Youth Services Worker

KʷU KʷLIW̓T L̓ NQMAPLQS | WE LIVE AT HEAD OF THE LAKE

[TEXT]Located within the unceded territory of the syilx people, the Okanagan Indian Band is comprised of six reserves located in the North Okanagan.
Come join the OKIB Team and enjoy all that the beautiful Okanagan Valley has to offer, including a great climate, stunning scenery, world-class ski resorts, golf courses, wineries and beaches.

The OKIB offers a welcoming team environment and a rewarding job experience. You can expect a supportive work environment and a total compensation package which includes:

• 3 Weeks’ Vacation Pay

• Extended Health and Dental Benefits

• Employer Matched Pension Plan

• 15 Statutory Holidays

• Paid Winter Holiday Break

• Cultural Leave

• Discounted Silver Star lift passes

• Retention Bonuses after years of service

• 15 Paid Sick Days

• Paid Personal Leave

• Employee Assistance Program

• Professional Development Opportunities

Hours of work**: 37.5 hours per week**

Start Date: ASAP

Deadline for applications**: January 4, 2026**

JOB SUMMARY
The Youth Services Worker supports OKIB youth through one-on-one mentorship, group programs, and community activities that emphasize cultural connection, skill-building, and mental wellness. This role focuses on reducing risks and increasing protective factors through relationship-based, youth-centered approaches. By delivering direct services that promote personal development, cultural identity, and life skills, the Youth Services Worker plays a key role in fostering resilience, empowerment, and positive outcomes for youth within the community.

REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports to the Youth Services Team Lead.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide individualized support to youth experiencing challenges related to school, family conflict, substance use, identity, or trauma.

• Deliver life skills training, goal setting, and emotional regulation strategies to promote resilience and personal growth.

• Coordinate and lead youth programs, including recreation nights, land-based learning, and cultural camps

• Build trust-based relationships with youth to support safety planning and early intervention

• Advocate for school attendance and educational achievement through collaboration with educators and families

• Facilitate culturally relevant youth circles, peer discussions, and group learning opportunities

• Refer youth and families to appropriate services such as counseling, housing, employment, and addictions support

• Work collaboratively with the CFS team, educators, Elders, and health professionals to provide wraparound supports

• Maintain accurate, confidential records of youth activities, progress, and program participation

• Facilitate group activities, workshops, and cultural programming to strengthen community connections

• Provide one-on-one mentorship and assist youth in accessing education, employment, and recreational opportunities

• Support youth in crisis prevention and intervention situations, ensuring safety and well-being

• Document program activities and contribute to reporting and evaluation processes.

• Perform all duties & responsibilities in accordance with the OKIB policies & procedures

• All persons employed by the OKIB may be required to assist the Band in providing emergency services. Duties assigned during an emergency may differ from regular duties

• Participates in community events as requested

• Performs other duties as required

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR
You have education, experience, or an equivalent combination may be considered. You are community-minded, detail-oriented, have a willingness to contribute to a team and an excellent communicator.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Child and Youth Care, Social Services, or related discipline

• Current First Aid/CPR certificate or willing to obtain

• Valid BC Driver’s licence, minimum Class 5 and reliable vehicle

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Experience

• 2+ years of experience supporting Indigenous youth in a community setting

• Experience working with youth programs

• Experience working with First Nations communities

Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)

• Possesses cultural appropriateness and sensitivity towards OKIB and Community

• Knowledge of youth engagement, cultural identity development and Indigenous approaches to wellness

• Able to build rapport, set boundaries, and respond effectively to crisis or emotional distress

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing

• Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a virtual interdisciplinary team.

• Values and recognizes diversity among First Nation, Inuit and Metis communities including differently abled and LGBTQ2S populations

• Enthusiastic about life and positive attitude

• Demonstrated ability to work with hard to reach youth

• Ability to listen and demonstrate empathy

• Effective verbal and written communication

• Ability to exercise tact and diplomacy

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Intermediate level computer/technological skills

CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE
$35.00 - $42.00/hour dependant on education and experience.

Please send resume, cover letter and references in any one of two ways:

Email: recruiting@okanagan.org
Mail or drop off: 12420 Westside Road, Vernon, BC V1H 2A4
If you have accessibility needs, please contact Hollie Lachuk @ 250-542-4328 ext. 1011

The successful applicant will be required to provide a Criminal Record Check that includes the vulnerable sector and three references

Education : Bachelor’s degree

Experience : 2 years to less than 3 years