Child & Youth Wellness Worker

Development Corp; Muncey; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Pension plan

EAP (Employee Assistance)

Job summary

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is seeking a Child & Youth Wellness Worker for a 2-year contract. The role focuses on prevention, mentorship, recreation, outreach, and wellness programming for children and youth 6 years and older, with a strong emphasis on culturally grounded activities.

The successful candidate will collaborate with families, Elders, schools, and community partners to provide safe, equitable services and programs that support emotional wellness, leadership, and healthy

Qualifications

• College diploma in Child and Youth Care or related field.
• 1–2 years of experience with children, youth and families in community settings.
• Experience in Indigenous community is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide prevention-focused support, outreach, mentorship, recreation, and wellness programming for children and youth 6+.
• Develop and facilitate programs promoting emotional wellness, leadership, and resilience.
• Build positive relationships with children, youth, families, Elders, schools, and partners.
• Coordinate culturally grounded activities strengthening identity, language, and community belonging.

Skills

Child & Youth Care

Trauma-informed

Cultural safety

Program development

Community outreach

CPR/First Aid

Education

College diploma in Child and Youth Care

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is accepting applicants for the position of:

Position Title: Child & Youth Wellness Worker (2-year contract)

Department: Child, Youth and Family Well-Being Services

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week working onsite 8:30am - 4:30pm (flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required)

Location: 328 Chippewa Road, Muncey ON

Posting Date: September 8, 2026

Posting Closes: September 30, 2026

Summary

The Child & Youth Wellness Worker provides prevention-focused support, mentorship, recreation, outreach, and wellness programming for children and youth ages 6 years and older within Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. The role creates safe, inclusive, and culturally grounded opportunities that strengthen identity, belonging, emotional wellness, leadership, resilience, healthy relationships, and overall well-being.

Working under the direction of the Child & Youth Wellness and Recreation Services Supervisor, the successful candidate will develop and deliver individual, group, school-based, land-based, and community programs that promote healthy development, cultural connection, recreation, and positive life skills. The position works collaboratively with families, Elders, schools, community agencies, and Nation departments to ensure coordinated and culturally safe services for children and youth.

Responsibilities

• Provide prevention-focused support, outreach, mentorship, recreation, and wellness programming for children and youth ages 6 years and older.
• Develop and facilitate individual, group, school-based, land-based, and community programs that promote emotional wellness, leadership, life skills, healthy relationships, and resilience.
• Build positive and respectful relationships with children, youth, families, Elders, schools, and community partners.
• Promote participation in culturally grounded activities that strengthen Anishinaabe identity, language, teachings, ceremonies, and community belonging.
• Support recreation and physical activity opportunities that encourage teamwork, confidence, healthy lifestyles, and positive peer relationships.
• Provide mentorship and positive role modelling while fostering personal growth, independence, and responsibility.
• Identify barriers affecting child and youth well-being and provide advocacy, referrals, service navigation, and practical supports.
• Collaborate with schools, health professionals, community organizations, and internal departments to coordinate services and improve outcomes.
• Organize and support camps, workshops, cultural gatherings, recreational activities, seasonal programming, and community events.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation, case notes, referrals, and reports in approved systems.
• Prepare monthly activity reports, statistics, and program evaluations.
• Participate in team meetings, case coordination, community committees, and professional development opportunities.
• Provide programming during evenings, weekends, school breaks, and community events as required.

Qualifications

• College diploma in Child and Youth Care, Social Service Worker, Community and Justice Services, Human Services, Indigenous Studies, Recreation and Leisure Services, Social Work, or a related field.
• Equivalent education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Minimum one to two years of experience working with children, youth, and families in community, school, recreation, outreach, or prevention settings.
• Experience working within a First Nation or Indigenous community is strongly preferred.
• Experience facilitating recreation, cultural, prevention, or wellness programming.
• Strong understanding of child and adolescent development, trauma-informed practice, and culturally safe approaches.
• Current CPR/First Aid Certification or willingness to obtain within a reasonable time after hire.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Experience with CaseWORKS or similar case management systems is considered an asset.
• ASIST, SafeTALK, Mental Health First Aid, HIGH FIVE, or related certifications are considered assets.
• Must possess a valid Class G Ontario Driver's Licence, access to a reliable vehicle, and required automobile insurance.
• Must provide a clear Police Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Screening.

What Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Has to Offer

• Comprehensive benefits for permanent employees, supporting health, dental, and overall well-being.
• Employer-matched pension plan to help build long-term financial security.
• Access to a confidential Family Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support mental, emotional, and family wellness.
• Two-week holiday closure over Christmas and New Year’s, providing dedicated time to rest and recharge with family and community.

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation gives hiring preference to qualified Indigenous applicants, with first preference given to qualified Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Band Members. Applicants who wish to be considered under this preference are encouraged to self-identify in their application.

We thank all candidates for applying; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Accommodations are available on request (by email to [e-mail]) for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

As a federally regulated employer, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is not required to include compensation ranges in job postings. Depending on the nature of the recruitment and the position, we may choose to share salary or pay band information in the posting or during the early stages of the process. Compensation is always discussed with candidates during recruitment to ensure clarity and alignment with their expectations and experience.