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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:

As a member of the Youth to Adulthood Transition Program, the Transition Worker plays a vital role in offering dedicated and compassionate one-to-one support to young individuals aged 16-18 who are either referred by the Ministry of Children & Family Development (MCFD) or Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services (VACFSS). The Transition Worker helps youth identify their unique needs and collaborates with them to achieve their goals so they can take steps to live a safer and more positive lifestyle.  

The Transition Worker will report directly to the Safehouse Manager.  This position maintains a Monday – Friday schedule with the majority of the shifts being 9:00 am-5:00 pm, however, hours will vary depending on the needs of the youth.

UNYA has been supporting the health and wellbeing of Indigenous youth in the Metro Vancouver area for over 30 years.

UNYA has been supporting the health and wellbeing of Indigenous youth in the Metro Vancouver area for over 30 years.

Qualifications and Conditions:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, 2 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. 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.
4. Must demonstrate the ability to identify with mandate, policies and procedures of the organization.
5. Must have a criminal record check completed by and satisfactory to UNYA.
6. Proof of Covid-19 vaccination will be required.
7. Must have a valid B.C Class 4 or 5 driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.
8. Given the needs of the youth accessing our programs, priority will be given to qualified Indigenous, First Nations, Metis, and Inuit candidates as per section 41 of the Human Rights code.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Ensure that youth’s basic needs are being met, including assisting youth in search for and maintaining appropriate and safe accommodations.
2. Assist youth in identifying a plan that meets their financial, residential, educational, social, cultural, recreational, and safety needs. Additionally, help them connect with suitable cultural resources with whom the youth identify with.
3. Help the youth in assess their specific service needs and prepare them to access the necessary resources.
4. Offer interim assistance to those awaiting community services and provide encouragement by acknowledging their strengths, achievements, and progress.
5. Support the youth in developing essential life skills for independent living, such as budgeting, meal planning, healthy communication, and conflict resolution.
6. Collaborate with MCFD staff, service providers, and when necessary, parents for effective case management.
7. Establish and maintain positive relationships with other service providers to ensure seamless referrals and a continuum of care for youth.
8. Consult with youth, immediate supervisor, and other relevant individuals to identify and address individual youth’s needs and goals.
9. Stay informed about current social concerns and street trends by learning continuously and attending community meetings to remain up-to-date.
10. Actively contribute to ongoing development and review of program components. Address concerns, incidents or crises related to the program’s mandate, UNYA policy, community relations, and youth in a constructive manner.
11. Respect and maintain confidentiality of youth in the community and with other service professionals.
12. Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, including FUNYA.
13. Maintain accurate logs and statistical records to support program requirements.
14. Performs other duties as assigned by the CEO.

What we offer:

• Salary range $23.66-27.56 (based on years of experience)
• 40 hours a week
• Comprehensive Benefits package
• Vacation, Sick, 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 Hiring Manager at [email protected]. Posting will close when position is filled. 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.