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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:

AYF provides a wide variety of sports and recreation opportunities for Indigenous youth ages 11-24 years, particularly those who are not currently active or involved in sports and recreation. Through a broad range of activities and workshops, AYF’s goal is to promote healthy lifestyles and foster leadership, life skills, and strong community engagement amongst Indigenous youth. The Aboriginal Youth First Youth Care Counsellor is responsible for assisting in the development, promotion, coordination and supervision of all AYF programming and supports. The YCC reports directly to
the AYF Sports & Rec Manager. This position is 40 hours per week and regular hours are Monday to Thursday 12pm – 8pm and Friday 9am – 5pm, however, these hours will be adjusted occasionally based on the needs of the program. Along with a 10-day canoe journey every July.

Qualifications and Conditions:

1. Educational experience: Child & Youth Worker Diploma, Sports and Recreation Certificate, Post-Secondary Education in a social science discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
2. Experience developing and delivering diverse sports and recreation and leadership programming. Demonstrated knowledge and skills/certifications in these areas are strong assets.
3. Experience working with the Indigenous community, and engaging and working effectively with a diversity of Indigenous youth. Must demonstrate a good working knowledge of community resources in Vancouver, particularly youth & Indigenous-specific resources.
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. Must demonstrate an understanding of and willingness to participate in Indigenous protocols and practices.
5. Must demonstrate strong organizational, and written & oral communications skills – including the ability to prioritize and complete multiple tasks, compile accurate records, prepare reports, and undertake program evaluations.
6. Good working knowledge of Microsoft software (excel, word, etc.)
7. Must demonstrate the ability to identify with mandate, policies and procedures of the organization.
8. Must have a criminal record check completed by and satisfactory to UNYA.
9. Proof of Covid-19 vaccination will be required.
10. Given the needs of the youth accessing our programs, priority will be given to qualified Indigenous, First Nations, Metis, Inuit candidates as per section 41 of the Human Rights code.
11. A valid BC Driver’s License, and ability to provide a Drivers Abstract, is an asset.
12. FoodSafe and First Aid certification are assets.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. In coordination with the Manager, develop, implement, maintain and promote the day-to-day operations of the AYF Program.
2. Ensure the program aligns with its mission and goals, providing a safe and inclusive space for Indigenous youth to explore and develop self-confidence through sport and fitness.
3. Create a safe space for all youth and staff by responding to behaviours and situations through a trauma-informed lens, modelling respectful behaviour, and through thoughtful and enjoyable interactions with staff and youth. Adhere to UNYA’s Philosophy of Care, and all program-specific and organization-wide policies and procedures.
4. Directly engage with youth, providing leadership, support, mentorship, and crisis intervention to empower them to navigate challenges and build resilience. Positively participate in programming and activities in order provide a positive role model experience for youth.
5. Work closely with other front-line workers, program managers, and external partners to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach to youth support.
6. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of community organizations, partners, and facilitators to enhance program success and broaden its impact. Continually seek feedback from program participants in order to evaluate AYF programming and frequently provide youth with new opportunities and experiences.
7. Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that encourages creativity, teamwork, and growth.
8. Organize and attend community events, workshops, and outreach activities to promote the program’s impact and garner support.
9. Assist in preparation and submission of reports, stats, evaluations and proposals to Director, as required.
10. Perform other duties as assigned by the AYF Sports & Rec Manager.

What we offer:

• Salary of $56,388.80/year
• 40 hours a week
• Comprehensive Benefits package
• Vacation, Sick, Agency and 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 Director of Operations at [email protected]. Posting will close on August 15 @ 5pm. Only those shortlisted will be contacted.
***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.

UNYA acknowledges that we are gathered on the ancestral, traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and selí̓lwitulh ̓ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are honoured and grateful to be able to do our work on this land.