Cultural Youth Prevention Worker (Female)

(Relying on Provisions of Section 23 of the Ontario Human Rights Code)

Start Date: ​Immediate – March 31, 2025

Position reports to:​ Manager, Children and Youth Programs.

Location:​2323 St Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON

Work Conditions:​ Located in an office setting; low- risk environment.

Salary: ​$45,000 - $49,000 depending on education and experience

Benefits:​​ Attractive and comprehensive benefits package including an employee

​ pension plan.

Summary

The Cultural Youth Prevention Worker (CYP) provides culturally based services to Indigenousyouth between the ages of 12-29 years living in Ottawa who are at risk of or survivors of violence and victimization in the Ottawa urban Indigenous communities. The program provides culture-based programming for youth using a holistic well-being approach to strengthen and inform self-identity and decrease the risk factors that contribute to violence and victimization, including human trafficking; and increase protective factors to build strengths, skills and resiliency for Indigenous youth and their families.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide individual support such as basic needs, service referrals for mental health, addictions, crisis support, navigation, transportation to appointments, advocacy, and mentorship for twenty (20) Indigenous youth per quarter.

• Provide culturally relevant youth anti-violence and human trafficking prevention counselling and support.

• Strong advocacy skills to support and re-engage youth in academic and employment related initiatives.

• Support families of youth that may be at risk of violence, victimization, and human trafficking.

• Assist youth to access pro-social activities, relationships, and positive role models specific to their cultural backgrounds.

• Engage in quarterly meetings with other community groups or agencies working specifically with Indigenous youth.

• Participate in outreach with existing community partners to build new partnerships that will provide services to Indigenous youth who are not currently in the Minwaashin Lodge network.

• Offer two culture-based drop-in sessions per week for youth.  Gauge youth interests and needs to address cultural revitalization and teachings related to linguistic, spiritual, and cultural practices of Indigenous peoples, and adjust programming design appropriately.

• Possess a solid understanding of colonization and assimilation with ongoing systemicchallenges such as the cycle of violence and victimization specific to Indigenous Support in-house annual events i.e., Annual Women’s Gathering; Children and Youth Pow- wow and Children’s Winter Giveaway.

• Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor or designate that are within the specifications of the Cultural Youth Prevention position.

• Promote the program via social media and with community partners.

• Administration of pre and post surveys with youth and maintain attendance logs.

• Keep records such as documentation related to clients’ confidential information.

• Actively participate in weekly/bi-weekly team, and monthly staff meetings.

• Actively participate in training and professional development activities relevant to the position as approved by the Executive Director.

• Adhere to Minwaashin Lodge’s Policies and Procedures ensuring good ethical boundariesand confidentiality are always in place.

• Possess a solid understanding of colonization and assimilation with ongoing systemicchallenges such as the cycle of violence and victimization specific to Indigenous communities.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education with at least 3 years’ experience working with an urban Indigenous community.

• Knowledge of the Indigenous and non-Indigenous service system in Ottawa-Carleton Area including shelter services, food banks, soup kitchens and drop-in centers.

• Knowledge of youth specific programs and supports offered throughout the Ottawa region.

• Excellent knowledge of Residential Schools system, Intergenerational trauma and the 60’sscoop.

• Good knowledge of how Indigenous youth become involved in the sex trade, become homeless and turn to substance use as a coping mechanism.

• Commitment to a feminist, holistic approach and to work in close collaboration with team members, Elders and grandmothers.

• Good knowledge of Indigenous cultures.

Employer Preference

• First Nation, Inuit, Metis or Non-Status

Employment Requirements

• Current Criminal Records Check

• Valid CPR/First Aid Certification

• Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record

• Vehicle an asset with 2 million Liability  Insurance

• Excellent verbal, written, computer and communication skills.

• Evening and weekend work required.

To apply:​

Applicants are asked to submit a resume and cover letter with 3 references toKatherine Holden, Director, Finance & HR, Minwaashin Lodge, 2323 St. Laurent Blvd, Ottawa ON K1G 4J8 or email to: kholdlen@minlodge.com

Closing Date: 

Until filled.

We thank all those that apply; however, only those invited for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.