Youth Education Support Worker

Make a difference in the lives of Indigenous peoples by supporting and advocating for positive change. ONWA prides itself on providing all employees with a total rewards package that is generous and supports our workforce and their family members:

• Competitive salaries
• Paid time off at Christmas above paid vacation time
• Additional paid stat and civic holidays
• 35 hour work week
• Paid cultural/personal wellness days
• Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
• Ongoing professional development.

VISION:

At the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), we celebrate and honour the safety and healing of Indigenous Women and Girls as they take up their leadership roles in the family, community, provincially, nationally and internationally for generations to come.

SCOPE:

The Youth Education Support Worker (YESW) provides trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and youth-centered support services to Indigenous youth who are currently involved in, or preparing to enter, the education system. The Youth Education Support Worker serves the Thunder Bay and Timmins catchment areas to support Indigenous youth in building capacity, connection, identity, self-esteem, and overall wellness through culturally relevant interventions, land-based learning opportunities, Indigenous teachings, advocacy, and community-based supports.

The Youth Education Support Worker works directly with youth through one-on-one support, outreach, case management, community engagement, and system navigation to promote safety, stabilization, educational success, and positive life outcomes. Services may be delivered in person, virtually, by telephone, through email, social media, schools, community settings, and other appropriate locations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

SKILLS:

• Minimum college diploma in Social Sciences or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience working directly with youth.
• Experience providing one-on-one support, advocacy, case management, and service coordination.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and active listening skills.
• Strong ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and manage time effectively.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while meeting deadlines.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to view situations from multiple perspectives.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with youth, schools, service providers, and community agencies.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Office 365, internet applications, databases, and office technology.
• Ability to speak an Indigenous language is considered an asset.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of data collection, reporting requirements, and documentation practices.
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultures, teachings, traditions, ceremonies, and cultural programming.
• Knowledge of current issues impacting Indigenous women, youth, families, and communities.
• Understanding of trauma-informed and youth-centered service delivery approaches.
• Knowledge of educational systems, youth development, and community support services.
• Knowledge of Indigenous mental health and wellness supports, traditional healing practices, Elders, and Knowledge Keeper services.
• Knowledge of housing supports, employment programs, educational resources, and life skills programming available to youth.
• Knowledge of community agencies, service providers, and referral pathways in the areas of service delivery.
• Knowledge of not-for-profit organizations and community-based service delivery models.
• Understanding of Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis and its application to service delivery.

Please know, this is an existing role we are looking to fill.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.