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:

Are you passionate about empowering Indigenous youth? Do you have a knack for building positive relationships?

Are you strategic, creative, and dynamic in your approach to youth work? Does working within a fast-paced environment energize you? If you said yes, then this is the opportunity for you!

• Contribute to a team focused on increasing stabilization, belonging, and empowerment for youth.
• Be a positive role model for youth; working in cooperation with others and positively participating in programming activities while supervising and ensuring safety during group outings.
• Work in a variety of trauma-informed healing modalities.
• Provide individual support to youth; from basic counselling to conflict resolution, suicide risk assessment and safety planning.
• Participate in Indigenous protocols, ceremonies, and other practices.
• Support and co-facilitate workshops.
• Share responsibility for the daily operations of Young Bears Lodge including: meal planning and preparation, maintaining timely, accurate logs, case files, and reports.

Young Bears Lodge is a culturally-based, holistic program for Indigenous youth ages 13-18 who are looking to make changes to their relationship with drugs or alcohol

Young Bears Lodge is a culturally-based, holistic program for Indigenous youth ages 13-18 who are looking to make changes to their relationship with drugs or alcohol

Your Accomplishments and Experience include:

 Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture and traditions.

• Supporting Indigenous youth to address the effects of colonization and intergenerational trauma, and reinforcing a positive sense of belonging and Indigenous identity. Priority is given to First Nations (status and non-status), Métis, and Inuit applicants, as per Section 41 of the Human Rights Code.
• Post-secondary education in child and youth care, preferably a degree/diploma/certificate in a related field. Preference for experience working with Indigenous youth.
• We recognize that formal education is not the only relevant qualification for this role, and will also consider an equivalent combination of lived and work experience, alongside training in cultural healing practices, coaching, or education.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, coupled with strong crisis intervention and conflict mediation skills.
• A strong spirit of collaboration, dependability, positivity, and a love for what you do.
• Must be fully vaccinated for COVID as per Provincial Health orders.

What we offer:

• $24.62/hour
• Healthy Staff Meals during shift
• On-sight gym & infrared sauna
• 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.