Position Description:

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Youth Worker (YW) provides consistent, relationship-based care and supervision to youth residing in Binesi Waziswon, a 24-hour live-in mental health treatment program for youth aged 12-17. YWs create a safe, structured, engaging, and culturally respectful living environment where youth can practice skills, develop independence, and strengthen connections to themselves, others, and the land.

Working in 12-hour shifts, YWs play a central role in supporting youth outside of clinician and Knowledge Keeper-led sessions. Through daily routines, positive presence, shared responsibilities, and intentional engagement, YWs support youth healing in practical, relational, and culturally grounded ways.

The YWs will be a part of Kenora Chiefs Advisory and will deliver services in accordance with KCA policies, and the mandate outlined by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

Position Title:                     Youth Worker – Binesi Waziswon

Department:                      Binesi Waziswon

Location:                              37 Strecker Road, Kenora ON

Hourly:                                 $28.85 per hour

Reports to:                          Program Manager or designate

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Youth Care, Supervision, Engagement

  • Provide consistent supervision and relational support and guidance to program youth who are experiencing emotional and/or behavioural difficulties which impact their ability to function
  • Provide safe medication assistance to youth in accordance with program policy, training, and scope of practice. Demonstrate knowledge of documentation requirements and safety protocols.
  • Build therapeutic relationships grounded in trust, respect, positivity, and clear professional boundaries.
  • Maintain a calm, confident, and balanced presence, demonstrating the ability to be assertive when needed while remaining regulated and supportive.
  • Actively engage youth in daily routines, recreation, life-skills development, and community living.
  • Ensure youth remain meaningfully engaged during non-clinical programming times.
  • Model respectful, cooperative approaches to shared living through communication with peers.
  • Life Skill Support
    • Involve youth in cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and other household responsibilities when appropriate, using these moments as opportunities to:
      • Teach responsibility and independence,
      • Build confidence and practical skills,
      • Reinforce teamwork and contribution.

Daily Operations

Support daily household operations, including:

  • House cleaning and upkeep,
  • Laundry support,
  • Meal preparation and clean-up,
  • Maintaining house logs and reporting items that require maintenance

Team Collaboration & Communication

  • Work professionally and positively within a multidisciplinary team.
  • Participate in shift handovers, team meetings, and case discussions.
  • Share relevant observations regarding youth strengths, challenges, and progress.
  • Maintain respectful communication and teamwork across shifts.
  • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all health-related matters

Care Plan Support

  • Help support youth in working toward their goals as outlined in their individual care plans – treatment plan created in collaboration with the youth, their caregivers, Care Coordinators, Clinicians, CYWs, and Teachers.
    • Reinforce skill use through daily interactions, routines, and activities.
    • Assist youth in identifying emotions, triggers, and coping strategies in real time    
    • Model emotional regulation, problem-solving, and respectful communication in all interactions – with youth clients and staff.
    • Implement therapeutic life skills programs designed for the youth
    • Support youth and their families regarding specific ways to recognize, address and resolve mental health and wellness challenges
  • Observe youth for potential side effects or concerns and communicate appropriately with clinical staff.
  • Keep timely, detailed, and accurate daily records and logs in accordance with program requirements. Track significant interactions and observations. Report concerns/incidents promptly to the Program Manager.
  • Ensure that each oncoming shift is updated on any issues that require immediate consideration/attention.
  • Contribute to the evaluation of service with respect to its effectiveness in meeting the community needs and achieving our mandate

Crisis Intervention & Behaviour Support

  • Respond calmly and effectively to youth distress, conflict, or crisis situations.
  • Use trauma-informed de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies.
  • Maintain emotional regulation and clarity during high-stress situations.
  • Follow safety plans, incident protocols, and documentation requirements.
  • Know when to seek additional clinical or leadership support.

Cultural Participation, Ceremony, and Events

  • Facilitate clients’ access to Anishinaabe knowledge, traditions and cultural beliefs in the healing process when appropriate
  • Directly support youth and families to connect with traditional Knowledge Keepers, Healers and Elders for the purposes of accessing ceremony and any other cultural engagements
  • Support and participate in cultural activities, land-based programming, ceremonies, Feast Days, and program celebrations in a respectful and appropriate way.
  • Assist with preparation for Ceremony Days, Feast Days, and program events (e.g., setting up spaces, preparing food, supporting logistics).
  • Model humility, curiosity, and respect in cultural spaces.

Qualifications:

  • Experience working with or supporting youth in a helping role
  • Ability to work well within a team dynamic
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
  • Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations
  • Lived experience as a youth navigating the social service systems, and/or having experienced overcoming adversity, is an asset
  • Knowledge of the Anishinaabe culture and language and experience working with First Nations communities considered an asset

Education/Experience:

  • Post-secondary education in a social science or health field is an asset
  • Experience working with youth is an asset

Additional Requirements:

  • Valid driver’s license and vehicle
  • Must be willing to travel when required
  • Broad Sector Criminal Records Search

Please forward resume, cover letter and 3 references to:

Human Resource Department

Kenora Chiefs Advisory

P.O. Box 349- 240 Veterans Drive, 3rd Floor

Kenora ON P9N 3X4

Fax: 807-467-2656

Email:  resume@kenorachiefs.org

**We thank all that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted

** Traditional practices involve burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar within the work setting

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