Warriors Against Violence (WAV) Program Facilitator

THE ORGANIZATION

Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS) was established in 1972 and is a non-profit organization with a status free open-door policy. KAFS is dedicated to empowering the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities of Kamloops and surrounding areas. KAFS provides culturally appropriate programs and inclusive services that meet the needs of urban Indigenous people to become healthier, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Our team currently has 30 staff offering comprehensive services to the community from infancy to golden age. Some of the programs we deliver include, but are not limited to:

· Family support services, including parenting support, nutrition education, pre- and post-natal care, infant and child and youth programs, school district support, anti-violence and family violence supports, and mental health crisis response.

· Services to homeless relatives, including a storage program, harm reduction services, shower, and laundry services.

· Substance abuse support services to people 15 years and older, including advocacy for treatment beds, follow-up upon completion of treatment, and community-based treatment services.

All our programs are embedded in culture. We find that many of our clients are looking for this and appreciate cultural practices such as smudging and drumming that happen on a regular basis.

THE OPPORTUNITY

KAFS is recruiting a dedicated and culturally grounded Warriors Against Violence (WAV) Program Facilitator to join our Family Violence Prevention (FVP) team. Reporting to the FVP Manager, the WAV Facilitator plays a key role in supporting individuals, primarily men, who have used or are at risk of using violence in their relationships.

This position is facilitation-focused, with the primary responsibility being the delivery of the WAV program two days per week, alongside culturally grounded and land-based programming. The remainder of the role includes targeted one-on-one case management and participant support, ensuring continuity of care and meaningful behaviour change.

The WAV Facilitator will also support the Healing Our Spirits program—a culturally grounded bereavement support initiative designed to provide healing to youth (ages 12–24) and their families who have experienced loss due to the toxic drug crisis. This program recognizes the intersection of grief, historical trauma, and cultural disconnection, providing a safe space for youth to navigate their loss through peer support, land-based healing, and culturally relevant approaches.

The facilitator will work closely with justice-involved individuals, including those on probation, parole, or facing criminal charges. This role requires a strong ability to balance accountability, safety, and culturally rooted healing, while maintaining a structured and impactful program environment.

This is a part-time position with flexible hours ranging from 0–40 hours per week, depending on program needs. This position is subject to funding requirements and will be on a contract basis, with chance of renewal, until March 31, 2027.

Program Facilitation (Primary Focus)

· Lead and facilitate Warriors Against Violence group programming (minimum two days per week).

· Deliver structured sessions focused on accountability, healthy relationships, emotional regulation, and behavioural change.

· Develop and facilitate an 8-week bereavement support program for youth through the Healing Our Spirits initiative, including both indoor and land-based components.

· Facilitate open and sometimes difficult conversations regarding violence and grief, ensuring emotional and physical safety within the group.

· Maintain strong group structure, boundaries, and participant accountability.

· Adapt facilitation methods to meet diverse participant needs and learning styles.

· Facilitate training sessions on grief, loss, and trauma-informed care for staff, volunteers, and community members.

· Mentor peer support leaders and youth facilitators, ensuring they receive proper training and guidance.

· Coordinate workshops on trauma and resiliency, grief navigation, and harm reduction strategies.

Case Management & Participant Support (Secondary Focus)

· Complete intake, assessment, and screening of participants to determine suitability and readiness for the program.

· Conduct initial assessments with youth to identify immediate needs such as housing, food security, and mental health support.

· Provide one-on-one support to reinforce program teachings, address barriers, and support individual goals.

· Conduct risk and safety assessments and respond appropriately to disclosures and high-risk behaviours.

· Maintain communication with referral sources (probation, parole, community partners) as appropriate.

· Maintain a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all program participants, including Indigenous youth, refugee youth, and youth with disabilities.

Cultural & Land-Based Programming

· Facilitate and/or support cultural teachings, activities, and land-based programming that promote healing and connection.

· Ensure programming is culturally responsive, integrating traditional healing practices, ceremonies, and Elder involvement.

· Work collaboratively with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to ensure culturally safe and meaningful program delivery.

