Youth Outreach Worker

(Full-time; Permanent; On-site)

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of Indigenous youth during critical transition periods?

Do you thrive in community‑based work that blends cultural connection, creativity, and hands‑on support?

Are you energized by building relationships, coordinating youth activities, and walking alongside youth as they navigate life’s challenges?

Wabano is seeking positive, community-minded team members who are energized by challenge and motivated to serve our community.

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is an award-winning Health Access Centre that provides holistic health services to First Nation, Inuit, and Métis people living in Ottawa – one of the fastest growing and diverse urban Indigenous communities in Canada. Wabano is a fast-paced, client-oriented organization that models the Indigenous values of balance, respect, and community interdependence. Wabano is also proud to be accredited through the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, a third-party review based on accepted organizational practices that promote ongoing quality improvement and responsive, effective community services.

Purpose of Position

Reporting to the Director, Mental Wellness, the Youth Outreach Worker will be responsible for providing needs assessment, outreach, case management, and community referrals for children and youth who are involved with the child welfare system. Additionally, this position will also be involved in supporting the team in coordinating cultural youth activities and camps.

Responsibilities

• Work with and for our Indigenous youth to provide a bright future;
• Develop culturally-based program materials and advertise the service;
• Provide outreach support, case management, and systems navigation to eligible youth and manage referrals from Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations;
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners such as Children’s Aid Societies and group homes;
• Help eligible youth develop the goals they would like to achieve through their transitions;
• Support eligible youth leave care to identify, access, and navigate adult services relevant to their needs;
• Develop relationships with the home communities of the youths and service providers;
• Conduct ongoing research of resources for youth in Ottawa and home communities;
• Coordinate and facilitate Indigenous Integrative Plans of Care;
• Advocate for social justice and policy change;
• Keep accurate and timely electronic records required for the position (including data entry into Electronic Medical Records systems, reports, etc.)
• Conduct program evaluation to assess the success of the program; and
• Coordinate culturally appropriate activities, events, and land- based activities for the youth.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary completion in Social Service Worker, Child and Youth Worker, Community and Justice Services, or equivalent combination of education and work experience;
• Experience working with child welfare and group homes is a plus;
• Three or more years of experience with Indigenous youth;
• Thorough understanding of Canadian Indigenous history and its impact on youth mental health and social determinants of health;
• Knowledge of social, economic, and health issues relevant to the urban Indigenous community;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a team with a strong client focus;
• Knowledge of available resources in Ottawa and the ability to research the resources available in remote communities outside of Ottawa;
• Knowledge of on-and-off reserve governance and structures is a plus;
• Ability to facilitate groups/circles and multimember meetings;
• Strong organizational and negotiating skills and the ability to handle sensitive issues with tact and diplomacy;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint;
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

Salary

Range $55,000 – $60,000 per year + Benefits

Why Work for Us

You would be a part of a collaborative and supportive work environment, where 93% of staff report that their work at the Centre is meaningful and impactful.

Additionally, you would have access to:

• Comprehensive Group Health and Dental Insurance Coverage
• A Defined Benefit Pension Plan/ Employee Pension Plan with matching contribution from Wabano (HOOPP)
• Critical Illness Coverage
• Wellness Spending Account (renewed on an annual basis)
• An Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Four (4) weeks of paid vacation time

Application Details

First Nations, Inuit or Métis candidates will be given priority, please self-identify.

Please send your application to ***email_hidden***, including a cover letter and resume. Apply early — this position will remain open until filled.

Wabano is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities.

Preference will be given to candidates of Indigenous ancestry (please self-identify in your application).

Wabano is dedicated to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity or interview, please let us know if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Successful applicants will be required to provide a criminal reference check to work with a vulnerable population.

This posting is for an existing vacancy. All applications are reviewed by our hiring team; Wabano does not use artificial intelligence tools or artificial intelligence-enabled applications to screen or select candidates.

Contact email: [email protected]