Sto:lo Youth Mentor - F/T (Chilliwack) - 1919

“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.

Stó:lō Youth Mentor-

Full-Time Position – Chilliwack
Base Office: Tzeachten

Stó:lō Family & Community Support Team EDO (Earned Day Off) Available: Monday Week 2

Salary- $53,.17 to $61,.79 per annum (35 hrs per week)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Working as part of the Stó:lō Family Strengthening Team, the Stó:lō Youth Mentor acts as a traditional mentor using traditional teachings and Aboriginal communication techniques to work as outreach support with “at risk” and vulnerable youth residing on or connected to any Stó:lō communities who are at risk of, but not limited to, homelessness, violence, suicide, isolation, substance abuse and sexual exploitation.

The youth worker strives to provide services which include crisis intervention, mediation, assessment, education, life skills, debriefing, and assisting youth to explore and access community resources to support them to successfully transition to adulthood. They maintain and promote Indigenous and Stó:lō cultural values and beliefs between Xyolhemeylh (FVACFSS) and the Indigenous youth served who either reside on or relate to Stó:lō communities.

The youth mentor works within a team environment and provides this support on an outreach basis. The youth mentor works closely with Stó:lō Community Representatives, Stó:lō Team Leaders and with other Stó:lō Teams Agency staff to ensure community linkages and working relationships. This position can include prevention work as requested and developed with community representatives. They operate within the parameters provided by the BC Child, Family and Community Services Act and the Aboriginal Operational and Practice Standards and Indicators (AOPSI).

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:

• Two-year diploma in the Human Services field or equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably with Indigenous youth.
• Ability to practice standards set out in the B.C. Child, Family and Community Services Act, and the Aboriginal Operational and Practice Standards and Indicators (AOPSI) Manual.
• Understanding of family systems and child development along with relevant legislation.
• Knowledge and appreciation of Indigenous culture and how culture impacts in the development of individuals and communities; and Indigenous culture in general and history.
• Strong understanding of agency policies and procedure manuals.
• Comprehensive knowledge and appreciation of Indigenous history and culture and how culture impacts in the development of individuals and communities.
• Knowledge and appreciation of Sto:lo 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.
• Knowledge of youth development and an ability to connect with youth.
• Excellent oral communication skills with an emphasis on Indigenous communication techniques.
• Demonstrated abilities and willingness to educate other team members 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 Xyolhemeylh (FVACFSS).
• Demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate emotionally charged situations while working collaboratively with the family and community representatives.
• Ability to form trusting, respectful and effective relationships with youth, Indigenous communities, caregivers, parents, and other team members.
• Maintain an attitude of caring, respect and optimism for the youth and their families.
• Experience working with “at risk” and vulnerable youth.
• Computer skills for Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Demonstrated ability to balance competing priorities and work under pressure.
• Able to work within a flexible work schedule including some evenings and possibly weekends.
• Criminal Record Check including the vulnerable sector.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License; reliable transportation with adequate vehicle insurance.

*Preference may be given to Indigenous candidates as per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code.

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.