigenous, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit candidates as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Build Rapport with Youth: Engage with youth to establish trust and understanding, fostering a safe and supportive environment.
• Resource Connection: Assess the needs of youth and connect them to appropriate resources and services.
• Implement Care Plans: Develop and execute care plans and intervention strategies in collaboration with the Program Manager and the youth's care team, utilizing a variety of approaches including Culture as Therapy.
• Create a Safe Environment: Foster a safe and respectful environment by addressing behaviors and situations with a trauma-informed approach.
• Team Collaboration: Actively participate in the team, demonstrating commitment, respect, and support for colleagues.
• Networking: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with other UNYA programs and community resources.
• Crisis Management: Address concerns, incidents, or crises affecting youth participants, program operations, UNYA policies, and community relations proactively and positively.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records, logs, case files, and client reports to meet program and funder requirements.
• Policy Adherence: Follow UNYA's Philosophy of Care and comply with all program-specific and organization-wide policies and procedures.
• Additional Duties: Perform any other tasks deemed necessary by the Program Manager to ensure the safe, healthy, and productive operation of Raven's Lodge, including maintenance requests, cleaning, and other onsite duties.

What we offer:

• Compensation: $27.96 per hour
• Cultural and Spiritual Support: Guidance and teachings from UNYA's Healers and Elders in Residence.
• Professional Development: Monthly staff development day, including a morning of professional development, a shared meal, and afternoon activities.

How to Apply:

If you would like to become a part of this tremendous team, send a cover letter and resume to the attention of the Program Manager, Karen Taylor at

Posting will remain open until position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

***We are an Indigenous youth organization whose mandate is to provide meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth. We encourage qualified Indigenous – First Nations, Metis, and Inuit, applicants to apply. If you identify as Indigenous, please let us know in your application Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

UNYA acknowledges that we are gathered on the ancestral, traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are honoured and grateful to be able to do our work on this land.

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