January 9, 2007 – Assist Alberta’s First Nation and Metis Communities in developing Sport, Recreation, Arts and Youth Development Programs this summer.

Alberta’s Future Leaders

Application Deadline: February 28, 2007   Starting Date: May 1, 2007

Position: Youth Worker

Job Description: Alberta’s Future Leaders Summer Employment Opportunity Youth Worker

Do you have a passion for positively working with youth?

Assist Alberta’s First Nation and Metis Communities in developing Sport, Recreation, Arts and Youth Development Programs this summer.

What’s in it for me? The AFL program gives students the opportunity to acquire valuable skills while doing work that is highly challenging and personally rewarding. You will gain an understanding of the grass roots approach to community development and crime prevention and will:
– Live in a First Nation or Metis community, becoming a link in the chain that strengthens that community
– Organize exciting sport, recreation and art programs for Aboriginal youth
– Experience different cultures
– Work with local recreation directors, community organizations, leaders, schools and volunteers
– Develop meaningful relationships
– Work with a “partner” AFL youth worker
– Be part of significant and even “life changing” experiences

How is this program organized? The Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts develops partnerships with Aboriginal communities, private enterprise and government agencies at the local, provincial and national level. The AFL Program rests on the fundamental belief that by working together we can make a difference in the lives of youth.

What qualifications and experience do I need?
– Recreation, Physical Education, Fine Arts (visual or performing), Education, Native Studies, Social Work or Child/Youth Care or relevant post secondary education
– Planning, organizing and implementing programs
– Experience working with youth; i.e. summer playground or sport camp programs, art camp programs
– Involvement in sports, recreation, performing or visual arts
– Extensive volunteer experience
– Self- motivated with good communication skills
– A willingness to live and learn in another cultural setting
– Experience working in a team environment
– Class V Drivers’ License
– Basic First Aid and CPR Certification
– Assets: Class IV License, Personal Vehicle
– Additional Requirement: A criminal record check prior to placement

What skills will I gain? – Planning and coordinating community events, field trips, sport and recreation programs
– Strengthened leadership skills
– Cross- cultural education
– Critical thinking, problem solving, decision making and time management
– Strengthened interpersonal as well as team work skills
– Opportunities to try caving, canyoning, adventure hiking, and survival skills along with various other activities
How much will I get paid? Youth workers are contract employees of the community, with the exception of Arts workers, who are contracted by the Alberta Foundation for the arts. All workers will be paid a salary of $8,692.00 for the summer, with accommodations provided in all communities.

Where will I live? The community provides safe, secure and appropriate furnished accommodation at no charge. Examples include billeting, teachers’ residences or vacant homes.

When will I be working? The contract period is from May 1 to August 31, 2007 (INCLUSIVE), with irregular and sometimes long hours, including evenings and weekends as required.

Will I receive training? You will receive extensive community and program development training.In fact, the first 10 days of your job will be spent in an orientation/training program with other AFL workers and community leaders. Further to that event, you will participate in a mid- term workshop, a final evaluation retreat, and a Community and Sponsor Recognition Day. You also could be selected to participate in the AFL Summer Provincial Leadership Retreat.

Do I get to choose which community I will work in? AFL program staff will assign youth workers to communities based on the communities identified needs, youth worker backgrounds and partnership profiles. Staff will take into consideration any specific requests from youth workers for community placement, but cannot guarantee a placement. Placement will be completed after youth workers are selected. Communities involved in this year’s AFL Program may include:
• Eden Valley – Morley Band;
• Swan River First Nation;
• Morley;
• Paul First Nation;
• Janvier;
• Conklin;
• Dene Tha First Nation;
• Alexander First Nation
• With other communities yet to be identified.

How do communities react to the youth workers? The AFL Program works with communities to ensure that they are fully committed, attentive and respectful toward youth workers. Many students develop lasting friendships and return year after year for work or personal reasons.

Will this summer work experience prepare me for future employment? This program is an effective career builder for any student interested in working with First Nation or Metis communities, government departments, sport or recreation programs, youth or educational facilities.

The combined experience of community development, sport and recreation planning and community experience displays that you are a diverse and motivated employee.

The Alberta’s Future Leaders program experience will assist you in being recruited by school divisions, various organizations, businesses, communities and government agencies in the future.

What is the deadline for applications? Applications will be received until February 28th, 2007 with interviews taking place the first part of March. All applicants are thanked in advance for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

How do I apply?

Interested applicants are asked to submit a resume with cover letter, in confidence to:

Darcy Lindberg Alberta’s Future Leaders Program 905 Standard Life Centre 10405 Jasper Avenue Edmonton AB, T5J 4R7 Tel: 780- 422- 9254 Fax: 780- 427- 5140 Email: darcy.Lindberg@gov.ab.ca

Type of Position:
Full Time – Seasonal

View Attachment: Youth Worker Posting

Contact Information:
Rachel Rose
Alberta’s Future Leaders
905 Standard Life Cente 10405 Jasper Ave
Edmonton , AB, Canada
T5J 4R7
E- mail: darcy.Lindberg@gov.ab.ca
Tel. 780- 422- 7110
Fax. 780- 427- 5140
http://www.cd.gov.ab.ca/asrpwf/programs/sports/abfuture/index.asp