Overview

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.

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.

Experience

- 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.
- 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.

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).

Pay: $28.00-$30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Perks:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
- Wellness program

Work Location: In person

📌 Youth Wellness Advocate (North Shore)
🏢 Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society
📍 North Shore