Youth and Young Adults Connections Specialist

Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to empowering youth and young adults in our community through culturally informed and supportive programming. We are seeking two Youth and Young Adults Connections Specialists to join our team, focusing on fostering positive growth, recreation, and family connections for female/male youth and young adults who are considered high-risk. 

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 high-risk female/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 with an end date of March 30th, 2027.  (With a possibility of extension.)

What you’ll do

Program Development and Delivery

• Develop and implement culturally relevant programs focused on positive reinforcement, recreation, and wellness for female/male youth and young adults.
  
• Plan and lead structured group activities, including sports, outdoor recreation, team-building exercises, and wellness-focused 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 self-esteem development.
• Create safe, engaging spaces where participants feel supported, valued, and motivated.
  
  

Individual Support and Mentorship 

• Provide one-on-one mentorship for participants to address individual needs, challenges, and goals.
• Develop personalized action plans for high-risk 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 decision-making 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 well-being 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 high-risk individuals through positive reinforcement and mentorship.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and lead group activities and workshops.
  
• Strong facilitation, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building 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 Island’s 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 Sq'éwqel (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 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based 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 clients and 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 [email protected].

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment 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.

Pre-employment 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, Métis, 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.