Youth Services Team Lead

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

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 Team Lead oversees the delivery of culturally relevant, prevention-focused youth programs that promote safety, wellness, identity, and leadership. This role provides team supervision, program coordination and community outreach, ensuring youth are supported holistically and are connected to their culture, land and community.

REPORTING STRUCTURE
Reports to the Child & Family Services Manager.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Supervision

• Provide strategic supervision, mentorship and guidance to Youth Services Workers and Peer Support Workers, ensuring alignment with organizational values and goals

• Support team development through coaching, training and reflective supervision, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Youth Services team, ensuring effective workflow management and accountability

• Monitor youth case files, ensuring timely referrals, follow-up and compliance with confidentiality and safety standards

Program Management

• Design, develop and coordinate innovative youth programs such as life skills training, leadership development, cultural camps, recreation and mentorship initiatives

• Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of youth programs, workshops and cultural activities to ensure relevance and impact

• Ensure all programming is prevention-focused, culturally grounded, trauma-informed and responsive to community needs

• Organize youth engagement events, cultural gatherings and leadership forums, representing the program in community and inter-agency settings

Collaboration & Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with schools, health centres, justice programs, Elders, and other community organizations to provide wraparound services

• Collaborate with families and community stakeholders to enhance youth support networks and cultural connections

• Facilitate youth leadership development, encouraging active participation in community decision-making processes

• Promote youth voice and inclusion in program design, delivery, and evaluation to ensure programs reflect their needs and aspirations

Additional Duties

• Manage program budgets, monitor expenditures and ensure fiscal responsibility in collaboration with the CFS Manager

• Oversee resource allocation and procurement, ensuring programs have the necessary materials and supports for successful delivery

• Provide hands-on support and crisis intervention for youth in complex or high-needs situations, ensuring safety and well-being

• Advocate for youth access to culturally relevant resources, mental health supports and community services

• Prepare financial and operational reports for internal review and external stakeholders

• 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

DIRECT REPORTS
Youth Services Workers and Peer Support Workers.

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 Work or related field
• Current First Aid/CPR certificate or willing to obtain
• Valid BC Driver’s licence, minimum Class 5 and reliable vehicle
• Criminal records check with vulnerable sector clearance

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience working with Indigenous youth and families, including supervisory roles

• Experience and knowledge with youth programs and resources

• Experience working with First Nations communities

Competencies (KSAs & Desired Attributes)

• Possesses cultural appropriateness and sensitivity towards OKIB and Community

• Deep understanding of intergenerational trauma, youth development and Indigenous resilience

• Strong leadership, communication and crisis intervention skills

• Demonstrated ability to work with hard to reach youth and their families

• Trauma-informed, strength-based and harm-reduction approaches

• Excellent interpersonal, conflict resolution and leadership skills

• Experience with community outreach and crisis intervention

• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing

• Ability to work both independently as well as collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team

• Ability to prioritize and organize workload

• Intermediate level ability with Microsoft Suite

• Desire to increase capacity through professional development

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

CLASSIFICATION/PAY SCALE
$46.00 - $50.00/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

Preference will be given to qualified Aboriginal Applicants as per section 41 of the Human Rights Code.

Education : Bachelor’s degree

Experience : 3 years to less than 5 years