Wasa-Nabin Worker

Employed by the United Native Friendship Centre, responsible to the policies and directions as determined by the Executive Director, Board of Directors and under the direct daily supervision of the Program Manager.

OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION: The program has been specifically designed to provide a comprehensive set of activities for at risk urban Indigenous youth aged 13 – 18 years. The Wasa-Nabin program design is based on a fundamental principle; to improve the quality of life of urban Indigenous youth through the delivery of culturally appropriate services and programs.

AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY: The Wasa-Nabin Worker will ensure that program design and delivery comply with the Friendship Centre and Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centre’s standards of performance and that all program requirements are attained. The program will focus on six areas: provision of social support, outreach to youth in care, promotion of health and physical development, support of educational services, providing justice interventions and support anti-violence techniques.

QUALIFICATIONS:
– Social Worker Diploma and/or equivalent certification
-1 – 2 years related work experience working with youth 13 – 18 years of age
-Exemplify healthy lifestyle behaviours
-Knowledge of local Indigenous culture and Ojibway language is considered an asset
-Ability to work professionally and collaboratively with youth and their families as well as other agencies and community
-Experience in program planning, development, implementation, data collection and evaluation
-Knowledge of and accepting of the Anishinaabe, Indigenous Culture and practices including smudging and ceremonies
-Must possess good written and oral communication skills
-Experience in presenting educational workshops and facilitating groups
-Excellent computer skills
-Ability to work as a team player and be capable of coordinating activities with other Friendship Centre programs
-Able to meet deadlines with minimal supervision
-Willingness to travel when required
-Must be available to work some evenings and weekends
-Must possess current First Aid/CPR and WHMIS certification
-A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check will be a condition of the employment offer.
-Valid Class G Driver’s License

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:
-Ensure the development and implementation of a full range of program services as identified in the Friendship Centres Annual Service Plan.
-Ensure that the Wasa-Nabin program is grounded in culture-based youth development principles and practices
-Promote awareness and ensure access to the Wasa-Nabin program.
-Promote the development of protocols and referral agreements as appropriate to meet the developmental needs of Aboriginal youth in the community.
-Conduct a needs assessment for youth and to develop and to develop a plan of action to meet the needs of youth referred to the Wasa-Nabin program.
-Refer youth to appropriate services as required to meet the needs of the youth and to document the results of these referrals.
-Initiate and participate in case conferences as necessary to ensure needs of youth are met.
-Coordinate individual and group activities (physical, social) as required to meet the needs of program clients.
-Ensure supervision of all Wasa-Nabin program activities.
-Coordinate and implement programming after school three times/week and every second weekend.
-Ensure the maintenance of secure and confidential filing system as required under the File Maintenance Policy of the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centre’s.
-Provide accurate records and reports of Wasa-Nabin program activities and needs.
-Participate in training and evaluation processes to ensure continued growth and development of the Wasa-Nabin program.
-Ensure a balance of approaches is available to meet the needs of all youth attending and participating in the program.
-Liaise with community youth services.
-Assist in youth development through increasing life skills, safety awareness, nutrition and healthy physical development activities, anti-violence training and youth diversion initiatives.
-Increase cultural understanding of youth and their families.
-Engage in one-to-one counselling and peer support, as youth require.
-Promote intergenerational activities.
-Other duties as requested

EVALUATION:
The position will be evaluated after completion of a three and six-month probationary period and on an annual basis thereafter. It will be based on the description and specific goals of the program as agreed upon by the Executive Director and Board of Directors.