Youth Cultural Support Worker

Under the direction of the Specialized Services Supervisor, the Rapid Response Youth Cultural Support Worker will work with a new Rapid Response Youth team serving youth aged 9-18 years residing within the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin. The role involves providing outreach-based intensive cultural supports as part of the holistic wellness supports. The Youth Cultural Support Worker is required to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to provide cultural supports where the youth are residing, along with community settings and member communities within the Districts of Sudbury and Manitoulin. This includes attending community cultural and holistic wellness services, supports, and events with youth.

The Youth Cultural Support Worker will collaborate with the cultural team and traditional resources for the preservation and promotion of traditional practices within member First Nations, supporting the youth’s overall wellness through strengthening cultural identity and ensuring youth stay connected with their culture, language, and community.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. A Child and Youth Worker Diploma preferred. A diploma or degree in a related field in combination with related experience may be considered.
2. Two (2) years of direct minimum experience with at-risk populations.
3. Required delivery of cultural services and programs with youth and young adults.
4. Knowledge of and sensitivity to the life experiences and needs of the youth community combined with previous youth outreach and/or community development experience.
5. Lived experiences as a First Nation community member in the First Nation/Urban community setting.
6. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and negotiate effectively within a multidisciplinary team of service providers.
7. Have a class ‘G’ Ontario Driver’s License, access to a personal vehicle, and be able to travel.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, & ABILITIES

1. Willing to engage in diverse Indigenous ceremonies with Elders/Knowledge Keepers.
2. In-depth understanding of the child welfare system, history of colonization, and ongoing impacts of generational trauma.
3. Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills (written and verbal).
4. Strategic thinker with organizing, planning, and analytical skills.
5. Self-motivated, uses initiative, and is detail-oriented.
6. Proven organizational and multi-tasking skills.
7. Flexible and adaptable to new tasks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Given the traditional practices of the Anishinabek, from time to time, exposure to wood smoke and the burning of sacred medicines, including tobacco, sweet grass, sage, or cedar, may occur within the work setting. The candidate must live within the service area.

DEADLINE

November 29, 2024, at 4:00 pm

Applicants are encouraged to visit our website at www.kgcfs.org/employment to review the full job description. KGCFS offers competitive wages, a generous benefits package, and an OMERS pension plan. Please submit your application marked “Confidential – Youth Cultural Support Worker”. Include in your application a cover letter, resume, and three (3) reference letters – two (2) employment-related from recent employers. Please also detail in your application: education, employment experience, and cultural participation.

Applications are accepted in the following order of preference by website, email, or mail at:

Human Resources – Confidential
YOUTH CULTURAL SUPPORT WORKER
Email: hr@kgcfs.org
Kina Gbezhgomi Child and Family Services
36 Tower Street, Wikwemikong, Ontario P0P 2J0

KGCFS services are based on a highly specialized approach to the delivery of child welfare in our area. Preference will be given to Anishinaabe Candidates (please self-identify). Miigwetch for your application; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to submit the following: a satisfactory Criminal Reference Check (within 3 months of the application date), a Vulnerable Sector Check, and a Driver’s Abstract.