Youth and Young Adults Connections Specialist Term Contract

Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to empowering youth and young adults in our community through culturally informed and supportive programming. We are seeking a Youth and Young Adults Connections Specialist to join our team focusing on fostering positive growth recreation and family connections for male youth and young adults who are considered highrisk.

Under the direction of the Youth and Young Adults Program Manager the Youth and Young Adults Connections Specialist will develop and deliver tailored intervention and prevention programs specifically designed to address the unique challenges and needs faced by highrisk male youth and young adults. This role emphasizes building trust and rapport with male clients fostering a sense of belonging and purpose and creating a culturally safe and supportive environment where they can thrive.

This program will operate four days a week in the afternoon/evening and one day on the weekend.

This is a term contract covering a leave with a start date of May 2025 and an end date of August 10th 2026.

What youll do

Program Development and Delivery

• Develop and implement culturally relevant programs focused on positive reinforcement recreation and wellness for male youth and young adults.
  
• Plan and lead structured group activities including sports outdoor recreation teambuilding exercises and wellnessfocused workshops.
  
• Integrate First Nations cultural teachings and practices into programming such as drumming traditional storytelling and other relevant activities.
  
• Organize life skills training sessions to promote healthy relationships emotional regulation and selfesteem development.
• Create safe engaging spaces where participants feel supported valued and motivated.

Individual Support and Mentorship

• Provide oneonone mentorship for participants to address individual needs challenges and goals.
• Develop personalized action plans for highrisk youth focusing on behavioral improvement wellness and personal growth.
  
• Support participants in accessing additional resources such as counseling services employment programs or academic assistance.
• Act as a positive role model by demonstrating healthy decisionmaking and behavior.

Family and Community Engagement

• Build strong trusting relationships with participants families to promote open communication and collaborative support.
• Facilitate family sessions to encourage improved connections understanding and engagement with the program.
  
• Coordinate outreach efforts to connect with youth who are not currently engaged in community programs.
• Collaborate with Elders Knowledge Keepers and community leaders to support cultural learning and engagement.

Recreation and Wellness Activities

• Promote physical and mental wellbeing through structured wellness activities such as mindfulness exercises fitness challenges and group discussions on healthy habits.
• Ensure all activities are inclusive culturally respectful and aligned with participants interests and needs.

Administration and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and confidential program records including attendance progress reports and incident documentation.
• Track and evaluate program outcomes using feedback to improve services.
• Prepare reports for leadership outlining successes challenges and recommendations for future program development.
• Ensure program compliance with organizational policies safety protocols and funding requirements.

Collaboration and Professional Development

• Work closely with other program staff such as the Youth Team Education Department and Health Services to provide integrated support.
• Attend regular team meetings to share insights address challenges and plan upcoming initiatives
• Participate in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in youth engagement and intervention.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.

What you bring

Qualifications:

• Diploma or Degree in social sciences advocacy community development social work or a related field. We also recognize and value cultural knowledge and experience gained through other forms of education and training including teachings from Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding of Indigenous cultures traditions and contemporary issues.
• Proven ability to engage and motivate highrisk individuals through positive reinforcement and mentorship.
• Demonstrated ability to plan coordinate and lead group activities and workshops.
  
• Strong facilitation communication and conflictresolution skills.
• Excellent communication and relationshipbuilding skills.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience working within Indigenous communities focusing on at risk youth and young adults.

Cultural Competency:

• Deep understanding of Indigenous cultures traditions and contemporary issues.
  
• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
  
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities

Preferred

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
  
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Islands culture traditions teachings community dynamics.
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
  
• Excellent writing editing and verbal communication skills

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sqwqel (Seabird Island Band) including our policies procedures standards of practice and laws is essential. This commitment supports our collective work the community and the responsibilities of this role.
• Must possess a valid class 5 drivers license and have access to safe and reliable transportation insured for communitybased use to effectively transport clients students or children
• Flexibility in working hours is required including evenings and weekends to accommodate the needs and schedules of clientsand community needs. Employees will be given as much notice as possible to any changes in schedule. This program will operate four days a week afternoon/evening and one day on the weekend.

Benefits and perks

• Extended health and dental benefits
• Accrued vacation and sick time
• Pension plan with matching employer contributions
• Access to internal training programs professional development and skill enhancement
• Collaboration with an interdisciplinary team
• Equitable hourly rates
• Casual dress code

Reports to:

Youth and Young Adults Program Manager

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience particularly in relation to youth. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Have a question about this position before you apply Email.

Employment is conditional upon completing preemployment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students staff members families community as well as resources and assets are protected. All background checks reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Preemployment screening

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity equity and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives experiences and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code preference may be given to applicants of First Nations Mtis or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.