School Wellness Specialist (FNSB) - Old Crow, Yukon Territory

Job Overview and Community Setting

This role is a term appointment lasting until March 31, 2029, with the eligibility list used to fill prospective term positions for up to a year. The position is based at Chief Zzeh Gittlit School (CZGS) in Old Crow, a remote fly-in northern community in Yukon Territory north of the Arctic Circle, home to about 245 residents and traditional lands of the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation whose language is Gwich’in. CZGS is a K-12 school serving around 40 students and is part of Yukon’s First Nation School Board (FNSB). The school values deep community engagement and aims to foster educational equity rooted in Yukon First Nations culture and practices.

Role Purpose

The Wellness Specialist will collaborate closely with the school staff, the Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation leadership, and receive clinical guidance from Student Support Services. Their core function is to deliver diverse direct support services and consultative assistance to students, families, and staff at CZGS. This includes identifying learner concerns, crafting localized supports grounded in Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation traditions, and partnering with community and educational agencies to promote student success.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Completion of a post-secondary degree in social work or an equivalent field.
• Practical experience offering social work services such as assessments, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, and referrals.
• Background providing social and emotional support to children and youth.
• Training in restorative approaches, critical incident stress response/debriefing, and/or violent threat risk assessment.
• Experience working in rural or remote settings is advantageous.
• Experience collaborating with First Nations communities to adapt supports is preferred.

Essential Skills and Attributes

• Capacity to build authentic, collaborative relationships with the Vuntut Gwitchin people, community elders, families, and schools to encourage community participation in educational programming.
• Strong organizational and planning abilities, with skills to evaluate, document progress, and motivate students.
• Understanding of inclusive education philosophies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with parents, staff, First Nation School Board members, and community partners.
• Commitment to cultivating respectful, trustworthy relationships among students, families, and the larger community.
• Demonstrated competence with restorative processes and implementation of supportive interventions like mentorship and study groups.
• Knowledge and application of developmentally appropriate care and restorative practices.

Additional Employment Information

• Successful candidates must obtain security clearance, including a vulnerable sector check.
• Possession of a valid class 5 driver’s license is required.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout Yukon is necessary.
• Eligibility for registration as a social worker with a Canadian College of Social Workers is required.

Community and Contact Information

Prospective applicants interested in learning more about the community, school, or role are encouraged to connect with Valerie Norman, Director of Schools at FNSB. For questions related to the recruitment process, contact Lauren Chapman, HR Consultant.

Other Notes

The candidate selection will be based on the qualifications detailed within the submitted resume. The eligibility list will remain active for 12 months from creation, facilitating the hiring of additional term positions as needed.