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Youth Worker – Binesi Waziswon

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Employer Name: Kenora Chiefs Advisory

Location/Address: 37 Strecker Road, Kenora, ON

Application Deadline: June 30th, 2026 (Open Until Filled)

Hours of Work: Full-time

Wage: $28.85 per hour

 

Duties:

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.

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 professional 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

How to Apply:

Please forward resume, cover letter and 3 references to:

Human Resource Department

Kenora Chiefs Advisory

P.O. Box 349- 240 Veterans Drive, 3rd Floor

Kenora ON

P9N 3X4

Fax: 807-467-2656

Email:  resume@kenorachiefs.org

 

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.