Position Description: Reporting to the Operational Manager, the Youth Worker (YW) provides consistent, relationship-based care and supervision to youth residing in Binesi Waziswon, a 24-hour live-in mental health treatment program for youth aged 12-17. YWs create a safe, structured, engaging, and culturally respectful living environment where youth can practice skills, develop independence, and strengthen connections to themselves, others, and the land. Working in 12-hour shifts, YWs play a central role in supporting youth outside of clinician and Knowledge Keeper-led sessions.

Through daily routines, positive presence, shared responsibilities, and intentional engagement, YWs support youth healing in practical, relational, and culturally grounded ways. The YWs will be a part of Kenora Chiefs Advisory and will deliver services in accordance with KCA policies, and the mandate outlined by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

Position Title: Youth Worker – Binesi Waziswon (existing position)

Department: Binesi Waziswon

Location: 37 Strecker Road, Kenora ON

Hourly: $28.85 per hour

Reports to: Operational Manager or designate DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Direct Youth Care, Supervision, Engagement - Provide consistent supervision and relational support and guidance to program youth who are experiencing emotional and/or behavioural difficulties which impact their ability to function - Provide safe medication assistance to youth in accordance with program policy, training, and scope of practice. Demonstrate knowledge of documentation requirements and safety protocols.

- Build therapeutic relationships grounded in trust, respect, positivity, and clear skilled boundaries.
- Maintain a calm, confident, and balanced presence, demonstrating the ability to be assertive when needed while remaining regulated and supportive.
- Actively engage youth in daily routines, recreation, life-skills development, and community living.
- Ensure youth remain meaningfully engaged during non-clinical programming times.
- Model respectful, cooperative approaches to shared living through communication with peers.

Life Skill

Support - Involve youth in cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and other household responsibilities when appropriate, using these moments as opportunities to:





- Teach responsibility and independence, - Build confidence and practical skills, - Reinforce teamwork and contribution.

Daily

Operations - Support daily household operations, including:

- House cleaning and upkeep, - Laundry support, - Meal preparation and clean-up, - Maintaining house logs and reporting items that require maintenance Team Collaboration & Communication - Work professionally and positively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Participate in shift handovers, team meetings, and case discussions.
- Share relevant observations regarding youth strengths, challenges, and progress.
- Maintain respectful communication and teamwork across shifts.
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all health-related matters Care Plan Support - Help support youth in working toward their goals as outlined in their individual care plans – treatment plan created in collaboration with the youth, their caregivers, Care Coordinators, Clinicians, CYWs, and Teachers.
- Reinforce skill use through daily interactions, routines, and activities.
- Assist youth in identifying emotions, triggers, and coping strategies in real time - Model emotional regulation, problem-solving, and respectful communication in all interactions – with youth clients and staff.
- Implement therapeutic life skills programs designed for the youth - Support youth and their families regarding specific ways to recognize, address and resolve mental health and wellness challenges - Observe youth for potential side effects or concerns and communicate appropriately with clinical staff.
- Keep timely, detailed, and accurate daily records and logs in accordance with program requirements. Track significant interactions and observations. Report concerns/incidents promptly to the Program Manager.
- Ensure that each oncoming shift is updated on any issues that require immediate consideration/attention.




- Contribute to the evaluation of service with respect to its effectiveness in meeting the community needs and achieving our mandate Crisis Intervention & Behaviour Support - Respond calmly and effectively to youth distress, conflict, or crisis situations.
- Use trauma-informed de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies.
- Maintain emotional regulation and clarity during high-stress situations.
- Follow safety plans, incident protocols, and documentation requirements.
- Know when to seek additional clinical or leadership support.

Cultural

Participation, Ceremony, and Events - Facilitate clients’ access to Anishinaabe knowledge, traditions and cultural beliefs in the healing process when appropriate - Directly support youth and families to connect with traditional Knowledge Keepers, Healers and Elders for the purposes of accessing ceremony and any other cultural engagements - Support and participate in cultural activities, land-based programming, ceremonies, Feast Days, and program celebrations in a respectful and appropriate way.

- Assist with preparation for Ceremony Days, Feast Days, and program events (e.g., setting up spaces, preparing food, supporting logistics).
- Model humility, curiosity, and respect in cultural spaces.

Qualifications

- Experience working with or supporting youth in a helping role - Ability to work well within a team dynamic - Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills - Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations - Lived experience as a youth navigating the social service systems, and/or having experienced overcoming adversity, is an asset - Knowledge of the Anishinaabe culture and language and experience working with First Nations communities considered an asset Education/Experience:
- Post-secondary education in a social science or health field is an asset - Experience working with youth is an asset Additional Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license and vehicle - Must be willing to travel when required - Broad Sector Criminal Records Search **We thank all that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted * Traditional practices involve burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar within the work setting

📌 YOUTH WORKER – Binesi Waziswon (London)
🏢 Kenora Chiefs
📍 London