Summary

The Indigenous Youth Engagement Strategist will work with both youth and employers to identify meaningful job opportunities for young people who are not currently engaged in employment or school.

Description

Location:         2335 30th Avenue NE
Position Type:  Full Time, Permanent
Hours:              Monday – Friday (37.5 hours/week)
Program:          Re:Vision

Position Summary:

Miskanawah is an Indigenous agency that draws jointly from the strengths and guidance of Indigenous teachings and traditions and evidence-based practices in human services, to support vulnerable children, youth and families.

The Indigenous Youth Engagement Strategist will work with both youth and employers to identify meaningful job opportunities for young people who are not currently engaged in employment or school. The Indigenous Youth Engagement Strategist requires a strong understanding of the barriers Indigenous Youth encounter when seeking employment. This role requires initiative in finding employers open to hiring and supporting Indigenous youth. The Youth Employment Strategist will work with youth to prepare them for employment and work with employers to build their cultural confidence and create a more supportive and diverse work environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Act as an advocate for Indigenous youth
  • Respect and protect the rights of clients, including but not limited to their right to independence, autonomy, and self-determination; their right to choose and practice individual values, beliefs, religion, and culture; and their right to privacy and dignity
  • Support youth to access additional supports through other programs and/or agencies
  • Schedule or conduct follow-up meetings/appointments with youth and employers
  • Actively identify and connect with employers who are open and willing to hire Indigenous youth
  • Research potential opportunities, conducting outreach, including cold calling or emailing, and building relationships with businesses committed to inclusive hiring practices
  • Encourage open communication among youth and employers when discussing issues, problems, or concerns
  • Respond to difficult situations and mediate difficult conversations when necessary
  • Facilitate cultural awareness training for employers
  • Work alongside Elders and Knowledge Holders
  • Prepare and submit accurate reports and records

Skills and experiences:  

  • Diploma in a human service field with related experience
  • Minimum 3 years of experience working with vulnerable youth
  • Knowledge of and willingness to engage in Indigenous cultural traditions
  • Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
  • Consistently responsive to the needs of the program youth
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Professional standards of conduct in a business environment

Requirements:

  • Valid Standard First Aid Certificate with CPR level B
  • Current Police Security and Child Intervention Record checks with satisfactory results
  • Suicide and Self-Harm Awareness Training
  • Crisis Intervention Training
  • Quality Improvement and Outcomes Training
  • Indigenous Awareness Training
  • Diversity Training
  • Use of a reliable vehicle with $2,000,000 liability, permission to carry passengers and business coverage on the vehicle
  • Valid driver’s license and a driver’s abstract with minimal demerits

We offer the opportunity to be part of a creative and positive work environment, a competitive salary, supports for professional development, opportunity for advancement, and the chance to be part of a team that supports children, youth and families to thrive within a culturally responsive community.

Please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@miskanawah.ca. Please reference “Indigenous Youth Employment Strategist” in the subject line.  We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for interview will be contacted.  Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.