Aboriginal Youth Transition Worker – Full Time

Are you a team player with a passion for working with Indigenous youth?
Are you ready for a role that will allow you support youth through the transition from CAS care to independent living?
Do you have experience working with high-risk youth who have been involved with CAS?

If so, then this opportunity is for you!

As an Indigenous frontline worker with a post-secondary degree in a human services curriculum and four years of social services experience with youth, we encourage you to consider this exceptional opportunity.

Purpose of Position

To assume a hands-on role in supporting youth 16-24 transition from care of CAS or formal customary care. The worker will support the youth to assume responsibility for their own health and well-being, relationships, employment, housing, education and building connections within their community. The Aboriginal Youth Transition worker will work with youth to create a plan of care and goals to successfully transition them out of the CAS care system and help them to achieve a healthy and independent living.

Responsibilities

• Maintain ongoing  referrals to program with Children’s Aids Society;
• Continue to develop program materials and advertise the service;
• Work collaboratively with youth, other family/community members, and service providers either in Ottawa or in the youth home communities to create a plan of care to support youth transition;
• Help eligible youth develop the goals they would like to achieve through their transition;
• Provide case management to eligible youth;
• Develop relationships with home communities of the youths and service providers;
• Conduct on-going research of available to transitioning youth resources in Ottawa and youth home communities;
• Support eligible youth leaving care to identify, access and navigate adult service systems relevant to their needs, and transition to adulthood, providing emotional support;
• Coordinate and facilitate circles where all of the members involved in the youth care are present with the goal of creating a sustainable plan of care;
• Any admin required for the position (including data entry into Electronic Medical Records systems, reporting, etc.); and
• Conduct program evaluation to assess the success of the program.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor degree in human services or equivalent combination of education and work experience;
• Three or more years experience with Indigenous youth;
• Thorough understanding of Canadian Indigenous history and its impact on youth;
• Knowledge of social, economic and health issues relevant to the urban Indigenous community;
• Able to work effectively on a team with a strong client focus;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with Indigenous youth, including a sound knowledge and understanding of the issues that impact on culture in contemporary society;
• Knowledge of available resources in Ottawa and ability to research the resources available in remote communities outside of Ottawa;
• Knowledge of on- and off- reserve governance and structures;
• Ability to conduct intakes and facilitate circles/ multimember meetings;
• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications;
• Strong organizational and negotiating skills and the ability to handle sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy;
• Wabano is a client-focused organization, which means the successful candidates will have the flexibility to work when it is convenient for youth to access the Centre. Workers who work with children and youth are expected to work occasional evenings and  weekends.

Specifications

• Candidates of First Nations, Inuit or Métis descent will be given preference for this position (please self-identify)
• Criminal reference check required

To pursue this opportunity, please submit a covering letter and Curriculum Vitae to jobs@wabano.com.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Wabano is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity or interviewing, please advise if you require accommodation.

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is an award-winning Health Access Centre that provides holistic health services to First Nation, Inuit and Métis people living in Ottawa – one of the fastest growing and diverse urban Indigenous communities in Canada. Wabano is a fast-paced, client-oriented organization that models the Indigenous values of balance, respect and community interdependence. Wabano is proud to be accredited through the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, a third-party review based on accepted organizational practices that promote ongoing quality improvement and responsive, effective community services.