About the Company:

Located in the beautiful territory of Snaw-naw-as First Nation, Orca Lelum is committed to fostering a safe and nurturing environment rooted in Indigenous ways of being. Dedicated to the well-being of youth, we empower individuals aged 12 to 18 to reclaim their strength, resilience, and cultural identity. Guided by the principle of Nutsamaat Shqwaluwun – people working together with one heart and one mind, our holistic programs prioritize substance use recovery, wellness and trauma healing. We offer medically supervised withdrawal management and residential treatment in a 10-week program, aiming to instill a sense of purpose and connection that extends beyond treatment.

What’s in it for you?

Join us at Orca Lelum, where you not only contribute to a thriving organization but also become part of a community-driven by cultural values and a shared commitment to making a positive impact. Come experience the fulfillment of working in a First Nations-led environment that values your well-being and growth. Additionally, you get:

o A four-day work week for permanent full-time employees;

o An excellent benefits and pension program for eligible employees;

o Paid vacation days for eligible employees;

o Comprehensive training provided.

Job Summary:

The Youth Support Worker is a frontline member of Orca Lelum’s Wellness Program and plays an essential role in providing safe, consistent, relational and culturally grounded support to young spirits ages 12–18.

Youth Support Workers provide 24/7 direct support and supervision and help young spirits engage in their individualized Wellness Plans through daily routines, relationships, activities, life-skills development, cultural connection and wellness-focused programming.

Working under the direction of the Youth Support Supervisor, Youth Support Workers work collaboratively with the Wellness Team, Cultural Team, Occupational Therapists, clinical supports, Holistic Trauma-Informed Advisor and other internal and external professionals involved in supporting young spirits.

Youth Support Workers are expected to observe, document and communicate young spirit progress, strengths, challenges and emerging needs; maintain appropriate professional boundaries; respond effectively to crisis and safety concerns; and contribute to a respectful, reliable and collaborative team environment.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Young Spirit Support and Relational Practice

- Develop and maintain safe, respectful, consistent and professional relationships with young spirits, providing companionship, encouragement, guidance and relational support throughout their time at Orca Lelum.
- Support young spirits with daily routines, life skills, personal wellness, recreation, emotional regulation, healthy relationships, cultural activities and other areas identified within their individualized Wellness Plans.
- Support young spirits in developing independence, confidence, resilience and practical skills while respecting individual choice, developmental needs, cultural identity and personal strengths.
- Model healthy boundaries, respectful communication, emotional regulation, accountability and positive relationship-building through daily interactions.
- Create an environment that promotes belonging, dignity, choice, cultural connection and physical and emotional safety.
- Provide support using developmentally appropriate, strengths-based, trauma-informed, culturally safe and non-stigmatizing approaches.

2. Wellness Plan Implementation and Young Spirit Progress

- Review and understand the individualized Wellness Plan for each young spirit being supported and remain familiar with identified goals, strategies, supports and areas of focus.
- Participate actively in the implementation of Wellness Plans by supporting identified goals and strategies through daily relational practice, routines, activities, programming and skill development.
- Observe young spirit strengths, progress, challenges, behaviours, emotional regulation, relationships, participation and emerging needs and accurately document relevant observations.
- Communicate meaningful frontline observations and changes in a young spirit’s presentation, progress or needs to the Youth Support Supervisor and Wellness Team to support ongoing Wellness Planning.
- Provide feedback regarding strategies that are working well, areas where a young spirit may require additional support and concerns that may require further review.
- Participate in Wellness Planning discussions, case consultations and other interdisciplinary meetings when requested and contribute relevant frontline observations.
- Promptly communicate significant changes or concerns to the Youth Support Supervisor and appropriate team members.

3. Supervision, Safety and Daily Program Support

- Provide active and appropriate care and supervision of young spirits within Orca Lelum and during community activities, appointments, outings and other approved activities.
- Maintain awareness of young spirit whereabouts, activities, interactions and emerging needs throughout the shift in accordance with program expectations.
- Support young spirits in participating in daily programming, meals, recreation, appointments, cultural activities, community outings and other components of the Wellness Program.
- Maintain a safe, predictable and supportive environment while balancing young spirit choice, independence, dignity and developmental needs.
- Follow established procedures related to supervision, community access, transportation, activities and young spirit safety.
- Transport young spirits to appointments, community activities and other approved destinations when required, using Orca Lelum vehicles and following established transportation and vehicle-safety procedures.

