The Yukon government is hiring a new child protection social worker to serve the community of Haines Junction, marking a collaborative effort to fill critical vacancies in the territory’s social services. Applications for the permanent position, located in the village of Dakwäkäda, will be accepted until July 29, 2026.
The recruitment process is a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations. The role pays between $94,501 and $109,661 annually. While the position is open to all applicants, the government is prioritizing candidates of Canadian Indigenous ancestry and those with Yukon First Nations ancestry.
This hiring initiative arrives as the territory works to address significant staffing gaps within its child welfare system. An auditor general report released in March 2026 revealed that as of March 2025, only 62 percent of social worker and supervisor positions across the territory were staffed. The report further noted that 38 percent of frontline roles remained vacant, a shortage that has impacted the government’s ability to meet required timelines for child protection assessments and face-to-face contact with children in care.
Addressing these staffing shortages has become a priority for the government, as Indigenous children make up 93 percent of those currently in the territory’s care. Health and Social Services Minister Brad Cathers has acknowledged these staffing gaps as a serious concern and committed to strengthening systems to ensure staff have the support needed to provide protection services effectively. For those interested in the role, more information is available through the Yukon government’s job portal.
Haines Junction is a village of 688 residents located 158 km west of Whitehorse at the junction of the Alaska and Haines highways.
