Penobscot Nation Youth Worker

Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness (WPHW) is growing, and we are excited to be adding new people to our team!  If you value inclusivity, balance, and cultural centeredness and have a true passion for serving others, you may be a great fit for our team!  WPHW is a non-profit organization that serves four federally recognized tribes located in five communities:  the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Aroostook Band of Mi'kmaq, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point, and the Penobscot Nation.  Wabanaki traditions, language, and culture guide our approach and describe the ways we live in harmony with each other and the land we collectively share.  Services are available to community members living on and off-reservation across the state of Maine.

Position Summary:

Wabanaki Public Health believes youth are essential partners in creating positive community change. The Penobscot Nation Youth Worker role is to empower and prepare youth to use their voice and to make an impact on their communities, and to help to create a safe space for youth to gather with prevention activities as a focus. The Penobscot Nation Youth Worker will facilitate youth programs in the community by engaging, supporting, and empowering youth voice and youth leadership with the use of Indigenous Wabanaki Culture and prevention focused activities. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and form youth programming for youth who attend the youth program (including relationship building with youth workers/directors, youth and their parents/guardians, curriculum design, program instruction/facilitation, logistics planning, recruitment and promotion, evaluation, and support to youth leaders and team staff assisting with the program).
• Work in a collaborative manner with the WPH youth team to plan and implement youth gatherings and events.
• Maintain a fun and safe place for youth to develop a sense of pride, optimism, and belonging.
• Promote the development of social and emotional skills, youth empowerment and youth voice.
• Create an environment which frequently recognizes both the efforts and achievements of youth in meaningful public ways.
• Employ problem-solving skills when needed to redirect youth’s behaviors.
• Engage with all staff in a collaborative manner.
• Maintain communication with the supervisor.
• Attend trainings and engage in professional development (CECs).
• Support youth council/youth programs attendance and program data are tracked, collected, and analyzed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

Education and Experience Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent. 
• Experience working in Tribal Communities. 
• Experience working with youth. 
• Event planning experience.

Skills and Qualifications Required:

• Understanding of Social/Emotional Development. 
• Open to new ways of thinking about youth programming and prevention. 
• A sense of humor. 
• Excellent organizational and communication skills. 
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently. 
• A strong work ethic and enthusiasm. 
• A valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and access to reliable transportation are required. 
  
• Must pass criminal background check.

Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.