Indigenous Youth Mentorship Coordinator

SCOPE

 The ONWA Indigenous Youth Life Promotions Program will provide holistic services that meet the needs of Indigenous youth through a range of services focusing on mental, physical, spiritual and emotional well-being through a cultural, trauma-informed, gender based and uses a strength centered approach.

 The Indigenous Youth Mentorship Coordinator position is a key component in the delivery of the ONWA Indigenous Youth Life Promotions Program and ensures a range of holistic services.  

This position will support land based activities and traditional healing through ceremony and by offering traditional teachings and guidance to youth. The Indigenous Youth Mentorship Coordinator Program will provide training opportunities and work experience to participating youth.

 QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Post-secondary diploma/degree in Social Sciences, Indigenous Studies, Women's Studies with a minimum three (3) years' work experience in community service delivery in a project coordination role.  
2. Knowledge of and sensitivity to Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and/or M\xE9tis) traditions, cultures, practices, and educational issues an asset.
3. Experience working with Indigenous youth, or with Indigenous institutions/organizations. (Related experience is considered, for example, community involvement through volunteer experience, work with at-risk youth).
4. Understanding of mental health issues and suicide 
5. Strong knowledge and awareness of Indigenous culture, traditions, ceremony and connecting Community Members to cultural practices that can be used in supporting youth
6. Thorough knowledge and experience working in and with a gender based lens/perspective
7. Solid understanding of recent, historical and intergenerational trauma that Indigenous youth and their families may have experienced
8. Understanding of cultural trauma-informed care and wise practices in providing trauma-informed care
9. Communication skills, facilitation skills and youth program planning would be an asset to the position.
10. A willingness to work flexible hours as needed to provide ongoing support and services to Community Members.
11. This position will include evening and weekend hours.
12. Criminal Reference Clearance (CPIC) and Vulnerable Sector Clearance are requirements of the employment offer
13. Valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle with minimum 2 million liability insurance is required

 RESPONSIBILITIES - SPECIFIC:

1. Coordinate talking, teaching, healing circles, cultural programming and land based activities
2. Provide direct traditional-based counselling and participate in planning.
3. Model behavior in a manner that serves as an example of positive cultural values, attitudes, beliefs, and actions.
4. Coordinate teachings about traditional medicines. eg. Teachings, care for and use, storage, medicine bags, growing/picking, etc.
5. Coordinate teachings about traditional food, eg., teachings on health benefits, harvesting, growing, preparing, storing.
6. Promotion of language restoration.
7. Assist in responding to crisis situations involving Community Members, including assessing and addressing risky behavior (self-harm, suicide)
8. Provide education workshops to youth and community
9. Other duties as assigned.

 RESPONSIBILITIES - GENERAL: 

1. Culture - Takes personal responsibility to increase sensitivity, awareness and implementation of ONWA's cultural teachings and organizational practices in both professional conduct and work-related deliverables.
2. Support and work towards the overall aims and objectives of the ONWA.
3. Adhere to all policies and procedures

 STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE: 

1. Adhere to the Policies and Procedures as set by the ONWA
2. Representation on committees as required for the enhancement and benefits of ONWA's programs.
3. To network and promote ONWA and all ONWA related programs.  Adhere to professionalism at all times and maintain good communication.
4. Maintain professionalism at all times.
5. The completion of functions outlined in the description and the achievement of goals set to a high level.
6. Attendance and conduct at work according to the requirements of the Association's Personnel Policy.
7. Adherence to the Code of Ethics, and positive relationship building.