4. Emotional Regulation,



Behaviour and Crisis Support

- Recognize changes in a young spirit’s behaviour, emotional regulation, mental wellness or physical wellbeing and respond using appropriate trauma-informed, relational and de-escalation approaches.
- Support young spirits experiencing emotional distress, conflict, dysregulation or other challenging circumstances while maintaining dignity, connection and safety.
- Respond appropriately to escalating, crisis and emergency situations, including situations involving significant emotional distress, aggression, violence, self-harm concerns or medical emergencies.
- Take appropriate immediate action to reduce risk and maintain safety while seeking support and direction from the Youth Support Supervisor or appropriate leadership.
- · Follow established critical incident, emergency response and escalation procedures and ensure required notifications and documentation are completed promptly.
- Participate constructively in debriefing and reflective practice following significant incidents and incorporate identified learning into future practice.

5. Physical and Mental Wellness Support

- Support the physical, emotional and mental wellness of young spirits in accordance with their individualized Wellness Plans and direction provided by appropriate health and clinical professionals.
- Observe and communicate changes in a young spirit’s physical or emotional wellbeing to the Youth Support Supervisor and appropriate members of the Wellness or clinical team.
- Support young spirits in attending appointments and following health-related recommendations within the scope of the Youth Support Worker role.
- Support medication administration in accordance with Orca Lelum policies, required training, applicable standards and direction from appropriate health professionals.
- Complete required medication documentation accurately and promptly and immediately report medication errors, omissions or concerns in accordance with established procedures once medication administration training has been completed.
- Support young spirits with personal hygiene, self-care, nutrition, sleep routines and other daily wellness needs in a respectful manner that promotes dignity and independence.

6. Documentation, Communication and Shift Handover

- Complete accurate, objective and timely documentation for each shift, including observations related to young spirit wellness, emotional regulation, participation, activities, Wellness Plan goals, significant interactions, incidents and emerging needs.
- Ensure required documentation is completed before the end of each shift unless exceptional circumstances prevent completion.
- Participate in thorough verbal and written shift handovers to support continuity between incoming and outgoing Youth Support Workers.
- Review relevant shift summaries, young spirit documentation, Wellness Plans, safety information, meeting updates and other required program information at the beginning of each shift.
- Communicate significant changes, incidents, emerging concerns or matters requiring follow-up to the Youth Support Supervisor and appropriate team members.
- Maintain young spirit and family confidentiality and ensure information is documented and communicated respectfully and only with those who require the information to fulfill their role.

7. Cultural Safety and Indigenous Ways of Being

- Work respectfully and effectively with Indigenous young spirits, families, Nations, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Cultural Team members and community partners.
- Contribute to a culturally safe environment where young spirits’ identities, cultures, traditions, family relationships and lived experiences are recognized and respected.
- Encourage and support young spirits in participating in cultural activities, teachings and opportunities for connection while respecting individual choice.
- Work collaboratively with the Cultural Team and follow appropriate cultural guidance and protocols.
- Demonstrate openness to learning and ongoing reflection regarding Indigenous histories, cultures, colonial harms, intergenerational trauma, cultural safety and reconciliation.
- Recognize the diversity of Indigenous Nations, cultures, identities, teachings and experiences and avoid assumptions regarding a young spirit’s cultural identity or connection.

8. Teamwork and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

- Work collaboratively as a member of the Youth Support Team and broader Wellness Program, recognizing the shared responsibility of all teams in supporting young spirit wellness.
- Maintain respectful and professional working relationships with Youth Support Supervisors, Wellness staff, Culture, Occupational Therapists, clinical supports, the Holistic Trauma-Informed Advisor and other internal and external professionals involved in supporting young spirits.
- Share relevant frontline observations and information with appropriate team members to support coordinated Wellness Planning and continuity of support.
- Receive and appropriately implement guidance and recommendations provided by the Wellness Team, regulated health professionals and other appropriate members of the interdisciplinary team within the scope of the Youth Support Worker role.
- Participate constructively in team meetings, Wellness Planning discussions, training, debriefing, case consultation and reflective practice as required.




