YOUTH WORKER – Binesi Waziswon

Kenora Chiefs; Northwestern Ontario; Hybrid; CAD 34,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Kenora Chiefs Advisory seeks a Youth Worker for Binesi Waziswon in Kenora, Ontario. The role provides supervision and relational support to youth aged 12-17 in a 24-hour program, with emphasis on cultural safety.

You will work 12-hour shifts, collaborate with clinicians, Knowledge Keepers, and Care Coordinators, and help youth develop life skills and coping strategies.

A valid driver's license and willingness to travel are preferred; experience with Anishinaabe culture is an asset.

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.
• Knowledge of the Anishinaabe culture and language is an asset.
• Lived experience navigating social service systems is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent supervision and relational support and guidance to program youth.
• Help support youth in working toward their goals as outlined in their care plans.
• Respond calmly to youth distress and utilize de-escalation strategies.
• Maintain confidential records and logs according to program requirements.
• Participate in shift handovers and team meetings.

Skills

Experience working with or supportingy

Teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Trauma-informed care

Cultural competence (Anishinaabe)

Education

Post-secondary education in a social science or health field is an asset

Experience working with youth is an asset

Job description

Position Description:

Reporting to the Operational 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 (existing position)
Department: Binesi Waziswon
Location: 37 Strecker Road, Kenora ON
Hourly: $28.85 per hour
Reports to: Operational 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

**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