Employment Opportunity
Indigenous Youth In Transition Support Worker
Are you ready to make a positive impact on the lives of Indigenous women, youth, and their families? Do you have the skills to support them to create the change required to break down intergenerational trauma and leave a lasting, sustainable, impact on future generations?
We invite qualified candidates to submit their application for the contract position of Indigenous Youth In Transition Support Worker.
Your application must include (in pdf):
• Cover Letter (1 page maximum)
• Resume (2 pages maximum)
• References (2 Professional, 1 personal)
Employment Start Date: Immediately
Email Application package to: ed@niijki.com
Subject: IYIT Application
Attn: Hiring Committee
About Us
Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle (NASC) is a registered charitable organization dedicated to the development and delivery of healing services for Anishnaabekwewag (Indigenous women) and their families who have experienced violence or are at risk of experiencing violence. Therapeutic healing work is conducted using Anishnaabe practices, blended with community-centred and client-centred methods of healing.
The position is located at the main office in Peterborough Ontario. In addition to the City of Peterborough, NASC supports the County of Peterborough, Haliburton, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and the Durham Region; the First Nations of Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.
What we offer:
Niijkiwendidaa offers an exceptionally generous time-off package that supports employee wellness, family balance, and cultural responsibilities:
Paid Statutory and Special Holidays (14 total):
New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Summer Solstice, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Winter Solstice, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Annual Vacation Entitlement:
All employees begin with three (3) weeks of paid vacation per year, granted following the successful completion of the statutory three-month probationary period. Vacation entitlements increase with years of service—rising to four (4) weeks after four years and five (5) weeks after seven years of continuous service.
Additional Paid Leave:
Employees also receive paid days each year for:
• Sick Leave (15 days)
• Domestic or Sexual Violence Leave (5 days)
• Family Responsibility Leave (5 days)
• Bereavement Leave (5 days)
• Emergency Leave – Declared Emergencies & Infectious Diseases (3 days)
• Jury Duty (paid)
• Election-Related Leave (3 hours paid per election)
• Cultural Leave (up to 5 days) – to support participation in Anishnaabe ceremonies, feasts, and other cultural responsibilities.
Winter Shutdown:
In addition to the above, Niijkiwendidaa closes for a two-week paid winter break each year, typically aligning with local school holidays from mid-to-late December through to the Monday following January 1st.
Altogether, new employees at Niijkiwendidaa begin with approximately 59 paid days off per year, which includes 14 holidays, 15 paid sick days, 10 days of paid winter shutdown, and 15 vacation days—plus other paid leave options as needed. This represents about 30 more paid days off annually than required under the ESA, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to supporting employee wellness, balance, and cultural engagement.
Objective: To provide support to Indigenous youth (ages 16 - 24) in their transition from the child welfare system into adulthood.
Area of Responsibility:
The Indigenous Youth in Transition (IYIT) Support Worker will assist Indigenous youth leaving the child welfare system in navigating systems, creating community connections, and search for and acquiring housing. Community supports and resources include access to culture, housing supports, education resources, employment services and training, life skills training (e.g. financial management, household management), health and mental health services, and legal services.
Job Specifications:
Direct Supports
• Conduct initial intake assessments to determine the types of supports required;
• Provide group-based learning and/or one-on-one supports to assist youth in identifying their needs and developing goals and plans;
• Facilitate access to existing supports and resources and to help them build and maintain
Responsible relationships;
• Provide information and referrals that address individual needs that support and reinforce
Strengths;
• Provide access to cultural supports and resources (e.g. traditional teachings, ceremony,
medicines, etc.).
• Participate in the development, planning, execution, assessment, evaluation and budgeting responsibilities of programs and services;
Community Engagement and Advocacy
• Conduct community outreach and promotion of the program, including public presentations, awareness campaigns, and cultural events/activities;
• Work with local Children’s Aid Society to develop a referral approach, and to create
awareness of the program among youth;
• Build and sustain positive business relationships and strategic partnerships to foster strong community linkages enhancing engagement and response to crisis;
• Play an active role across relevant community support services to advocate for the delivery of and access to, relevant cultural and trauma-informed supports for service users;
• Participate on external related committees, workshops, and/or conferences as directed and approved by the Executive Director;
Supervision:
Employed by Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle (NASC), responsible to the policies and directions as determined by the NASC Board of Directors and under the direct supervision of the Program Supervisor.
Administration
• Provide funder and NASC documents as required (may include quarterly statistic and narrative reporting, annual reports, proposals, workplans, evaluation, etc.);
• Maintain complete, accurate and up-to-date service user case files, program records and
statistics ensuring the maintenance of a secure and confidential filing system;
• Attend staff and supervisory meetings, and training and planning sessions as directed;
Other
• Maintain and upgrade professional skills; ensure a safe and healthy work environment; and
• Perform other duties related to the position, as assigned by the Executive Director.
Competencies:
• Superior communication, persuasion, planning and organizing, critical thinking, decision-making and continuous learning.
• Ability to solve problems quickly, creatively, and ethically.
• High proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Familiarity with a client management software (e.g. OWL Practice).
• Ability to work under pressure and in emotionally charged situations.
• Ability to prioritize work and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in case management, program planning, and budget responsibilities.
• Ability to work professionally and collaboratively with child welfare agencies.
• Understanding of youth engagement and housing support services.
• Knowledge of legislation specific to Child, Youth and Families.
• Strong knowledge and awareness of Anishnaabe cultural values or other Indigenous cultural values, history and issues affecting Indigenous women and Indigiqueer peoples.
• Valid G driver’s license and unlimited access to a reliable vehicle.
Education/Work Experience:
• Minimum 2-year post-secondary program in social work or other service or health-related discipline.
• 2 years’ direct working experience in social services specific to youth.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.
As our work puts us in direct contact with young people and vulnerable persons in our community, with health and safety as a priority, the successful candidate must complete or obtain a Vulnerable Sector Police Check and provide a clean drivers abstract before commencement of their employment.
In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Strides Toronto’s own policies, requests for accommodation will be considered throughout the hiring process.
We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: Starting at $48,600.00 per year
Benefits:
• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Wellness program
• Work from home
Ability to commute/relocate:
• Peterborough, ON K9H 7E7: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
• Are you an Indigenous person? Please also share with us the community with which you are affiliated.
Education:
• AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Peterborough, ON K9H 7E7