Youth Outreach Worker

Scw'exmx Child and Family Services Society•Merritt, BC

13d•CA$31 - CA$42

About The Position

Reporting to the Youth Connection Team Leader, the Youth Outreach Worker engages at-risk youth and young adults, and where appropriate their families, in accessing culturally grounded services that support stability, wellness, and positive life outcomes. The role collaborates with internal teams and community partners to support referrals and acts as an advocate and liaison to connect individuals to appropriate supports, including facilitating access to emergency and short-term crisis services when needed. Grounded in an understanding of systemic racism, colonization, and intergenerational trauma, the role applies trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and family-centred approaches to build trust and support resilience and self-determination.

Requirements

Clear Criminal Record check and Ministry of Child and Family Development Prior Contact Check required before commencement of employment.
Valid Class 5 BC driver’s license without restrictions.
Post-secondary degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Community Development, or a related field. A combination of relevant education and experience will be considered.
Minimum two years of experience working with Indigenous youth, families, or communities in a planning, engagement, or support capacity.
At least one year of experience providing direct support to at-risk youth or vulnerable populations.
Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous culture, reconciliation, and community partnerships, with a commitment to culturally safe and trauma-informed practices.
Indigenous Knowledge: working knowledge or willingness to learn nłeʔkepmx and syilx culture and language; sensitivity to the historical and systemic impacts on Indigenous families and communities from intergenerational trauma due to colonialism, residential school history, the sixties scoop, and association with the child welfare system
Critical Thinking: analytical, methodical, fact-based decision-making, creative problem solving, and considers different perspectives
Communication: facilitation and presentation skills, professional business writing, clear and confident communication with a variety of audiences
Motivation: self-motivated, can motivate others effectively, high productivity
Technology: intermediate skills in Microsoft Office and other IT platforms for word processing, reporting, database navigation, and communication
Time Management: organized, prioritizes tasks, manages deadlines, delegates responsibilities, and coordinates simultaneous tasks to accomplish goals
Conflict Resolution: anticipates, diffuses, and resolves disagreements, confrontations, tensions, and complaints; fosters a positive and cohesive work environment

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of nłeʔkepmx and syilx language, culture, and traditional protocols is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, implement and assess youth outreach services and activities to capture the attention and interest of at-risk youth
Foster involvement of at-risk youth and their relations in SCFSS and/or community support services and opportunities
Provides education on mental health, substance use issues, self-care, healthy coping strategies, and effective communication
Implements a plan of action with young people and their support team (Elders, counsellors, social workers, health programs, etc.)
Collaborate and coordinate services with community resources; increase collaborations between community agencies/entities in proactive efforts to preserve family and culture
Implement routine consultation with Resident Elders for client support and programming support
Ensure practices are culturally safe, reflective of intergenerational impacts and trauma-informed practice in alignment with syilx and nłeʔkepmx culture and traditions
Ensure regular reporting requirements are met to the Youth Team Leader, funding bodies and appropriate agencies to produce appropriate documentation
Develop, monitor, and update an annual Personal Development Plan aligned with SCFSS’s strategic priorities in the Strategic Plan
Integrate the nłeʔkepmx Framework of Practice and the syilx Child and Family Plan in support services to youth
Receives regular consultation, an Annual Performance Evaluation and work plan review with the Youth Connections Team Leader