unya news

Who we are?

UNYA has been supporting the health and wellbeing of Indigenous youth in the Metro Vancouver area for over 30 years. As a respected non-profit, charitable organization, we recognize Indigenous youth as experts in their own lives and strive to provide youth with programs and opportunities that are relevant and meaningful to them.

At Urban Native Youth Association UNYA we have developed a Philosophy of Care foundation, drawing from best practices. These philosophies are the grounding framework that shapes all of our decisions and every interaction we have with the youth we serve. Following these philosophies empowers our staff to meet youth where they are at, by giving them the ability to balance flexibility and structure. This allows us to meet our youth’s needs, and ensure that our youth experience a consistent quality of care across all UNYA programs. Our 5 key philosophies are:

• Trauma-Informed Practice
• Two-Eyed Seeing
• Harm Reduction Practice
• Youth/Person Centered Practice
• Culture as Therapy

Highlights of this opportunity:

As a member of the Senior Leadership team at UNYA the Director of Operations is responsible for the operational systems oversight of the organization, reviews procedures and policies that will improve day-to-day operations.   The position supports the Sr. Leadership team of Directors to provide effective leadership, strategic direction, and problem solving across the organization.  The Director of Operations reports directly to the CEO of UNYA.  This position maintains a 9-5 Monday to Friday schedule.

Qualifications and Conditions:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, 5 years of recent related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
2. Experience working with the Indigenous community. Must demonstrate a good working knowledge of community resources in Vancouver, particularly youth & Indigenous-specific resources.
3. Responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of the UNYA buildings, including contracting maintenance service agencies/businesses.
4. Knowledge and understanding of the family and social issues that Indigenous youth face today, including the generational impacts of the residential school system on families and communities.
5. Must have working knowledge of management responsibilities, fiscal responsibility, supervisory skills, and coordinating staff and/or volunteers. Will have the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.  Must have strong written and oral communications skills, including the ability to compile accurate records and prepare reports.  Must possess a good working knowledge of computer systems and programs.
6. Must demonstrate the ability to identify with mandate, policies and procedures of the organization.
7. Must have a criminal record check completed by and satisfactory to UNYA.
8. Work within the agency culture which reinforces a positive sense of belonging and Indigenous identity.

At Urban Native Youth Association UNYA we have developed a Philosophy of Care foundation, drawing from best practices.

At Urban Native Youth Association UNYA we have developed a Philosophy of Care foundation, drawing from best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Responsible to ensure agency policies are evaluated and updated such as UNYA’s Philosophy of Care model, UNYA’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures and UNYA’s Communicable Disease prevention policy. This also includes responsibility to abide and enforce any applicable Provincial Health Orders or requirements that arise.
2. Apply for funding for expansion and enhancement of UNYA programs and resources.
3. Maintenance of HVAC system, lights, and general building upkeep. Generate a list of preferred contractors for UNYA
4. Maintenance of UNYA vehicles including repair, insurance, sign in/out systems.
5. Administration & Annual Reporting; assist in funding and fiscal responsibility management of the organization, including donor management/tax receipts and all other reasonable tasks to benefit UNYA.
6. Core member of the UNYA Senior leadership team that works closely together to strategize when critical agency issues arise.
7. Performs other duties as assigned by the CEO.

What we offer:

• Salary range $78,000-$90,000 (based on experience)
• 40 hours a week
• Comprehensive Benefits package includes Extended Health, Dental, Vision, LTD and Life insurance (paid by employer)
• Paid Vacation days, Sick days & Wellness days
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which consists of no-cost counselling services to UNYA staff
• Support from UNYA’s Elder in Residence for cultural and spiritual guidance or teachings
• Monthly Staff development

 How to apply:

If you would like to become a part of this tremendous team, send a cover letter and resume indicating the position you are applying to the attention of the Hiring Manager at [email protected] Posting will close when position is filled.

***We are an Indigenous youth organization whose mandate is to provide meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth. We encourage qualified Indigenous – First Nations, Metis, and Inuit, applicants to apply. If you identify as Indigenous, please let us know in your application! Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.