Who we are:

UNYA has been supporting the health and wellbeing of Indigenous youth in the Metro Vancouver area for over 30 years. As a respected non-profit, charitable organization, we recognize Indigenous youth as experts in their own lives and strive to provide youth with programs and opportunities that are relevant and meaningful to them.

At Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA), we have developed a Philosophy of Care foundation, drawing from best practices. These philosophies are the grounding framework that shapes all of our decisions and every interaction we have with the youth we serve. Following these philosophies empowers our staff to meet youth where they are at, by giving them the ability to balance flexibility and structure. This allows us to meet our youth’s needs, and ensure that our youth experience a consistent quality of care across all UNYA programs. Our 5 key philosophies are Trauma-Informed Practice, Two-Eyed Seeing, Harm Reduction, Youth/Person-Centered Practice, and Culture as Therapy.

Highlights of this opportunity:

UNYA has a temporary full-time employment opportunity (mat leave coverage for 18 months) for a Program Manager position that oversees our Aboriginal Safe House, Outreach and Transition Team.  

1. The Aboriginal Safehouse (ASH) is a voluntary short-term residential program for youth between the ages of 16-19 of any and all backgrounds who do not have a safe place to stay.  ASH provides a supportive, non-judgmental place where youth are supported 24-7 in making positive changes in their lives. The Program Manager will oversee a staff team and an assistant manager.
2. The Outreach Program provides street outreach services and 1-to-1 support to Indigenous youth aged 12-19. The Program Manager will oversee 4 Youth Care Counsellors in the Outreach Program who work with each youth closely, assisting them to identify their individual needs and set positive goals for the future in the community. 
3. The Transition Program is a support program for Indigenous Youth aged 16-19. Youth must be referred by either a Social Worker or Probation Officer with MCFD or a delegated agency.   The program is goal-oriented and focuses on successfully transitioning youth from MCFD supports to living independently beyond the age of 19. The program manager will oversee 2 Youth Care Counsellors in the Transition Program who work with each youth closely, assisting them to identify their individual needs and set positive goals for the future.

The Program Manager is responsible for working in partnership with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), Vancouver Child and Family Services Society (VACFSS) and community partners to ensure a safe, supportive environments/programs that are culturally open and accessible in order to support the personal development and safety of youth participants.  This position is also responsible for all aspects of supervision for a residential staff team, 4 outreach workers, 2 transition workers and an assistant manager. This position is 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday 9:00-5:00; hours will sometimes need to be adjusted to fit the needs of the program. This position reports directly to the Director of Youth Programs.

This position is based out of the ASH Program; occasional attendance at off-site meetings is required. 

Qualifications and Conditions:

1. Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, 2 years of related experience, and experience working with youth/the Indigenous community/non-profits, or, a combination of relevant education, training, and experience.
2. Knowledge and experience in: volunteer recruitment, financial management, project management, coaching, mentoring, policy interpretation, and conflict resolution.
3. Knowledge of the following modalities: culture as therapy, person-centered approach, family systems approach, and trauma-informed practice.
4. Experience working with the Indigenous community, including knowledge of the generational impacts of the residential school system on families and communities. An understanding and willingness to participate in Indigenous ceremonies, practices, and protocols.
5. Must demonstrate a good working knowledge of community youth resources in Vancouver.
6. Must have a Class 5 Driver’s License, and a Driver’s Abstract satisfactory to UNYA.
7. Must have a criminal record check completed by and satisfactory to UNYA.
8. Proof of Covid-19 vaccination will be required.
9. Given the needs of the youth accessing our programs, priority will be given to qualified Indigenous, First Nations, Metis, Inuit candidates as per section 41 of the Human Rights code.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Supervise and coordinate UNYA program staff.  Establish effective employee coaching and support to ensure the success of the program.  Ensure the timely completion of criminal record checks, staff orientation and training, and performance evaluations for all program staff.  Compile and submit all personnel-related information to the Director of Youth Programs and/or the Accounting Department in an accurate and timely manner.
2. Ensure all UNYA staff, including self, are adhering to UNYA’s Philosophy of Care, and all program-specific and organizational-wide policies and procedures.
3. Ensure care-plan meets each youth’s mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional needs including but not limited to the areas of culture, safety, finance, housing, education, social, support, and recreation.
4. Establish and maintain a network of positive working relationships with other UNYA programs and other community programs/resources to ensure effective referrals and enhance access to a strong continuum of supports. Ensure that youth are being referred to appropriate services in the community, as individual needs require.  Provide information, advocacy, and support in the referral process for internal and external programs, as well as other supports in the community.
5. Maintain sound financial and office management. Oversee and monitor program expenditures, ensuring that the program remains within its allocated budgets.  Prepare and submit financial reports as required.
6. Keep abreast of current social concerns and street trends, and as required, attend professional development activities in order to remain informed regarding issues affecting street-involved youth.

What we offer:

• Compensation: Step 1 - $32.09 through Step 4 - $37.04/hour (based on years of service)
• 40 hours a week
• Comprehensive Benefits package includes Extended Health, Dental, Vision, LTD and Life insurance (paid by employer)
• Paid Vacation days, Sick days & Wellness days
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which consists of no-cost counselling services to UNYA staff
• Support from UNYA’s Elder in Residence for cultural and spiritual guidance or teachings
• Monthly Staff development