Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) was established in 1972 and is a non-profit organization with a status free open-door policy. KAFS is dedicated to empowering the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities of Kamloops and surrounding areas. KAFS provides culturally appropriate programs and inclusive services that meet the needs of urban Indigenous people to become healthier, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
THE OPPORTUNITY:
The Child & Youth Care Worker provides culturally grounded, trauma-informed support to children, youth, and families. This role focuses on building trusting relationships, supporting emotional regulation, promoting safety and well-being, and strengthening connections to culture, community, and family.
This position is intended to support Indigenous youth through mentorship, guidance, and culturally relevant programming. Reporting to the Family Services Manager or designate, the Child & Youth Care Worker plays a key role in fostering resilience, identity, and positive development among youth.
This role includes supporting male-identifying Indigenous youth who may have experienced trauma, violence, or system involvement, and who benefit from culturally grounded, gender-responsive support that fosters relational safety, trust, and positive identity development.
A DAY IN THE LIFE – ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide one-on-one and group-based support to children and youth
- Support emotional regulation, life skills development, and positive behavior strategies
- Facilitate culturally relevant activities and land-based programming where possible
- Build safe, consistent, and trusting relationships with youth and families
- Build relational safety and trust with youth who may have experienced trauma, including those who may be more comfortable engaging with a male-identifying worker
- Provide gender-responsive, culturally grounded mentorship to male-identifying Indigenous youth, supporting healthy identity development and emotional well-being
- Model positive, healthy male roles and behaviours in alignment with cultural teachings and community values
- Support youth in exploring identity, boundaries, and relationships in a safe and culturally respectful environment
- Support youth in navigating systems such as school and community services
- Work collaboratively with Family Services staff and community partners
- Maintain accurate documentation and case notes in alignment with organizational policies
- Participate in team meetings, case planning, and ongoing training
- Promote a safe, inclusive, and culturally respectful environment
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Requirements
- Diploma or degree in Child & Youth Care, Social Work, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
- Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working with children and youth in a community-based setting
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed practice
- Knowledge of Indigenous culture, traditions, and community connections
- Experience facilitating youth engagement and programming
- Understanding of gender-responsive approaches to working with Indigenous youth, particularly male-identifying youth
- Demonstrated ability to build trust and rapport with youth who have experienced trauma, including those impacted by violence or system involvement
OUR “MUST HAVES” THAT MAKE YOU GREAT:
- Ability to engage youth using a strengths-based and respectful approach
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Cultural humility, empathy, and relationship-building abilities
- Ability to create emotionally and culturally safe spaces that support relational trust and engagement for male-identifying youth
- Awareness of how identity—including gender and culture—impacts service delivery and youth outcomes
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
- Commitment to supporting Indigenous youth and families in a culturally safe way
WORKING SCHEDULE:
- Part-time position (20 hours per week)
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
- Valid BC Driver’s License
- Current First Aid/CPR certification
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check.
EQUITY & HIRING REQUIREMENTS:
Preference may be given to qualified Indigenous applicants in accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code.
Due to the sensitive nature of the work and the need to establish relational safety and trust with the specific population served, this position requires a gender-specific approach.
Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) requires the successful candidate to be male identifying. This is a bona fide occupational requirement reasonably necessary to the role, in accordance with Section 11 of the BC Human Rights Code.
Benefits
- $25.00–$27.00/hour, based on skill set and experience
- Professional development opportunities
- Culturally grounded and supportive team environment