Youth Engagement Worker

KI-LOW-NA Friendship Society; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 26,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society invites applications for a Youth Engagement Worker. The role supports Navigating Horizons: Empowering Indigenous Youth Futures by engaging urban Indigenous youth ages 12 to 30 through mentorship, volunteer placements, leadership development, and culturally safe programming.

The position is a part-time fixed-term contract (20 hours/week) from Oct 1, 2026 to Sep 30, 2027, based in Kelowna region.

Qualifications

• High school graduation required; related certificate/diploma preferred.
• 2–5 years of experience with Indigenous youth or communities.
• Equivalent education, training, and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, orient, and support Indigenous youth participants across the region.
• Coordinate placements, workshops, mentorship opportunities, trainings, and networking activities.
• Build relationships with Friendship Centres, Indigenous organizations, schools, and partners.
• Maintain accurate participant records, service hours, and reporting updates.

Skills

Trauma-informed practice

Youth mentorship

Confidentiality & safety

Case management

Organization & reporting

Education

High school graduation

Certificate/diploma in child and youth care or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Youth Engagement Worker

Department: Youth Services

Term: Oct. 1 2026 - Sep. 30 2027, part-time fixed term contract

Hours: 20 hours per week

Wage: $27.00 per hour

Reports to: Executive Director or designate

Work location: Based out of the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society; travel within the region may be required

Nature of Position

The Youth Engagement Worker supports Navigating Horizons: Empowering Indigenous Youth Futures by engaging urban Indigenous youth ages 12 to 30 through mentorship, volunteer placements, leadership development, and culturally safe programming. This role provides inclusive, affirming, and non-judgmental support to youth across diverse identities and lived experiences, including youth navigating systemic barriers, discrimination, family conflict, cultural disconnection, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other complex personal and community circumstances.

Key Responsibilities

Youth Engagement and Recruitment

• Recruit, orient, and support Indigenous youth participants across the region.
• Promote the program through schools, community partners, events, and social media.
• Provide intake, orientation, check-ins, and goal-based support.
• Connect youth with mentorship, volunteer, leadership, cultural, educational, and civic engagement opportunities.

Program Coordination

• Coordinate placements, workshops, mentorship opportunities, gatherings, trainings, and networking activities.
• Work with Friendship Centre staff, mentors, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community partners.
• Support safe, inclusive, trauma-informed, and culturally grounded spaces for youth.

Relationship Building

• Build relationships with Friendship Centres, Indigenous organizations, schools, service providers, and regional partners.
• Act as a liaison between youth participants, community partners, and the broader program team.

Reporting and Administration

• Maintain accurate participant records, service hours, documentation, and reporting updates.
• Support data collection, evaluation, storytelling, and participant feedback processes.
• Submit reports and updates on time using provided tools and processes.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school graduation required; certificate, diploma, or coursework in child and youth care, social services, community development, social work, psychology, or a related field preferred.
• 2 to 5 years of experience working with Indigenous youth, communities, or organizations preferred.
• Equivalent education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed, culturally safe, and Indigenous-informed practice.
• Strong understanding of confidentiality, privacy, and safety obligations, including the BC Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA).
• Demonstrated ability to provide safe, youth-centred care and mentorship during crisis situations, including responding appropriately to disclosures of harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation, violence, suicidality, or other serious safety concerns.
• Ability to work alongside youth to identify their strengths, interests, goals, and support needs, and tailor mentorship, placement, leadership, cultural, educational, and community opportunities accordingly.
• Skilled in youth engagement, advocacy, case management, facilitation, outreach, and relationship-based support.
• Strong organizational, documentation, reporting, computer, and administrative skills.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively with youth, staff, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, mentors, and community partners.

Work Conditions

• Part-time fixed-term contract, approximately 20 hours per week.
• Flexible schedule may include evenings, weekends, outreach, events, and outdoor activities.
• Based out of the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, with regional travel required.

Requirements

• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check.
• Valid First Aid certification with CPR-C, or willingness to obtain.
• Valid BC Driver's Licence, satisfactory driver’s abstract, and access to a reliable vehicle.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.