Youth Outreach Worker – Full Time

Our Culture is Care team provides a holistic model of care for Indigenous youth in transition and seeks a leader to coordinate youth activities as well as provide case management and outreach services. Wabano is seeking positive, community-minded team members who are energized by challenge and motivated to serve our community!

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is an award-winning Health Access Centre that provides holistic health services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis people living in the Ottawa – one of the fastest growing and diverse urban Indigenous communities in Canada. Wabano is a fast-paced, client orientated 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 service.

Purpose of Position

The Youth Outreach Worker will be responsible for providing needs assessment, outreach, case management and community referrals for children and youth who are involved with the child welfare system. Additionally, this position will be responsible for supporting the team in coordinating youth activities and camps.

Responsibilities 

• Work with and for our Indigenous youth to provide a bright future;
• Continue to develop program materials and advertise the service;
• Provide outreach support, case management and systems navigation to eligible youth and manage referrals from Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations;
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners such as Children’s Aid Societies and group homes;
• Help eligible youth develop the goals they would like to achieve through their transitions;
• Support eligible youth leave care to identify, access and navigate adult services relevant to their needs;
• Develop relationships with home communities of the youths and service providers;
• Conduct on-going research of resources for youth in Ottawa and home communities;
• Coordinate and facilitate Indigenous Integrative Plans of Care;
• Advocate for social justice and policy change;
• Keep accurate and timely electronic records required for the position (including data entry into the Electronic Medical Records systems, reporting, etc.)
• Conduct program evaluation to assess the success of the program;
• Coordinate youth events and on the land camps related to the program.

Qualifications

• A college diploma in Social Service Worker, Child and Youth Worker, Community and Justice Services, or equivalent combination of education and work experience;
• Experience working with child welfare and group homes is a plus;
• Three or more years of experience with Indigenous youth;
• Thorough understanding of Canadian Indigenous history and its impact on youth mental health and social determinants of health;
• Knowledge of social, economic and health issues relevant to the urban Indigenous community;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a team with a strong client focus;
• 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 is a plus;
• Ability to facilitate groups/circles and multimember meetings;
• 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 with it is convenient for youth to access the Centre. Workers who work with children and youth are expected to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Why Work for Us

You would be a part of an Accredited organization with a collaborative and supportive work environment. Additionally, you would have access to:

• Comprehensive group health and dental insurance plan;
• A defined benefit pension plan (HOOPP) with contribution matching from Wabano;
• An Employee Assistance Program(EAP) with exciting perks and offers for employees.

Application Details

Please submit your application to jobs@wabano.com. Application materials include a cover letter and resume. This opportunity will remain open until filled, so tell us your story early!

Successful applicants will be required to provide a criminal reference check to work with a vulnerable population.

Wabano is an inclusive and equitable organization, encouraging applications from qualified people, including persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. The position is open to all qualified applicants, although preference will be given to candidates of Indigenous ancestry (please self-identify in your application).

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.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.