The Link is hiring! Come grow with us, walk alongside people in our community as we grow strong & resilient together. We are seeking candidates with strong character that share our vision for a brighter future; people of action who can support the resilience and potential in people. We honour and strive to model through our actions the traditional Seven Teachings of the Anishinabe: Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, and Humility & Truth.

SUMMARY: Supporting Opportunities Utilizing Recreation Community and Education, (S.O.U.R.C.E.) Mentor is responsible for helping to engage youth in recreational/pro-social activities in the community and for supporting the students with their educational goals. The position requires liaising with community agencies to support youth in accessing programs for recreation and with the ISS teachers to support credit attainment. All youth engaged in this program are provided with a safe and supportive environment which meets their emotional, mental, physical, educational, social, cultural and spiritual needs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: of the SOURCE Mentor include, but are not limited to:

• Participates as a member of the SOURCE team in planning and implementing strength-based, goal-oriented plans for the students and families
• Attend professional development opportunities as recommended and the as the schedule permits
• Establishes positive working relationships with community organizations to align with students interests and strengths
• Ongoing communication with the SOURCE team re: various community opportunities available for students
• Ability to form and maintain positive pro-social relationships with the students and community organizations
• Role models and fosters socially appropriate behavior for students
• Provides opportunities for social skill development, cultural and community networking
• Ability to effectively advocate for students
• Employs a strength-based, trauma-informed and culturally proficient approach when working with students
• Supports a safe learning environment for students
• Reinforces the educational goals and behavioral expectations in the classroom and community
• Contributes to the development of Student Specific Plans (SSP) and attends SOURCE team meeting bi-weekly to review/update plans
• Maintains on-going communication with the SOURCE team and attends scheduled meetings accordingly
• Supervises student and group activities, on-and-off sites
• Provides support and transportation to students as required (i.e. to and from the classroom, community events, appointments)
• Maintains appropriate boundaries and confidentiality with students
• Employs crisis intervention strategies in conjunction with other team members and service providers
• Adheres to all The Link and Winnipeg School Division policies and procedures
• Maintains accurate documentation, student contact data and confidential records
• Upon request, supports graduated (Post Grad) students during summer months following their graduation. Makes links and connections with participants in the community to support their skill development utilizing volunteer work and participant goals.
• Other duties as related to the position and as reasonably assigned by the supervisor, or as circumstances dictate, all within the context of The Link's Mission, Vision, and Guiding Principles, as well as a strong and progressive customer service and community service orientation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree or Diploma in Human Services or related field
• A combination of experience and/or education will be considered

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Experience working effectively with youth that have a diverse background, this may include Justice Involvement, substance misuse, gang involvement, mental health disorders and impacts of trauma including intergenerational trauma
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team and outside agencies
• Must have knowledge, experience and understanding of Indigenous culture and traditions
• Effective problem solving skills, which includes a flexible, person centered approach
• Experience connecting with youth using a relatable approach, with the ability to create and maintain strong boundaries
• Current certification in either DLE (The Purposeful Use of Daily Life Events) or TCS (Therapeutic Crisis Solutions)
• Current First-aid/CPR certification;
• ASIST Certificate (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and NVCI Certificate (Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training);
• Mental Health First Aid Certification;
• Safe Talk, & Living Works Start;
• Willingness to obtain or complete training as per The Link Policy and/or SOURCE required training;
• Knowledge of systems for children in care, school, and family functioning and child welfare preferred;
• Current satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search, a clear Child Abuse Registry check with acceptable Prior Contact checks and a clear Adult Abuse Registry check.

**Valid driver’s license and use of personal vehicle is a requirement for this position**

**The Link is committed to the health and safety of its employees, people we serve, stakeholders, and the community. The Link requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, in a manner that is approved by Health Canada, as a condition of employment. (Accommodations will be made for those who are exempt from receiving the vaccine due to legitimate, established reasons in accordance with The Human Rights Code of Manitoba. In these cases, appropriate supporting documentation will be required.)**

PREFERRED

• Knowledge of the Youth Justice System is considered an asset
• Knowledge of community based organizations and programs that may benefit the students is considered an asset
• Knowledge of supporting children in their learning
• Ability to think logically under difficult situations or under pressure
• Must provide services through an indigenous lens that is holistic and focuses on the strengths and experiences of Indigenous children, youth and families
• Possess the capacity (ability) to be aware of and control one's own emotions, maintains professional boundaries, and handles interpersonal relationships respectfully, empathetically, and professionally
• Ability to speak indigenous language is an asset
• Relevant lived experience may be considered an asset

SALARY RANGE: $25.00 per hour.

HOURS OF WORK: 20-25 HOURS PER WEEK. Flexible hours will be required to meet the needs of students. Must be available to work days, evenings, split shifts, weekends & overtime.

HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must demonstrate in their resume and cover letter how they meet the requirements of the position. Please submit a cover letter and resume (in Word or PDF format).

Application Deadline: Open until Filled

The Link is an equal opportunity employer, Indigenous people, women, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The Link is committed to developing and retaining a diverse workforce. All job offers are conditional upon providing the following satisfactory, and current (within 3 months) background checks: Child/Adult Abuse Registry Check; Prior Contact Check; and Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. For further information about our other employment and volunteer opportunities, please visit our website https://thelinkmb.easyapply.co/