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

QUALIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS:

1. Educational experience: Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, 2+ years of recent related experience, 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. Experience supervising staff and volunteers, and addressing and resolving conflicts that may arise in the workplace.
7. Good working knowledge of Microsoft software (excel, word, etc.)
8. Must demonstrate the ability to identify with mandate, policies and procedures of the organization.
9. Must have a criminal record check completed by and satisfactory to UNYA.
10. Proof of Covid-19 vaccination will be required.
11. 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.
12. A valid BC Driver’s License, and ability to provide a Drivers Abstract, is an asset.
13. FoodSafe and First Aid certification are assets.

1. Develop, implement, and oversee 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. Oversee and guide the AYF Youth Care Counsellor within the program, providing coaching, support, and professional development opportunities. Supervise Summer Students or Interns as required.
8. Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that encourages creativity, teamwork, and growth.
9. Organize and attend community events, workshops, and outreach activities to promote the program’s impact and garner support.
10. Adapt and refine program activities based on community needs, feedback, and changing circumstances.
11. Develop and manage the program budget, ensuring responsible and efficient use of resources, as well as monitor expenses, track financial transactions, and submit accurate and timely financial reports.
12. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Youth Engagement.

What we offer:

• Salary of $69,523.40/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