Job Title: Youth Wellness Navigator (Black & BIPOC Focus)
Type: Contract, Non-Union
Pay Rate: $22
Hours: Monday Friday 1:00-8:00pm
Contact Period: ASAP December 31st, 2025
Program Summary:
The Youth Wellness Navigator will play a key role in addressing the mental health and wellness needs of vulnerable Black and BIPOC youth, particularly those who are court-involved or facing housing instability. This transformative program provides culturally specific, mobile, and youth- centered services aimed at supporting the mental, emotional, and social well-being of youth ages 12-24. By focusing on healing, integration, and resilience, the program empowers youth to navigate mental health challenges, legal system involvement, and precarious housing situations.

Youth participants will be referred from the Youth Justice Centres court diversion program and our housing program, with the goal of increasing access to mental health resources and supports tailored to the unique needs of Black and BIPOC youth. The Youth Wellness Navigator will help youth integrate into supportive services, advocate for their needs, and connect them to resources that promote wellness and successful life outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
Conduct thorough needs assessments for referred youth (ages 12-17 and 18-24), identifying mental health, housing, legal, and social support needs.
Participate in the delivery of three main components of the program
o Academic Support
o Employment Support
o Health and Wellness
o Snack preparation/Nutritional activities
Build individualized workplans in collaboration with youth to meet their mental health and wellness needs, addressing their unique challenges and goals.
Provide one-on-one mentorship and act as a wellness advocate for youth, ensuring they have access to culturally relevant mental health care and counseling services.
Help youth navigate mental health services, including referrals to counseling and other supportive programs that address emotional, mental, and behavioral health.
Assist youth in connecting to additional resources and services, such as social- recreational activities, employment programs, housing supports, and health services.
Offer warm referrals to external service providers, ensuring a smooth transition to other supportive resources and programs.
Provide services that are culturally competent and tailored to the specific needs of Black and BIPOC youth, with an emphasis on building trust and engaging youth in their healing process.
Develop and implement youth-focused strategies that honor their cultural identities, lived experiences, and community contexts.
Provide crisis intervention when needed, offering immediate support for youth facing urgent mental health or housing challenges.
Maintain a calm and supportive presence in high-stress situations, helping youth navigate moments of crisis with appropriate de-escalation techniques.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of youth interactions, progress, and service delivery, ensuring compliance with program standards and confidentiality requirements.
Track and report on key metrics related to youth engagement, wellness, and program outcomes, contributing to ongoing program evaluation and improvement.
Collaborate with other members of the program team, including housing staff, mental health professionals, and external service providers, to ensure integrated care and support for youth.
Participate in community outreach and engagement efforts, building partnerships with organizations that provide services relevant to the youths needs (e.g., legal aid, health clinics, employment programs).
Facilitate workshops, group activities, or one-on-one sessions to build youth skills in areas like resilience, self-care, conflict resolution, and personal goal setting
Empower youth to actively participate in their healing and recovery process, fostering a sense of ownership and self-efficacy in their wellness journey.

Qualifications:
Bachelors degree in Social Work, Psychology, Youth Services, or related field (or equivalent experience). Minimum of 2-3 years of experience working directly with vulnerable youth, particularly those from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities.
Experience in mental health support, youth mentorship, or community-based social services is highly preferred.
Knowledge of the youth justice system and experience working with court-involved youth and/or youth facing housing instability is an asset.
Strong cultural competence and sensitivity to the unique needs of Black and BIPOC youth, with a commitment to providing services that are culturally affirming and relevant.
Ability to build trusting relationships with youth who may have complex mental health, social, and housing needs.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage youth in a compassionate and empowering way.
Knowledge of community resources for youth, including legal aid, mental health services, housing supports, and employment programs.

Other Requirements:
Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, based on youth needs.
Valid drivers license and access to a vehicle may be required (for mobile service delivery).
Ability to maintain professional boundaries while fostering a supportive and empathetic relationship with youth.

Please apply via BambooHR by April 17th, 2025

Albion Neighbourhood Services is committed to a healthy workplace that is reflective of the diverse community we serve. We strongly encourage applications from: racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientations or gender identities, among other equity seeking groups. We are committed to inclusive and barrier free hiring and will provide reasonable and appropriate accommodation during all stages of the hiring process in accordance with applicable legislation.
In order to ensure the equal and fair assessment of all job applicants, applicants are asked to make any accommodation request in advance.