Youth Outreach Worker

Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 7 pm (10-hour shifts). Work schedule, including days and hours, is subject to change.

As a member of the Indigenous Youth Outreach Team, you will provide street outreach services, harm reduction services, advocacy, and 1-to-1 support to youth in the East Vancouver and Downtown Eastside neighborhoods. This position requires extensive walking in these areas, and candidates must be comfortable supporting community members using UNYA’s philosophy of care, which is grounded in trauma-informed practice, harm reduction, and person-centered care.

The Indigenous Youth Outreach Team supports youth in accessing housing, employment, education, training, and life-skills, as well as in addressing alcohol and drug use, mental health, and physical health challenges, or any other areas in which youth seek support. The Indigenous Youth Outreach Team reports directly to the Manager of the Aboriginal Safe House and the Director of Youth Programs.

This is a full-time position under an averaging agreement, with shifts scheduled Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 7 pm (10-hour shifts). Work schedule, including days and hours, is subject to change.

• Educational experience required (example: diploma in a relevant field, 2 years of recent related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).
• Experience working with the Indigenous community. Must demonstrate a good working knowledge of community resources in Vancouver, particularly youth & Indigenous-specific resources.
• 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 the ability to identify with mandate, policies and procedures of the organization.
• Must have a criminal record check completed by and satisfactory to UNYA.
• Proof of Covid-19 vaccination will be required.
• Knowledge of the following modalities:
• Culture as Therapy
• Person Centered Approach
• Family Systems Approach
• Demonstrated experience engaging and working effectively with Indigenous youth.
• Demonstrated knowledge of mental health issues, addiction issues, concurrent disorders, and FASD.
• 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.

• Contribute to a team focused on increasing safety, connection, and empowerment for youth.
• Create respectful relationships with youth in the community and connect them to relevant resources and services.
• Support youth with harm reduction strategies, supplies and education.
• Facilitate collaborative care for youth by keeping all professionals up to date, and participating in care planning as needed.
• Prepare and submit accurate and timely statistics and written reports.
• Stay informed of current social and street trends, and all issues that affect street-involved youth.
• Positively and proactively address any concerns, incidents, or crises which affect youth participants, program operation and mandate, UNYA policies, and community relations.
• Perform any other duty deemed necessary by the ASH Manager, Director of Youth Programs or CEO to ensure the safe, healthy, and productive operation of the Indigenous Youth Outreach Program.

What we offer:

• Compensation: $27.96 to $32.56/hourly (based on years of experience)
• 40 hours a week, averaging agreement of 4 days – 10 hour shifts
• Vacation, Sick, 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

How to Apply:

If you would like to become a part of this tremendous team, send an expression of interest indicating the position you are applying to the attention of the ASH Program Manager at

*** We are an
Indigenous
youth organization whose mandate is to provide meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth. We encourage qualified Indigenous – First Nations, Metis, and…