· Build relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders to integrate cultural teachings into all aspects of programming.

· Integrate Indigenous values, teachings, and practices into all aspects of program facilitation.

Advocacy, Collaboration & Community Engagement

· Act as an advocate by connecting participants to relevant services, including legal, housing, mental health, and addictions supports.

· Support participants in navigating systems and accessing resources that promote long-term stability.

· Work collaboratively with schools and other community-based organizations to reach underserved youth.

· Build and maintain strong working relationships with community partners, justice agencies, and service providers.

· Organize community events, youth engagement activities, and awareness campaigns to promote programming.

· Participate in outreach, workshops, and community initiatives related to violence prevention and healthy relationships at the direction of the Family Violence Prevention Manager.

Documentation, Reporting & Team Collaboration

· Maintain accurate and timely case notes, documentation, and program records in accordance with organizational and legal standards.

· Track program participation and impact through participant feedback, surveys, and other evaluation tools.

· Prepare reports and updates on participant progress, program outcomes, and caseload needs.

· Ensure accurate reporting on program activities, budget management, and funding utilization.

· Adapt and refine program activities based on ongoing evaluations and feedback from participants and the community.

· Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and collaborative planning with internal and external stakeholders.

· Ensure confidentiality, ethical practice, and compliance with all policies and procedures.

· Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

· Diploma or Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field; or a Diploma in Social Services from a two-year program with equivalent related experience.

· A minimum of 4 years’ experience in the social services field, preferably with youth and/or justice-involved individuals.

· Experience working with justice-involved individuals and/or individuals who have used violence.

· Experience facilitating groups and delivering behavioural change programming.

· Experience in program coordination, social work, counselling, or a related field.

· Knowledge and understanding of grief, loss, bereavement, and trauma, particularly in Indigenous communities.

· Experience working with youth in a community-based or peer-support setting.

· Strong understanding of intimate partner violence, family violence, and trauma-informed practice.

· Knowledge of risk assessment, safety planning, and crisis intervention.

· Experience or willingness to facilitate cultural and land-based programming.

· Knowledge of Indigenous communities, cultural safety, and the impacts of family violence on Indigenous populations.

· Experience with land-based healing and traditional Indigenous practices is an asset.

· A combination of education, lived experience, and cultural knowledge will be considered.

OUR “MUST HAVES” THAT MAKE YOU GREAT

· Strong group facilitation and leadership skills.

· Ability to hold individuals accountable while maintaining a respectful, trauma-informed approach.

· Ability to manage complex group dynamics and emotionally charged discussions.

· Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate support programs.

· Experience organizing events, workshops, and peer support groups.

· Understanding of grief, loss, and bereavement, particularly in Indigenous communities.

· Knowledge of trauma-informed care and harm reduction approaches.

· Experience integrating traditional healing practices and cultural teachings.

· Ability to build trust and rapport with youth and adult participants from diverse backgrounds.

· Skills in providing individual and group support, including crisis intervention.

· Understanding of youth development and peer support models.

· Strong networking skills to engage community and ensure supports from external agencies.

· Ability to create and maintain partnerships with Elders, mental health professionals, and service providers.

· Experience advocating for participant needs within community and organizational settings.

· Experience mentoring peer support leaders and facilitators.

· Strong public speaking and presentation skills.

· Skills in tracking program impact through participant feedback and surveys.

· Ability to collect and analyze data to inform program improvements.

· Experience in completing reports to funding agencies is an asset.

· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to meet participants where they are at.

· Excellent verbal and written communication, documentation, and organizational skills.

· Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage competing priorities.

· Strong conflict resolution, mediation, and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to collaborate effectively with community partners, justice agencies, and internal teams.

· Cultural humility and ability to work alongside Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

· Ability to work independently and within a highly dynamic environment.

· Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

· Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Clearance

· Reliable transportation

· Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends

Benefits

· Flexible scheduling (0–40 hours/week based on program needs)

· Group benefits including extended health, dental, and vision (eligibility based on hours worked)

· Employee Assistance Program

· Paid Time Off

· Wellness Days Off