Youth Wellness Advocate

Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) was established in 1972 and is a non-profit organization with a status free open-door policy. KAFS is dedicated to empowering the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities of Kamloops and surrounding areas. KAFS provides culturally appropriate programs and inclusive services that meet the needs of urban Indigenous people to become healthier, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Reporting to the Family Violence Prevention Manager, the Youth Wellness Advocate provides culturally grounded, relationship-based support to Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth aged 12–19 who are experiencing or at risk of violence, exploitation, grief and loss, substance use, homelessness, justice involvement, and other barriers to wellness.

Working as part of the Family Violence Prevention team, the role provides one-to-one support, systems navigation, advocacy, outreach, crisis intervention, and youth wellness programming, prioritizing trust, consistency, cultural connection, belonging, resilience, and hope. Recognizing that violence prevention extends beyond immediate crisis, the Youth Wellness Advocate supports the social, emotional, cultural, and community connections that strengthen protective factors and contribute to long-term wellness and healthy transitions into adulthood.

A DAY IN THE LIFE – ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build trusting, consistent relationships with youth through mentorship, advocacy, outreach, and one-to-one support, meeting youth where they are in schools, homes where appropriate, community spaces, healthcare and treatment settings, cultural events, and justice settings.
• Complete strengths-based intakes and work alongside youth to develop individualized safety and wellness plans that reflect their needs, priorities, and goals.
• Provide emotional support, crisis intervention, safety planning, and violence prevention support related to family, dating, gender-based and sexual violence, emotional and psychological abuse, coercive control, exploitation, and other forms of violence.
• Support youth impacted by grief and loss, substance use, mental health concerns, housing instability and homelessness, family conflict, poverty and food insecurity, social isolation, cultural disconnection, barriers to education, identity and life transitions, and transitions from government care.
• Support youth experiencing or at risk of human trafficking, sexual or online exploitation and luring, gang or criminal exploitation, and missing or high-risk youth concerns.
• Advocate alongside youth across education, healthcare, housing, child welfare, social service, and justice systems, including support at appointments, meetings, and court proceedings and connection to appropriate community resources.
• Support youth involved in the justice system, diversion and restorative justice initiatives, as well as youth who are victims or witnesses of crime or violence.
• Support healthy transitions into adulthood through mentorship, goal planning, family engagement, advocacy, and connection to services and community.
• Support youth in connecting or reconnecting with culture, community, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, cultural mentorship, and cultural activities where appropriate and desired, approaching each relationship with cultural humility and respect for the youth’s identity and lived experience.
• Build relationships with schools, youth-serving agencies, Indigenous organizations, healthcare providers, justice partners, and other community organizations, and participate in outreach, youth wellness programming, and violence prevention initiatives.
• Work closely with the Family Violence Prevention team, other KAFS programs, families, and community partners through team meetings, case planning, and collaborative service delivery while respecting youth confidentiality.
• Maintain accurate case notes, client records, monthly statistics, and required program and outcome reporting.
• Remain adaptable to the changing needs of youth, the Family Violence Prevention program, and the broader community.

REQUIREMENTS- WHAT YOU BRING TO KAFS:

• Diploma or degree in Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Human Services, Criminology, Psychology, Indigenous Studies, Justice Studies, or a related discipline; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working alongside youth experiencing violence, trauma, grief and loss, substance use, justice involvement, homelessness, exploitation, or other complex social challenges.
• Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed, violence-informed, culturally safe, and relationship-based approaches to supporting youth.
• Understanding of Indigenous history, the impacts of colonization and intergenerational trauma, and the systemic barriers impacting Indigenous youth, families, and communities.
• Commitment to cultural humility and providing support that respects each youth’s identity, lived experience, relationship with culture, and community connections.
• Experience supporting youth impacted by exploitation, human trafficking, or the toxic drug crisis is considered an asset.
• Strong advocacy and systems-navigation skills across education, healthcare, housing, child welfare, social services, and justice systems.
• Ability to build trusting, consistent relationships with youth while maintaining appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with youth, families, schools, community organizations, and service partners.
• Ability to remain calm and provide thoughtful support when youth are experiencing crisis or challenging circumstances.
• Excellent organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Strong judgement, adaptability, and ability to work independently while contributing effectively within the Family Violence Prevention team and broader KAFS service network.

 PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Clearance.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.

TOTAL REWARDS:

• Compensation: $28.00 to $30.00 per hour
• Group benefits including extended health, dental, and vision
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Wellness Days Off

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).