Youth Wellness Worker

Payukotayno; California; On-site; USD 74,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Payukotayno is seeking a Youth Wellness Worker to engage with youth aged 7–18, promoting emotional, cultural, and physical well-being rooted in Omushkego values. The role focuses on land-based programming, group activities, and one-on-one support to foster identity, belonging, and leadership.

Youth protection, confidentiality, and anti-oppressive practice guide all interactions, with collaboration across teams to support comprehensive wellness plans and community healing efforts.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Child and Youth Work or related field, or equivalent lived/professional experience.
• Experience working with youth in community, land-based, or school settings.
• Understanding of First Nations youth realities and cultural identity building.
• Strong communication, group facilitation and program planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Relational and community engagement with youth ages 7–18 through consistent presence and trust-based relationships.
• Develop and deliver group activities, workshops, and land-based programming focusing on youth wellness and peer support.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to support holistic youth service plans and document participation and progress.
• Maintain confidentiality and ethical practice, and respond to protection or crisis concerns with relational safety.

Skills

Strong communication

Group facilitation

Program planning

Lived experience as youth mentor/advoc

Education

Diploma or degree in Child and Youth Work / Indigenous Studies / Social Services

Job description

Salary Range: $74,183.05 To $83,081.75 Annually

Department: CYMS
Location(s): Kashechewan
Reports To: Supervisor - Prevention
Job Class: Team Member
Salary Structure: CBG02 – Collectively Bargained Grid 02

Purpose of the Role

The Youth Wellness Worker engages directly with children and youth to promote emotional, spiritual, cultural, and physical well-being. Rooted in Omushkego values of relational care, seasonal balance, and intergenerational connection, this role delivers land-based programming, one-on-one support, and group activities that support youth healing, leadership, and cultural pride.

The Youth Wellness Worker helps reduce isolation, address risk factors, and increase protective factors by fostering identity, belonging, and agency among young people. Services are preventive, strengths-based, and grounded in Treaty 9 responsibilities to nurture future generations.

Core Responsibilities

1. Relational and Community Engagement

• Build respectful, trust-based relationships with youth ages 7–18 through consistent presence and responsive communication
• Offer individual support to youth experiencing emotional distress, disconnection, or vulnerability
• Engage youth in meaningful roles within community and cultural settings, promoting identity and leadership

2. Program-Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver group-based activities, workshops, and seasonal events focusing on youth wellness, identity, and peer support
• Facilitate or support land-based programming (e.g., fishing, hunting, drum making, ceremonial roles, seasonal teachings)
• Respond to youth requests for support related to emotional health, relationships, school challenges, or community safety
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to support holistic service plans for youth
• Document participation, progress, and follow-up needs in agency systems

3. Legal and Ethical Practice

• Maintain confidentiality and informed consent practices in alignment with CYFSA, PHIPA, and agency policy
• Identify and respond to protection or crisis concerns using harm reduction and relational safety planning
• Work from a decolonizing, anti-oppressive lens that honours youth voice and First Nations values

4. Team and Agency Participation

• Collaborate with protection, prevention, and clinical teams to support youth transitions, stabilization, and growth
• Participate in team huddles, seasonal reviews, and reflective supervision
• Support agency-wide youth engagement strategies, youth councils, and special initiatives

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma or degree in Child and Youth Work, Indigenous Studies, Social Services, or a related field; or equivalent lived/professional experience
• Experience working with youth in community, land-based, or school-based settings
• Understanding of First Nations youth realities, strength-based interventions, and cultural identity building
• Strong communication, group facilitation, and program planning skills
  Equivalency will be considered. Lived experience as a youth mentor, advocate, or helper in First Nations communities is a strong asset.

Conditions of Employment

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Access to a reliable vehicle and ability to travel frequently within the region
• Compliance with all Agency policies, Collective Agreement, and legal requirements

Our Hiring Commitments

Payukotayno is committed to Indigenous-led services, Nation-based healing, and culturally safe workplaces. We encourage applications from First Nations individuals, especially those from Treaty 9 communities and affiliated Nations. We honour both formal qualifications and cultural/lived knowledge as valid experience.

We are committed to employment equity and welcome applications from all qualified persons, including those identifying as Two-Spirit, non-binary, LGBTQ+, francophone, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups.

Accommodations are available throughout the application process.

AODA Statement (for postings only)

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Payukotayno will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process upon request.