Employment Opportunity
2-Spirit Collective & Native Youth Learning Centre
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:
- Youth/Person Centered Practice
Highlights of this opportunity:
The NYLC is a drop-in learning centre for 15–30 year old Indigenous youth, which supports their personal, educational, and career development. The 2-Spirit Collective runs workshops & events (2-4 per month) out of the NYLC, in collaboration with other UNYA programs and community partners, with the goal of supporting LGBTQ2S+ youth to connect with relevant services at UNYA and in the community at large. The Youth Care Counsellor (YCC) is responsible for helping the NYLC/2-Spirit Program Manager with the development, delivery, and day-to-day operations of both the NYLC & 2-Spirit programs. The YCC will help ensure the provision and maintenance of a safe, supportive environment that is culturally accessible, fosters meaningful youth engagement, and results in positive outcomes for youth participants.
Qualifications and Conditions:
1. Relevant educational experience, 2 years of experience working in a related field, or a combination of relevant education, training, and experience.
2. Experience working with Indigenous youth and/or community organizations.
3. Broad based knowledge of the family and social issues that Indigenous youth face today, including the intergenerational impacts of the residential school system on Indigenous families and communities, and a good understanding of Indigenous cultures and traditions.
4. A good working knowledge of community resources in Vancouver, particularly youth & Indigenous-specific resources.
5. Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
6. Demonstrated ability to identify with mandate, policies and procedures of the organization.
7. Demonstrated ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment while maintaining consistent attention to detail.
8. Excellent organizational, communication (written and oral) and prioritization skills.
9. Professional, prompt and positive attitude a must. Must possess tact and discretion, and be able to ensure confidentiality.
10. Must have a criminal record check completed by and satisfactory to UNYA.
11. Proof of Covid-19 vaccination will be required.
12. Given the needs of the youth accessing our programs, priority will be given to qualified Indigenous, First Nations, Metis, Inuit candidates as per section 41 of the Human Rights code.
13. A valid BC Driver’s License, and ability to provide a Drivers Abstract, is an asset.
14. First Aid and Food Safe certification are assets.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Work in collaboration with others (including UNYA programs and other community partners) as needed to plan, implement, supervise, and evaluate workshops, and other daily and weekly programming in the NYLC & 2-Spirit program. Participate in programming and activities in order provide a positive role model experience for youth.
2. Create a safe space for all youth and staff by responding to behaviors and situations through a trauma-informed lens, modelling respectful behavior, and through thoughtful and fun interactions with staff and youth. Adhere to UNYA’s Philosophy of Care, and all program-specific and organization-wide policies and procedures.
3. Provide general information regarding UNYA, its mandate, programs and services, and respond promptly and effectively to enquiries regarding community programs, supports and services.
4. Make referrals to specific UNYA and community programs and services as appropriate to serve the needs of youth and families and other community partners.
5. Work as part of a team to maintain a network of positive working relationships with other service providers in order to ensure effective referrals and access to a good continuum of care for youth.
6. Work with other team members to collectively establish and maintain a positive, non-judgmental environment that is accessible and relevant to the needs of Indigenous youth.
7. Respect and maintain confidentiality of staff issues within the team, with the exception of the Director of Youth Engagement and/or other supervisors. Respect and assure youth of confidentiality in the community and with other service professionals.
8. Regularly consult with and report to immediate supervisor(s).
9. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Youth Engagement.
What we offer:
· Wage of $27.11 hour
· 40 hours a week
· Comprehensive Benefits package
· Vacation, Sick, Agency and Wellness days
· Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which consists of no-cost counselling services to UNYA staff
· Support from UNYA’s Elder in Residence for cultural and spiritual guidance or teachings
· Monthly Staff development
How to apply:
If you would like to become a part of this tremendous team, send a cover letter and resume indicating the position you are applying to the attention of the Director of Youth Engagement [email protected]. Posting will close when position is filled.Only those shortlisted 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 xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam), sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and selílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are honoured and grateful to be able to do our work on this land.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $27.11 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
