ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW:

The Old Strathcona Youth Society is a non-profit low-barrier drop-in center that supports unhoused and vulnerable youth between the ages of 14 and 24. Supporting Edmonton youth for the past 25 years, OSYS provides non-judgmental, trauma-informed access to basic needs items, services and referrals. Taking a relationship-based approach to providing care, the OSYS team believes that healthy communities start with healthy, meaningful connections. With this in mind, OSYS is committed to ensuring that the center is a place where youth feel safe and supported.

MISSION STATEMENT:

To provide purposeful resources and create a safe and supportive environment that fosters youth empowerment and development.

COMMITED TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION

OSYS is committed to equity and inclusion and strongly encourages applications from Indigenous peoples and other BIPOC, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with relevant lived experience.

ROLE:

The Indigenous Cultural Support Worker is responsible for the ongoing development & facilitation OSYS’ Indigenous cultural programming. The Indigenous Cultural Support Worker collaborates with all staff and the Executive Director to provide information and referrals and ensures that the agency remains a safe and positive space for all youth.

REPORTS TO: Program Coordinator and/or

Executive Director

HOURS:

• Tuesday to Saturday

• Days, Evening, Weekends

SALARY & BENEFITS:

• Salaried Position: $64, 800*

• Health Benefits, Paid Sick leave, and Vacation

• Mileage reimbursement

• Full-time hours based on a 37.5 / week

WORK LOCATION:

• Located at 9912 81 ave and in the community

START DATE:

• Immediately

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

SPECIALISED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Develop and deliver OSYS’ Indigenous cultural programing to connect youth from varying Indigenous backgrounds with their culture (Facilitation of ceremony, access to cultural resources, and education, etc.).

• Deliver services and programs to youth in a non-judgmental manner while ensuring that the services being provided are tailored to meet the needs of the individual.

• Work to improve community response and knowledge with respect to the needs, circumstances, and barriers Indigenous youth experiencing poverty, homelessness, mental health crisis, and addiction face.

• Develop and maintain partnerships/collaborations with Indigenous-based community services and other youth-serving organizations.

GENERAL RESPONSIBLITIES

• Provide support in a non-judgmental and harm reduction-centered approach

• Coordinate with service teams and referral networks when necessary

• Document relevant client interactions in a timely fashion and store client information in a secure way to maintain client confidentiality

• Establish rapport and develop strong helping, client-centered relationships with vulnerable youth ages 14-24

• Daily supervision of drop-in activities to create a safe environment

• Ensures adequate supervision regarding youth behaviors and interactions within OSYS to create and maintain a safe place.

• Uses appropriate crisis intervention techniques to de-escalate situations

• Actively facilitates, participates in, and promotes professional team functioning through participation in professional development, team debriefs, and self-evaluation.

• Participates in fundraising activities as a representative and advocate for OSYS.

• Deliver services and programs to youth in a non-judgmental manner, while demonstrating a commitment to providing services that suit the needs of each youth who accesses services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

Post-secondary education in a discipline relevant to this work or equivalent experience.

Experience and Qualities:

• Knowledge in the Indigenous culture and traditions.

• Experience working with Indigenous youth and families.

• Demonstrated ability to develop positive, effective, professional rapport and relationships with youth.

• Demonstrated competency in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and behavior management skills

• knowledge of the complex issues that youth face when dealing with poverty, homelessness, addiction, and self-esteem issues, particularly knowledge of the unique experience of homeless Indigenous youth.

• Demonstrated ability to manage crises, emergencies, and work calmly in a high-pressure environment

• Demonstrated ability in working collaboratively with community agencies.

• Proficient computer skills, familiarity with Microsoft Office Programs (Outlook and Excel)

• Clear and effective written and oral communication, strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills

• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, excellent time management, and organizational skills.

Record Checks & Transportation Requirements

• Must provide a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector and Intervention Record Check (within a 6-month period from date of completion
• Valid Driver’s License, own vehicle and good driving record.
• 2-million-dollar liability insurance coverage