Healing Our Spirits Coordinator - Youth Grief & Wellness

Highbridge Human Capital; Kamloops; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An Indigenous service delivery agency in Kamloops seeks a Healing Our Spirits Coordinator to lead programs offering bereavement support for youth. The role involves engagement with Elders, facilitating grief support, and ensuring the program is culturally responsive. Candidates should have a diploma in social services and experience working with youth in community settings. The position offers $27 per hour and a contract of varying hours over three years.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of experience in social services, preferably with youth.
• Experience in program coordination and counseling.
• Knowledge of grief and trauma in Indigenous contexts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and facilitate bereavement support programs for youth.
• Coordinate logistics for group sessions and ensure cultural responsiveness.
• Engage with community partners to reach underserved youth.

Skills

Program development and evaluation

Group facilitation skills

Crisis intervention

Knowledge of trauma-informed care

Cultural competence

Education

Diploma in Social Services or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) is an Indigenous service delivery agency located in Kamloops, BC. Our team includes 30 staff offering comprehensive services to the community from infancy to golden age over 50 years. We deliver programs that include family support services, services for homeless individuals, and substance abuse support for people 15 years and older. All programs are embedded in culture, with practices such as smudging and drumming that happen on a regular basis. We are governed by a volunteer board and bylaws, hold annual general meetings, and present audited statements to members and funders.

The Healing Our Spirits program is a culturally grounded bereavement support program designed to provide healing and support to youth (ages 12-24) and their families who have experienced the loss of a loved one due to the toxic drug crisis. It recognizes the intersection of grief, historical trauma, and cultural disconnection, providing a safe space for youth to navigate their loss through peer support, land-based healing, and culturally relevant approaches.

Position

The Healing Our Spirits Coordinator will lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of the Healing Our Spirits program. The Coordinator will work closely with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, mental health professionals, community partners, and youth to create a supportive and culturally safe environment for healing. The role requires a deep understanding of grief, loss, and trauma-informed care, as well as strong facilitation and program coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and facilitate an 8-week bereavement support program for youth, including both indoor and land-based components
• Ensure the program is culturally responsive, integrating traditional healing practices, ceremonies, and Elder involvement
• Coordinate logistics for group sessions, including scheduling, location arrangements, and resource allocation
• Provide individual one-on-one support sessions as needed
• Conduct initial assessments with youth to identify immediate needs such as housing, food security, and mental health support
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all program participants
• Work collaboratively with schools and other community-based organizations to reach underserved youth
• Engage with Indigenous youth, refugee youth, and youth with disabilities to ensure accessibility and inclusion in programming
• Build relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders to integrate cultural teachings and healing practices into the program
• Organize community events, youth engagement activities, and awareness campaigns to promote the program
• Facilitate training sessions on grief, loss, and trauma-informed care for staff, volunteers, and community members
• Mentor peer support leaders and youth facilitators, ensuring they receive proper training and guidance
• Coordinate workshops on trauma and resiliency, grief navigation, and harm reduction strategies
• Track program participation and impact through participant feedback, surveys, and other evaluation tools
• Ensure accurate reporting on program activities, budget management, and funding utilization
• Adapt and refine program activities based on ongoing evaluations and feedback from youth and the community
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

• Diploma in Social Services or the equivalent from a two-year program and related experience or a minimum of 4 years\' experience in the social services field, preferably with youth
• Experience in program coordination, social work, counseling, or a related field
• Knowledge and understanding of grief, loss, bereavement, and trauma, particularly in Indigenous communities
• Experience working with youth in a community-based or peer-support setting
• Experience with land-based healing and traditional Indigenous practices is an asset

Must Haves

• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate support programs
• Strong group facilitation and leadership skills
• Experience organizing events, workshops, and peer support groups
• Understanding of grief, loss, and bereavement, particularly in Indigenous communities
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and harm reduction approaches
• Experience integrating traditional healing practices and cultural teachings
• Ability to build trust and rapport with youth from diverse backgrounds
• Skills in providing individual and group support, including crisis intervention
• Understanding of youth development and peer support models
• Strong networking skills to engage community and ensure supports from external agencies
• Ability to create and maintain partnerships with Elders, mental health professionals, and service providers
• Experience advocating for youth needs within community and organizational settings
• Experience mentoring peer support leaders and youth facilitators
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills
• Skills in tracking program impact through participant feedback and surveys
• Ability to collect and analyze data to inform program improvements
• Experience in completing reports to funding agencies is an asset
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Empathy, active listening, and emotional intelligence
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to undergo training and professional development in grief and trauma support

Working Schedule

• 3-year contract term
• 20 hours per week for first year
• 30 hours per week for years 2 and 3

Benefits

• $27/hour

Preference will be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry as per section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code (please self-identity in your cover letter).