Child and Youth Engagement Specialist

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is accepting applicants for the new position of: 

Position Title: Children and Youth Engagement Specialist (Contract) 

Department: Child, Youth & Family Well-Being Services (CYFWBS) 

Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week working onsite 8:30am – 4:30pm 

Location: 328 Chippewa Road, Muncey ON and London Satellite Office 

Posting Date: April 3, 2026 

Posting Closes: April 24, 2026 

Summary: 

The Children and Youth Engagement Specialist will lead culturally-safe, inclusive, and community-driven engagement initiatives to support the development and ongoing success of the proposed and new Children and Youth Centre. This role focuses on amplifying children and youth voices, fostering intergenerational relationships, and ensuring programs reflect the cultural, historical, and spiritual values of the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. The Specialist will collaborate with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, children and youth, families, and community partners to design and deliver holistic prevention programs that promote wellness, resilience, and belonging. 

Responsibilities: 

• Facilitate meaningful engagement with children, youth, families, and community members to help inform program design, service delivery, and activities  
• Develop culturally relevant approaches that support youth participation in decision-making and advisory opportunities  
• Organize and support youth councils, leadership groups, forums, and other engagement opportunities  
• Promote a sense of ownership, belonging, and stewardship of the Children and Youth Centre among children and youth  
• Collaborate with staff, Elders, and cultural mentors to develop programs that incorporate traditional teachings, language, and land-based learning  
• Support prevention-focused programming, including wellness promotion, early intervention, and intensive support initiatives  
• Coordinate recreational, creative, cultural, and social activities that support positive identity, connection, and resilience  
• Complete required administrative documentation, including timesheets, mileage, purchase orders, cheque requisitions, and related records in accordance with policy  
• Advocate for the needs and priorities of children and youth within program planning and service development  
• Support training, mentorship, and the use of culturally competent and trauma-informed approaches  
• Assist with program evaluation, reporting, and recommendations for continuous improvement  
• Ensure serious incidents, risk matters, and liability concerns involving children, youth, and families are documented, communicated, and reviewed appropriately  
• Maintain respectful, transparent, and confidential communication with children, youth, families, and community members  
• Participate in meetings, supervision, case conferences, integrated service planning, and community planning discussions as required  
• Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, health providers, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community organizations, and other service partners to support coordinated services and referrals 

Qualifications: 

• Post-secondary education in Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Indigenous Studies, Community Development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience  
• Minimum 2 to 3 years of experience working with Indigenous children, youth, and families in community-based settings  
• Knowledge of Chippewas of the Thames First Nation culture, traditions, and language, or a willingness to learn  
• Experience in youth engagement, program development, and facilitation  
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, mental health, and wellness approaches  
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills  
• Ability to engage children, youth, and families with empathy, cultural awareness, and professionalism, including in sensitive or complex situations  
• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure situations while maintaining confidentiality  
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required  
• Current First Aid/CPR certification is required  
• Must possess a valid Class G driver’s licence and access to an insured vehicle  
• Must provide a clear CPIC and Vulnerable Sector Check 

 What Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Has to Offer: 

• Comprehensive benefits for permanent employees, supporting health, dental, and overall well-being. 
• Employer-matched pension plan to help build long-term financial security. 
• Access to a confidential Family Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support mental, emotional, and family wellness. 
• Two-week holiday closure over Christmas and New Year’s, providing dedicated time to rest and recharge with family and community. 

Chippewas of the Thames First Nation gives hiring preference to qualified Indigenous applicants, with first preference given to qualified Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Band Members. Applicants who wish to be considered under this preference are encouraged to self-identify in their application. 
Interested applicants, please submit a cover letter, resume, three work related references, photocopies of education documents to:  

human.resources@cottfn.com  
OR 
320 Chippewa Road, Muncey, ON N0L 1Y0  

Please indicate "Children and Youth Engagement Specialist” in your application.  

We thank all candidates for applying; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Accommodations are available on request (by email to human.resources@cottfn.com) for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. 

As a federally regulated employer, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation is not required to include compensation ranges in job postings. Depending on the nature of the recruitment and the position, we may choose to share salary or pay band information in the posting or during the early stages of the process. Compensation is always discussed with candidates during recruitment to ensure clarity and alignment with their expectations and experience. 
We do not use AI in the selection process, and we do read cover letters.