Child & Youth Mentor- F/T (Global)-1875

“What we do together…our H.E.A.R.T is our difference.”

Do you have a genuine passion in promoting the values of Indigenous culture working with and for Indigenous children, youth, and families (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) while respecting their cultural diversity?

If so, consider joining our Xyólheméylh work family. We are a fully delegated Indigenous Child & Family Service Agency providing programs and services to Indigenous children, youth, and families on and off reserve within Stó:lō Territory in the Fraser Valley between Yale First Nation and Surrey BC.

Our programs and services are created and delivered with the support of our Elders Advisory Council with special attention on strengthening culture and identity, while honoring the strength of families.

• We strive to work in a holistic way to keep families together and reintegrate children back with their families and extended families.
• Our service delivery is done with an open heart and an open mind focusing on the best interest of the family while keeping children at the center.
• We work to ensure children are connected to their family, and community while striving to ensure their inherent rights to heritage and identity are upheld in all we do.

Child & Youth Mentor-

Full-Time Position-Global

Base Office –TBD

Family Preservation /Youth Team

$50,.30- $57,.34 per annum.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Family Strengthening Team Leader, and as an integral part of the Youth Services Family Strengthening Team, the Child & Youth Mentor uses traditional teachings and Indigenous communication techniques to support FVACFSS youth in; developing and enhancing their cultural identity, cultural connections and belonging; successful transition to adulthood through the provision of and/or connection to services that provide crisis intervention, mediation, assessment, education, life skills. Support is provided on an outreach basis, and the Youth Worker develops community linkages and working relationships to ensure goals of service can be met. Child & Youth Mentors maintain and promote Indigenous cultural values and beliefs within Society staff, caregivers, and between the Society, youth served and Indigenous communities.

Xyólheméylh is proud to have an Elders Advisory Council to ensure that culture is embedded throughout the agency ensuring the goals, missions and values are upheld in a good way. Lets'emót – to be of one heart and one mind.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Diploma is preferred; however significant cultural knowledge and a demonstrated ability to develop respectable relationships, with On-Reserve Indigenous communities, and equivalent personal experience may be accepted.
• Knowledge and appreciation of how Indigenous culture and historical impacts affect the development of individuals and communities.
• Basic understanding of family systems and child and youth development.
• Knowledge and appreciation of Stó:lō Nation's history, culture, governance, and language is an asset.
• Recognized as culturally competent by their Indigenous community.
• Understands cross-cultural issues as they affect youth in care, foster parents, biological parents, and communities of origins.
• Practical knowledge of federal, provincial, and indigenous organizations mandated to provide health, counseling and child and family services is an asset.
• Excellent oral communication skills with an emphasis on Indigenous communication techniques.
• Demonstrated abilities and willingness to educate community members and Society employees regarding cultural values and traditions of Indigenous people; balance competing priorities and to work under pressure; write concise reports to various audiences; and represent and promote the Society.
• Ability to form trusting, respectful and effective relationships with youth, Indigenous communities, caregivers, and other FVACFSS employees.
• Demonstrated ability to balance competing priorities and work under pressure.
• Maintain an attitude of caring, respect and optimism for youth.
• Maintain a clear differentiation between the professional and personal self.
• Computer skills for Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Criminal Records Check required.
• Valid BC Class 5 Drivers License with no restrictions.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Works closely with the Youth Transition Coordinator, FCCW’s, Managers, Team Leaders, Social Workers and support staff to ensure that work processes and decisions regarding youth are completed in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with children and youth in an effort to establish trust and respect, and to encourage and support children and youth in making connections with family, community members, and cultural practices and events.
• Connects children and youth with services and resources that will support self-reliance, and successful transition to adulthood, including but not limited to; housing supports, health service referrals, addiction services, mental health supports, life skills development, sports and recreation, other community resources.
• Plans, prepares and conducts group or individual sessions using techniques such as active listening, conflict resolution, basic group counselling, and basic psycho-educational group methods to resolve the identified problems, needs and risks.
• Provides skill building in area such as parenting skills, anger management or self management techniques.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of the intervention plan, reports on client’s progress, and discusses related concerns with the supervisor in order to resolve identified problems and move towards defined objectives.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Excellent oral communication skills with an emphasis on Indigenous communication techniques.
• Demonstrated abilities and willingness to educate community members and Society employees regarding cultural values and traditions of Indigenous people; balance competing priorities and to work under pressure; write concise reports to various audiences; and represent and promote the Society.
• Ability to form trusting, respectful and effective relationships with youth, Indigenous communities, caregivers, and other FVACFSS employees.
• Demonstrated ability to balance competing priorities and work under pressure.
• Maintain an attitude of caring, respect and optimism for youth.
• Maintain a clear differentiation between the professional and personal self.
• Computer skills for Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License; reliable transportation with adequate vehicle insurance.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

FVACFSS employees are expected to be familiar with and must comply with the expectations of confidentiality as outlined in the Agency’s Human Resources Policy Manual and other policies and operational manuals, AOPSI and the B.C. Child, Family and Community Services Act.