2026 CRUW Program Assistant - Contractor Opportunity

The Culturally Relevant Urban Wellness (CRUW) Program was developed in 2011 by a community partnership interested in promoting the use of green space as a source of wellness and concrete skill development for vulnerable youth. The program focuses on Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth involved in the child welfare system. The program is grounded in the Indigenous perspective that we derive wellness and community from relationship and interaction with land and territory. 

Contract length:       March 2026 to November 2026 with possibility of extension

Rate of Pay:                $25.00 per hour

Hours:                          280 hours over the duration of the program

Session dates:            March 7, 28; April 11, 25; May 9, 23; June 6, 20; July 4, 18; August 1, 15, 29; September 12, 26; October 10, 24 and CRUW Grad TBD

CRUW is based at Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society (VACFSS), an urban delegated child welfare agency, and operates in partnership with the Indigenous Research Partnerships, the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, and the xʷc̓ic̓əsəm Garden at the University of British Columbia – located on traditional xʷməθkʷəy̓əm Musqueam territory. CRUW encompasses three distinct programming streams, including 1) the core UBC Farm program; 2) the Life Skills and Leadership program; and 3) the Youth Mentor Committee. Collectively, the CRUW program focuses on the objectives of: honouring our diversity, holistic and sustainable urban wellness, emotional and cultural competence, and youth leadership.

The UBC Farm program brings Indigenous youth in care with VACFSS together with other diverse youth involved with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) to engage in urban green space. Youth participants spend every second Saturday from April to October at the UBC Farm and xʷc̓ic̓əsəm Garden, learning from Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers, program staff, and other professionals. Youth engage in a variety of activities and workshops in both the garden, around the farm, and indoor settings. Participants are split into three groups, each led and supervised by a Group Leader and Youth Worker. 

Check out the CRUW webpage for more information and context on the program!

Description: the CRUW Assistant, supervised by the Child and Youth Engagement Lead and supported by the CRUW Program Coordinator and Child and Youth Engagement Lead, is tasked with entails a wide variety of duties and tasks in facilitating the program. The Program Assistant will participate in choosing Youth Mentors, assist the CRUW Coordinator with planning and coordination of the farm program sessions, participate in annual events and cultural engagement as well as miscellaneous administration and program-related tasks.  

The CRUW Program Assistant is expected to attend every session date and is responsible for assisting the Program Coordinator in ensuring the Farm sessions run smoothly.

• Participate in choosing youth mentors for CRUW – UBC Farm Program and continued youth mentor skill development and check ins: including interviewing and deciding on youth mentors for the 2026 CRUW season, engaging in bi-weekly check ins with youth mentors throughout the season, and providing continued monthly mentorship skills development training.
• Assisting CRUW Coordinator with planning, coordinating, and attending farm program sessions: including attending each Farm program session, assisting the CRUW Coordinator and other CRUW staff where needed throughout the day, and filling in for the CRUW Coordinator if needed.
• Participate in annual events and cultural engagement: including assisting in planning and coordinating sage picking, National Indigenous Day, and CRUW Graduation
• Administration and miscellaneous tasks: including the completion of cheque requisitions, budget-minding, and other office-related tasks.
• Participate in other program-related planning and organizing.

• Strong organization, time-management and flexibility
• Strong capacities and direct experience working with youth - both in group and one-to-one settings
• Knowledge of land and food systems, Indigenous rights, and decolonization efforts
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience working with Indigenous, BIPOC, and/or youth in care
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills
• Experience facilitating workshops and goal setting with youth
• Experience facilitating/supporting outdoor and experiential programming for groups of youth 

• Preference will be given to candidates with a diploma or certificate in Social Work, Child and Youth Care or similar fields will also be considered
• Candidates with lived experience will also be considered
• Candidates with related experience working with youth will also be considered
• Preference will be given to Indigenous or other BIPOC candidates
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license with preference of a Valid Class 4 unrestricted licenses
• Valid First Aid certificate (or a commitment to obtain prior to start date)
• Candidates are required to submit a driving abstract, criminal record check (to be provided by VACFSS)
• Candidates must be able to work Fridays and Saturdays
• Candidates may be required to work on-site at VACFSS locations and the UBC Farm

A formal employment application is not required for contractors – please do not complete the application form. Interested contractors may express their interest in this opportunity by emailing Kris_Wiggins@vacfss.com with an expression of interest letter and resume. Indigenous and BIPOC contractors who wish to self-identify may do so in their letter.

Thank you to everyone for your interest in this contract opportunity. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

VACFSS acknowledges, with deep respect and gratitude, that our work takes place on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓-speaking Musqueam Peoples, the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ilwətaʔɬ/Sel̓ílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We recognize the past, present, and future generations of the Coast Salish Peoples who help us steward this land, as well as honour and celebrate this place.

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