POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Youth Navigator Team Leader, the Youth Wellness Navigator is responsible for providing medium-term, relationship-based prevention services to youth and families in our Member Communities to ensure that youth receive educational, developmental, social, physical health, mental health, recreational, and cultural support and resources. The Youth Wellness Navigator supports youth to identify meaningful goals, build capacity, strengthen connections to family, culture, community, and natural supports, and increase independence through intentional and goal-oriented service delivery. The Youth Wellness Navigator recognizes the impacts of systemic racism and intergenerational trauma on young people and families, and how it impacts development, behaviour, wellness, and relationships, and incorporates syilx and nłeʔkepmx language and culture into culturally appropriate services.
The role supports youth through a planned service flow that may include referral and intake, informed consent and confidentiality discussions, assessment, goal identification, Integrated Wellness Planning, capacity building, wrap-around support development, transition, and closure as youth goals are achieved and sustainable supports are established.
As a member of the SCFSS organization, the Youth Wellness Navigator is committed to the collective response to the Call to Action through the four Strategic Directions and supports a pathway of change to exercise nłeʔkepmx and syilx inherent rights. In particular, the Youth Wellness Navigator champions core elements of the strategic goals of ‘Protection to Prevention’.
OVERVIEW OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide relationship-based prevention services that support the overall wellness, development, and success of youth and families.
- Complete intake, assessment, goal setting, and Integrated Wellness Planning with youth using a strengths-based approach.
- Support youth in developing life skills, self-advocacy, independence, emotional wellness, and healthy relationships.
- Assist youth in achieving educational, social, cultural, recreational, health, and employment-related goals.
- Provide education, coaching, and support related to mental health, substance use, communication, conflict resolution, and healthy coping strategies.
- Promote and strengthen connections to family, community, culture, language, Elders, and natural support networks.
- Facilitate access to community resources, programs, service providers, and wrap-around supports.
- Collaborate with internal teams, Social Workers, community partners, and external organizations to coordinate services and support positive outcomes for youth.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case notes, assessments, wellness plans, referrals, reports, and statistical records.
- Support youth through transition and closure planning while building sustainable family, cultural, and community supports.
- Participate in team meetings, collaborative planning, community events, and ongoing professional development.
- Ensure services are delivered in accordance with organizational policies, trauma-informed practice, FOIPPA requirements, OH&S standards, and applicable legislation.
- Promote nłeʔkepmx and syilx values, cultural teachings, and The Society's Protection to Prevention approach in all aspects of service delivery.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Diploma, certificate, or degree in Social Work, Social Services, Child and Youth Care, Human Services, Community Support, Indigenous Studies, Health Care Assistance, Education, Psychology, Sociology, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, lived experience, and employment experience.
- Minimum two (2) years' experience supporting youth, young adults, families, or vulnerable populations in community, social service, education, health care, cultural, housing, employment, or child welfare settings.
- Applicants with a Health Care Assistant (HCA), Registered Care Aide (RCA), Community Support Worker, or equivalent credential and relevant experience are encouraged to apply.
- Understanding of youth developmental milestones, mental health, and emotional well-being
- Knowledge and experience navigating factors and barriers that place youth at-risk
- Excellent motivational interviewing, needs assessment and integrated case management skills
- Proven ability to establish and maintain trusting, professional relationships with Relations and ability to maintain confidentiality, diplomacy and objectivity
- Strong advocacy skills, with the ability to handle complex and emotionally challenging situations
- Ability to interpret and apply Federal and Provincial legislation and standards of practice
- Demonstrated knowledge and professional and personal practice of nłeʔkepmx and syilx traditional values, cultural practice, and protocols is an asset
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Clear Criminal Record Check and Ministry of Child and Family Development Prior Contact Check required before commencement of employment
- Valid Class 5 BC driver’s license and acceptable driver’s abstract required
MINIMUM REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
- Indigenous Knowledge: applied knowledge of nłeʔkepmx and syilx traditional values, protocols, culture and language; sensitivity to the historical and systemic impacts on Indigenous families and communities from intergenerational trauma
- Critical Thinking: analytical, methodical, fact-based decision-making, with a capacity for creative problem solving, and considering diverse perspectives
- Business and Strategic Acumen: proficient in business and strategic concepts in application to SCFSS
- Communication: facilitation and presentation skills, professional business writing, and ability to communicate clearly and confidently with diverse audiences
- Motivation: self-motivated, capable of effectively motivating others and, high productivity
- Time Management: highly organized, ability to prioritize tasks, manage deadlines, delegate responsibilities and coordinate multiple tasks to achieve goals
- Conflict Resolution: anticipates, diffuses, and resolves conflicts while fostering a positive work environment
