Child and Youth Advocacy Specialist

Government of Nunavut; Iqaluit; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Government of Nunavut is seeking a Child and Youth Advocacy Specialist to provide vital advocacy services in Iqaluit. This role supports children, youth, and their families, addressing complex issues through direct interaction and collaboration with various stakeholders. Candidates should possess a degree in Social Work and experience working directly with young individuals, preferably with knowledge of the Inuit culture and community resources.

Qualifications

• Experience providing direct service to children and youth (3 years preferred).
• Knowledge of Inuit communities and culture.
• Fluency in Inuktut, English, and French preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides advocacy services to children and youth of Nunavut.
• Interacts with community stakeholders to address issues.
• Creates and delivers child rights resources and awareness activities.

Skills

Advocacy

Cultural Awareness

Communication

Education

University degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

Thank you for contacting the Government of Nunavut.

Please do not send sensitive or personal information, including (but not limited to): social insurance numbers, birthdates, information of other people, or health information. Please only send a brief description of your issue or concern and how we can contact you. We will make sure the correct person contacts you if they need more information or if they can answer your question or concern.

This employment opportunity is restricted to residents of Iqaluit only.

The Representative for Children and Youth’s Office (RCYO) is an independent office of the Legislative Assembly. The RCYO works to ensure that legislation, policies, procedures, programs, and services put in place by the Government of Nunavut provide ethical, equitable, and consistent outcomes that meet the needs and support the rights of young Nunavummiut, and their families. The RCYO fulfills a range of responsibilities under the Representative for Children and Youth Act (RCYA) that hold government accountable, including individual advocacy, systemic advocacy, reviews of critical injuries and deaths, as well as public awareness, outreach, and education functions.

Reporting to the Manager of Individual Advocacy Services, this position provides advocacy services to the children and youth of Nunavut and plays a lead role in resolving complex and sensitive issues. The incumbent ensures timely advocacy services that align with Inuit societal values, the RCYA, and office policies. As a key member of the RCYO, this role contributes to evaluating and improving advocacy services for Nunavut's children and youth.

The Child and Youth Advocacy Specialist provides critical support to children, youth, their families, service providers, and GN departments and authorities. This role involves significant responsibility, directly assisting children and youth through challenging situations, potentially impacting their lives and well-being. The position also interacts with various community stakeholders and requires knowledge of programs, services, policies, and legislation across sectors. Additionally, the role involves creating and delivering child rights resources and awareness activities, including workshops, presentations, and informational materials.

Qualifications typically include a recognized university degree in Social Work or a related field, with three (3) years of experience providing direct service to children and youth. This is a Highly Sensitive Position; a satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check are required. Fluency in Inuktut, English, and French is preferred, with knowledge of Inuit communities, culture, land, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, and experience in a northern cross-cultural environment considered assets. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

An eligibility list may be created for future vacancies. The Government of Nunavut prioritizes Nunavut Inuit who self-identify as enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement per the Priority Hiring Policy. Candidates in a probationary period must obtain written authorization from their department's deputy head. A foreign credential assessment may be required for applicants with international education. Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.