Classification: Band 5 — Analyst / Officer / Specialist
Reports To: Director, Health & Social Services
Location: Port Alberni satellite office, with travel to hitac̓u and surrounding communities
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary Band: Band 5
POSITION PURPOSE
The Outreach & Wellness Support Worker provides community-based outreach, advocacy, and systems navigation for Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ citizens and families — with a particular focus on members living in Port Alberni and surrounding areas. The role helps members access health, social, housing, and cultural supports that strengthen safety, stability, and wellness. As one part of the role, the Worker also supports restorative justice and diversion opportunities for members involved with, or at risk of involvement with, the justice system, working in partnership with Elders, families, and justice partners.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Community Outreach & Relationship Building
- Provide consistent outreach support to Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ members in Port Alberni, hitac̓u, Ucluelet, and surrounding areas.
- Build trusting, respectful, long-term relationships with members and families through regular in-person engagement.
- Identify members who are isolated, in crisis, or disconnected from services, and proactively offer support.
- Participate in community events, gatherings, and engagement activities that strengthen community connection.
Wellness Navigation & Systems Support
- Assist members in accessing services related to primary health care, mental health and substance use supports, housing, income assistance, transportation, and child & family services.
- Support navigation of First Nations Health Authority, Island Health, MCFD, and other provincial and federal systems.
- Accompany members to appointments, intake meetings, and follow-ups where helpful.
- Work closely with the Community Care Nurse, Social Worker, and other YG Health & Social Services staff to coordinate wraparound support.
Advocacy & Client Support
- Advocate for culturally safe, respectful, and trauma-informed treatment of members within service and justice systems.
- Support members in understanding their rights, available options, and the processes they are navigating.
- Provide practical support and accompaniment during periods of instability, crisis, or transition.
- Maintain professional boundaries while building strong, supportive relationships.
Restorative Justice & Diversion Support
- Receive and support referrals related to restorative justice and diversion opportunities for Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ members.
- Facilitate or coordinate culturally informed restorative processes (including circles and community-based resolutions) in partnership with Elders, families, and community supports.
- Support participants in understanding diversion options and developing accountability and healing plans.
- Monitor progress and provide follow-up to encourage successful completion of diversion agreements.
Community & Partner Engagement
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Indigenous organizations, health and social service providers, housing agencies, and justice partners (police, Crown, probation, courts) as appropriate.
- Support members to access Elders, cultural supports, land-based opportunities, and community programming.
- Represent YG Health & Social Services at relevant inter-agency tables and case conferences with direction from the Director.
Administration, Reporting & Safety
- Maintain accurate, confidential, and well-organized client records and case notes in line with YG policy.
- Track outreach activities, referrals, diversion outcomes, and community engagement efforts for program reporting.
- Contribute to funding reports and program evaluation.
- Follow YG safety, lone-worker, and confidentiality protocols at all times.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director, Health & Social Services.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Required:
- Diploma or degree in Social Work, Human Services, Indigenous Studies, Criminology, Health, or a related field — or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and lived/community knowledge.
- A combination of education and experience in outreach, community support, health/social services, or a related field. Recent graduates currently completing practicum placements, or those with relevant community-based experience, are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Demonstrated ability to work with Indigenous individuals and families navigating complex systems.
- Valid Class 5 BC Driver's Licence and access to reliable transportation.
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector screening.
Preferred:
- Experience supporting members involved with the justice system, or in restorative justice / diversion processes.
- Knowledge of services and supports in Port Alberni, Ucluelet, and the West Coast region.
- Training in trauma-informed practice, mental health first aid, non-violent crisis intervention, or harm reduction.
- Familiarity with First Nations Health Authority, Island Health, and MCFD service pathways.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Strong relationship-building, communication, and advocacy skills
- Cultural humility and commitment to culturally safe practice
- Sound judgment, problem-solving, and ability to remain calm in dynamic or crisis situations
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and use time well in a community-based role
- Strong organizational skills and attention to confidentiality and documentation
- Collaborative approach with internal team, Elders, families, and external partners
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Combination of office-based, community-based, and field/outreach work.
- Regular travel between hitac̓u, Ucluelet, and Port Alberni; some travel within the broader region.
- May involve supporting members experiencing crisis, instability, grief, or other complex challenges.
- Flexibility required for occasional evening or weekend work to attend community events or respond to urgent needs.
- Lone-worker situations may occur; YG safety protocols apply.
CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS
- Genuine respect for Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ traditions, language, protocols, and governance.
- Commitment to the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ core values (Ḥaaḥuupač̓ak, Haač̓aqmis, ʔiisaakmis, quuʔasa, tiičmisʔakqin, t̓ašii, iiḥsaaḥtak).
- Understanding of the impacts of colonization, residential schools, and intergenerational trauma on Indigenous individuals, families, and communities.
- Commitment to trauma-informed, strengths-based, and relationship-centred practice.
Benefits such as:
- Competetive base salary
- Extended Health and Dental Benefits (applicable from day one!)
- Enrolment into Municipal Pension Plan
- 4-weeks paid vacation (with incremental increases for years of service)
- Paid personal and flex day
- Paid days off during the Christmas break
- Hybrid work arrangements (subject to operational requirements)
This job description is intended to convey the general nature and level of work expected. YG reserves the right to amend and update responsibilities to meet operational needs. Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ citizens are encouraged to apply.
