Summary

The Youth Support Worker supports Mentor Families to create nurturing, healing environments for youth to learn and grow. This role requires creativity and a willingness to participate in a wide variety of recreational and educational activities each week in order to help youth build healthy connections to people, to the community, and to Indigenous culture.

Description

Location:                   2335 30 Ave NE
Position Type:            Full-time; Contract (ends August 31, 2025)
Hours:                         Monday – Friday (37.5 hours per week plus “on call rotation on
                                     evenings and weekends)
Program:                    Nipisis – Mentor Homes

Position Summary:
Miskanawah Community Services Association is an Indigenous agency that draws jointly from the strengths and guidance of Indigenous teachings and traditions and leading social services practices.
We are seeking a Youth and Family Support Worker who has energy and enthusiasm for working with youth who have not had many healthy, supportive role models in their lives. We need someone who is passionate about helping youth navigate complex systems such as justice, education, and Children's Services. The Youth and Family Support Worker also support Mentor Families to create nurturing, healing environments for youth to learn and grow. This role requires creativity and a willingness to participate in a wide variety of recreational and educational activities each week in order to help youth build healthy connections to people, to the community, and to Indigenous culture. 

Core Competencies:

  • Cultural Sensitivity
  • Client Focus
  • Adaptability
  • Communication
  • Resourcefulness
  • Harm Reduction
  • Teamwork

Job Responsibilities:

  • Provide supportive interventions, role modeling, and guidance to youth residing in individual Mentoring Homes or YTA placements
  • Establish individual supportive relationships with each youth by meeting regularly each week either in their home or in the community
  • Identify youth’s individual strengths and concerns and work collaboratively with the youth, their mentor families, as well as other professionals to establish measurable goals and outcomes that promote positive change
  • Guide youth in problem solving and decision making & provide active and reflective listening and support
  • Assist and support youth in maintaining appropriate connections with family, friends and community
  • Support access to Indigenous culture, Elders, and teachings
  • Provide advocacy and support for youth in getting their needs heard and met within the Child Welfare system
  • Enhance daily living skills and increase the capacity for healthy social, emotional, physical & spiritual wellbeing
  • Model, teach and mentor healthy family, peer, school, and community relationships
  • Model positive social interaction and play, hobbies, interests, and recreation that is developmentally appropriate
  • Establish and reinforce specific and age appropriate rules, limitations, and boundaries
  • Provide timely and enforceable natural and logical consequences for inappropriate behavior and rule violations
  • Teach/model positive problem solving/conflict resolution techniques that focus on non-violence
  • Involve youth in learning living skills such as cooking, cleaning, nutrition, setting up a bank account/savings, employment, and engaging in recreation and leisure activities outside of the home

Skills & Experience:  

  • Diploma or degree in Human Services, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Experience with Indigenous culture and a keen interest in participating in cultural experiences with youth
  • A reliable vehicle and valid driver's license are essential
  • Ability to work flexible hours and be on call 24 hours a day, evenings and weekends

Requirements:

  • Diploma or degree in Human Services, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Experience with Indigenous culture and a keen interest in participating in cultural experiences with youth
  • A reliable vehicle and valid driver's license are essential
  • Ability to work flexible hours and be on call 24 hours a day, evenings and weekends

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.

Interested applicants are asked to submit a cover letter with their CV to jfraser@miskanawah.ca and please reference “Nipisis Youth Support Worker” in the subject line.  This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.   We thank all applicants, however only those selected for interview will be contacted.