YOUTH SERVICES NAVIGATOR
full time position - 35 hours/week, including evening hours.
Purpose:
The Navigator role is a unique position designed to enhance existing relationships between service providers while establishing effective methods for gathering statistics and reporting on the health, wellness, and needs of community youth. Collaborating closely with the Alex House Youth & Family team and under the general direction of the Manager, Youth Services Navigator (YSN) will be responsible for developing and implementing the integrated youth services project.
The YSN will provide a culturally sensitive approach to providing education, support, and guidance to youth and their families while connecting them to community resources, providing wrap-around support during the transition process.
The YSN will take a trauma informed, anti-oppressive, and strengths-based approach to bridging the gap between services for youth in South Surrey/White Rock. The YSN will engage with youth and their families to reduce barriers to accessing services and programs that contribute to a youth’s overall mental health challenges to develop individual wellness plans.
As a leadership role, in the context of the neighbourhood house work, the YSN will take a lead role engaging local community organizations to work collaboratively in order to streamline access for youth to services and supports. The YSN will, in consultation with, Y&F Manager and/or Y&F Program Director establish policies and procedures regarding participant involvement, program requirements and outcome measurements.
Program Management and Coordination
Ensure program objectives and outcomes are monitored and met.
Prepare program reports, gather statistics, and maintain relevant documentation and systems.
Communicate and promote program information both internally and externally, develop promotional materials as needed, and regularly update these materials, including through social media and websites.
Build and maintain effective relationships with all program stakeholders, including the Alex House Youth & Family team, Vine Youth Clinic, Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) including Child and Youth Mental Health, the School District including Triage, and other community partners.
Develop and submit funding proposals for the programs and identify new funding opportunities, in consultation with the Youth & Family Manager and/or Youth & Family Program Director.
Community Development
Apply a decolonized perspective when working with the community, fostering a broader understanding of the impacts of colonization.
Collaborate with community partners to identify and address gaps in services for youth and their families, including mental health and substance use services, housing, food, education, employment, and other life skills services.
Advocate for youth in broader community meetings.
Deliver educational programs to the community to reduce barriers and stigma, and to build understanding.
Design and develop prevention and intervention programs in collaboration with other Alex House managers to meet community needs.
Represent Alex House on committees and advocacy groups related to program areas.
Actively engage the community in developing responsive programming and participate in decision-making about community needs.
Conduct social research as needed.
Job Details:
Organizational Responsibility: Reports to Manager, Youth & Family Team, and collaborates with Youth & Family Programs, as well as with other Alex House team members.
Supervisory Responsibility: This position may supervise volunteers and/or practicum students.
Full Time –$26.68-29.56/hr - depending on experience, 35 hours/week, including evening hours.
Start Date: Successful candidate is expected to start as soon as possible
Open until position is filled
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Client Services
Support youth and their families in understanding and accessing available community services, supports, and resources promptly.
Identify service gaps and collaborate with youth, families, your team, and community partners to creatively address these gaps.
Assist youth in accessing the Vine Youth Clinic.
Conduct community outreach to raise awareness of programs and services.
Gather statistics on the health, wellness, and needs of community youth.
Provide one-on-one support, case management, group work (with youth and/or families/caregivers), community outreach/networking, and brief counseling support.
Coordinate triage and support referred clients in accessing interim services.
Collaborate with youth to assess individual needs, identify strengths and barriers, and create plans to address their needs.
Offer culturally appropriate support to youth and their families in navigating mental health and substance use resources locally and within Metro Vancouver.
Oversee intake criteria and referral processes in consultation with the Youth & Family Manager, serving as the point of contact for youth and their families navigating complex systems.
Screen intakes, including referrals to crisis supports, when required.
Provide interim brief services and case management support, including coordinating case conferences with youth and their families.
Advocate for youth and their families as needed.
Key Qualifications
Experience working with youth and families facing mental health and substance use challenges, and providing group and one-on-one support for marginalized youth.
Deep understanding of Cultural Safety and Cultural Humility, and the ability to approach work through a decolonized lens.
MSW or MA in a related field such as social work, substance use counseling, or youth work (or equivalent combination of education and experience). Minimum of RN, BSW, or BA with demonstrated experience and training in delivering crisis services.
Experience in counseling youth and/or families with relevant training.
At least 2 years of experience in a leadership or coordination role.
All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply by email with subject line:
Please submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
hgeorge@alexhouse.net
Association of Neighbourhood Houses of BC (ANHBC) is an equal opportunity employer. We place a high value on diversity and encourage qualified individuals from all backgrounds and identities to consider applying for the position. Our total compensation and benefits package reflects our commitment to our staff and their family.
For more information about Alex House visit www.alexhouse.net
We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those reflecting the diversity of the community we serve.
No phone calls please. We thank and acknowledge all applicants and will proactively contact those selected for interviews.