- Communicate respectfully and effectively across shifts and teams and contribute to a workplace culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, cultural safety and shared responsibility.
- Raise concerns through appropriate channels and participate constructively in resolving communication, team or program issues.
- Contribute to a respectful and psychologically safe workplace by refraining from gossip, lateral violence, bullying, discrimination, harassment or other behaviours that undermine colleagues, team functioning or young spirit wellness.

9. Reliability, Attendance and Professional Accountability

- Maintain regular and reliable attendance and arrive prepared and on time for scheduled shifts, meetings, training and other required responsibilities.
- Remain on shift for scheduled hours unless otherwise authorized and follow established procedures when unable to attend or when requesting time away from work.
- Recognize the impact that lateness, absenteeism and unplanned departures have on young spirit safety, continuity of support and fellow team members.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with young spirits, families, colleagues and community members.
- Demonstrate accountability for assigned responsibilities and follow through on commitments, documentation and required actions.
- Seek clarification or support when unsure of expectations and respond constructively to coaching, supervision and feedback.
- Conduct themselves professionally and in a manner consistent with Orca Lelum’s values, policies and expectations.

10. Program, Policy and Regulatory Responsibilities

- Follow Orca Lelum policies, procedures, Wellness Program expectations and established standards of practice.
- Work within the scope and responsibilities of the Youth Support Worker position and seek direction when a situation exceeds the employee’s training, authority or role.
- Follow applicable legislation, regulations, licensing requirements and standards relevant to the Wellness Program and support of young spirits.
- Maintain required certifications, training and organizational competencies.
- Participate in required emergency preparedness, health and safety, medication-support, cultural safety and program training.
- Identify and promptly report safety hazards, policy concerns, documentation gaps or other issues that may affect young spirit wellness, employee safety or program operations.
- Maintain appropriate qualified boundaries and protect the privacy, dignity and confidentiality of young spirits and families.

11. Overnight/Graveyard Responsibilities

- Maintain young spirit supervision, safety and responsiveness to program needs throughout overnight shifts.
- Complete assigned overnight housekeeping, sanitation and environmental responsibilities in accordance with established procedures.
- Ensure overnight housekeeping responsibilities do not interfere with young spirit supervision, emergency response or other primary Youth Support Worker responsibilities.
- Complete required overnight documentation, safety checks and shift handover responsibilities.

Qualifications and Requirements

- Diploma in Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Human Services, Criminology or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training and relevant experience.
- Experience supporting youth in a wellness, community, child and family, mental wellness or related environment is an asset.
- Experience working with Indigenous young people, families or communities is an asset.
- Understanding of trauma-informed, relational and strengths-based practice.
- Ability to use standard computer applications and electronic documentation systems.
- Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence.
- Valid Emergency First Aid – Community Care certification.
- Negative TB screening where required.
- Must consent to required criminal record and other applicable screening.
- Knowledge of Coast Salish teachings is an asset.
- Ability to work rotating shifts, including days, evenings, weekends and graveyards as required.

Skills and Abilities

- Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with young spirits.
- Ability to remain calm and respond effectively during crisis, conflict or emotionally challenging situations.
- Sound judgement, initiative and problem-solving skills.
- Solid written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to accurately observe, document and communicate young spirit progress and emerging concerns.
- Ability to work independently while remaining an effective, reliable and accountable member of a team.
- Ability to receive direction, coaching and interdisciplinary recommendations and apply them appropriately in daily practice.
- Ability to work respectfully and effectively within a culturally grounded Indigenous organization.
- Commitment to cultural humility, continuous learning and reflective practice.
- Demonstrated reliability, consistency, professionalism and ability to work effectively within a 24/7 Wellness Program.

How to Apply?

Interested candidates, please send a copy of your cover letter and resume to [email protected]

We look forward to reviewing your applications and discovering the unique skills and experiences you can bring to our team. Join us in making a positive impact at Orca Lelum!

*Note:

- This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
- The hours of work, including days off, may be subject to change consistent with the operational requirements.
- Qualified First Nations candidates will be given preference in accordance with the BC Human Rights Code section 42

Job Type: Casual

Pay: $30.64 per hour

Benefits:

- Casual dress
- Company events
- On-site parking

Work Location: In person

📌 Youth Support Worker: Casual (Lantzville)
🏢 Orca Lelum
📍 Lantzville