First Nation Youth Worker

FIRST NATION YOUTH WORKER (Contract) – Temporary
Port Hardy Secondary School
30 hours per week

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The First Nation Youth Worker is the First Nations students’ advocate, providing both an intervention and a prevention service. The Youth Worker will provide support and guidance to enhance the educational success of First Nations students attending Port Hardy Secondary School.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Counselling:
• Works with First Nations students individually and in groups
• Provides counselling support for First Nations students to address their educational, psychological, social and cultural needs
• Facilitates the development of strategies that will enhance the personal, social, cultural and educational development of First Nations students
Assists and supports First Nations students and parents to access appropriate community resources

Consultation:
• Provides ongoing consultation to school administration and teaching staff by observation, referral, planning and follow-up related to First Nations students
• Provides relevant information to school administrators, Counsellors and teachers for appropriate planning, placement or assistance for First Nations students
• Is an active member of the School-based Team, the Transition Team and other consultative groups
• Acts as a liaison between First Nations students and the District Critical Incidence Response Team
Performs other duties as required

Coordination:
• Assists the school in using appropriate community resources to enhance the education of the First Nations students, including the Indigenous Education Enhancement Agreement
• Acts as a liaison between the school and First Nations parents, band Education Coordinators and community resource people
• Keeps a record of interviews and pertinent reports on First Nations students and supplemental information that may be helpful to ensure success in the students educational program
• Honours the guidelines of the Freedom of Information Act and School District Policy when accessing student information

• Provides a year end compilation of data indicating student, parent, teacher and others use of the First Nations Youth Worker services
• Provides information to staff and facilitates classroom sessions on First Nations culture, learning styles, counselling and other related issues upon request
• Attends staff and district meetings, workshops and conferences for personal professional development in order to keep up-to-date on current issues

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Child and Youth Care degree or diploma or equivalent education and experience Opportunities for training in CPI, First Aid, and ASSIST are available and considered valuable assets for this role

EVALUATION
• This position is under the direct supervision of the Principal, Port Hardy Secondary School

This position has a three-month probationary period

The First Nations Youth Worker is evaluated on the performance of the above duties and responsibilities by the school-based Principal in consultation with the Tri-Bands Education Committee and the District Principal, First Nations Programs

Applications must include a resume, cover letter, transcripts, three professional references, and copies of relevant certification. Only those shortlisted will be contacted.

Applications will be accepted until 4:00 pm, Friday, March 27, 2026:
Grace Smith, Education Coordinator Gwa’sala-‘Nakwaxda’xw Nation
P.O. Box 5120, Port Hardy, BC, VON 2P0 Email: gsmith@gwanaknations.ca Fax: 250-949-7402