CharityVillage

THE ORGANIZATION:

Take a Hike empowers youth who experience vulnerability to change the trajectory of their lives with a full-time mental health and emotional well-being program embedded in an alternate education classroom. Take a Hike engages youth with intentional, continuous clinical counselling, experiential land-based learning, and community. Our public school district partners provide high quality education, and together, we empower youth with the skills and resilience they need to graduate high school, build healthy relationships, and achieve success – however they define it. For more information on the program, please visit www.takeahikefoundation.org.

SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Program Manager, Interior Region, the Program Specialist is responsible for providing supports to the youth in the Merritt School District TAH program. The Specialist will support utilization of TAH’s Shared Practices within the classroom setting, assisting teachers and other District staff to best leverage TAH tools and resources. With an understanding of social and emotional learning and youth mental health, the Program Specialist will also provide leadership on out days and multi-day experiences, supporting learning from and with the land. In addition, this position plays a role in reaching out to youth serving organizations and caregivers where it my assist TAH youth.

KEY COMPETENCIES: 

• Knowledge of youth development, trauma-informed support and care 
• Ability to work as part of a collaborative team to promote an inclusive, welcoming, safe and respectful environment for healing, learning and growth. 
• Ability to facilitate group activities, discussions, and experiences. 
• Ability to foster social and emotional learning and connection to the land. 
• Ability to draw on relationship building skills including active listening and conflict resolution  
• Ability to develop leadership, team-building and self-advocacy skills among youth. 
• Ability to support case management as it pertains to mental health and wellbeing. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Interacts positively with youth, individually and in groups, using strength-based
• approaches, respectful communication, and affirmative techniques, such as developing trust, listening and engaging with youth. 
• Help youth identify their needs and preferences, co-construct goals that can lead to improved mental health.  
• Support case management in alignment with client goals. 
• Offers maximum choice and voice and responds to priorities articulated by participants.  
• Understands and can articulate the TAH Theory of Change and bring the Shared Practice to life in the classroom and on the land. 
• Interacts constructively with colleagues, youth, families, and others to support youth. 
• Act as a liaison between the Community Learning Centre and TAH 
• Engage with and bring TAH tools into the CLC program, where appropriate 
• Participate in and provide leadership, support, and coordination to land-based learning out days and multi-day experiences. 
• Ensure maintenance of TAH equipment and outdoor clothing.  

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:  

• Diploma in Youth Work, or equivalent. 2 years youth support related experience preferably in safehouse, group home, or treatment program.  
• First Aid (Remote First Aid desired) 
• Comfort and enthusiasm for learning on and from the land 

TERMS AND COMPENSATION:

This is a one year full-time contract position with an ideal start date of August 5, 2024. This is a 1 year pilot position with the goal to transition to full time permanent. The successful candidate will be paid an annual salary of $51,000-$60,000 commensurate with experience, based on a 37.5-hour work week. Vacation aligns, in part, with the school-based closures. This position is located in Merritt, BC.

Generous benefits include:

• Employer-paid benefits including extended health and dental
• Disability and Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Health Spending Account
• Retirement Savings Plan with employer matching
• Generous vacation time
• Professional development budget and training opportunities

Applications will be evaluated, and interviews conducted, on a rolling basis and you are encouraged to apply early.

Take a Hike values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Diversity at Take a Hike means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. Individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, racialized Canadians, or candidates with lived experience in mental health are encouraged to consider this opportunity.

Our commitment to reconciliation can be found on our website here.