Special Services Youth Worker - Lower Mainland, BC

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most · Join Aunt Leah's Support Link Program and help youth on their journey to self-sufficiency. As a Special Services Youth Worker, you'll provide one-to-one support, life skills coaching, and crisis intervention for youth living in semi-indep ...

Job description

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most

Join Aunt Leah's Support Link Program and help youth on their journey to self-sufficiency. As a Special Services Youth Worker, you'll provide one-to-one support, life skills coaching, and crisis intervention for youth living in semi-independent settings. Your role will focus on preventing homelessness, supporting healthy decision-making, and guiding youth through educational, vocational, and personal growth opportunities. This position includes participation in on-call rotations for crisis support and overnight staffing as needed.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Support Link Coordinator, the Special Services Youth Worker develops trusting, reliable relationships with youth in semi-independent residential settings. You will support participants with housing, life skills, education, employment, and personal development, while using a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered approach. This position involves both day-to-day guidance and occasional crisis response, including short-term overnight support in Support Link suites.

Opportunities Available:

• Full-Time Regular Position
• Shift Schedule: TUESDAY to SATURDAY ; Generally 7.5-hour day shifts (37.5 hrs/week), with flexibility for evenings, weekends, and on-call rotations.
• Reports To: Support Link Coordinator
• Compensation: $25.17/hr

Qualifications:

• Post-Secondary Child and Youth Care Diploma, Social Work Diploma/Degree, or equivalent in Human/Social Services.
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with high-risk youth, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Requirements:

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check and Local Police Check
• MCFD Contracted Agency Caregiver Clearance
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver's License and access to a vehicle with $5M business liability insurance
• Clean driver's abstract
• First Aid – Level C w/ CPR
• Overdose Rapid Response Training
• Mental Health First Aid, Suicide Prevention, Cultural Competency, Substance Use & Addictions Training
• CPI – Non-violent Crisis Prevention Intervention Training
• Food Safe Certificate
• Adheres to Aunt Leah's Code of Ethics and Practice Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA):

• Trauma-Informed Practice and Person-Centered Approach
• Motivational Interviewing and Crisis Management
• Conflict Resolution and De-escalation Skills
• Knowledge of MCFD, Residential Tenancy Act, Youth Development, Substance Use, and Indigenous Culture
• Time Management, Organizational Skills, and Documentation/Report Writing
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Competence in planning, budgeting, and supporting program outcomes

Key Responsibilities:

• Build trusting relationships with youth, supporting them in daily life skills, financial literacy, education, vocational development, health and wellness, cultural connection, and recreational engagement.
• Provide direct care, supervision, and guidance, including crisis intervention, conflict resolution, anger and behavior management, and advocacy.
• Assist youth with household maintenance, meal preparation, hygiene, personal care, and maintaining safe living spaces.
• Support youth in accessing community resources, including education, employment, mental health, and social services.
• Participate in program planning and implementation, including Individual Service Plans, safety plans, cultural plans, and discharge/transition plans.
• Track program outcomes, complete documentation, and communicate effectively with the Support Link Coordinator, internal teams, landlords, and external partners.
• Participate in overnight recreational outings, on-call rotations, and other program-related activities as required.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and secure environment in accordance with Support Link policies, MCFD standards, and Aunt Leah's Health and Safety guidelines.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Physical support and supervision of youth in a safe and secure manner

Working Conditions:

• Flexible work hours including evenings, weekends, and travel to community locations within Metro Vancouver
• Work performed in semi-independent youth residences and community settings
• Participation in scheduled on-call rotations

Living Wage Employer:

As a certified living wage employer, Aunt Leah's ensures all employees are compensated fairly, allowing staff to support the healthy development of children and youth and participate fully in community life.

We Offer:

• Comprehensive benefits including dental, extended health care, RRSP matching, and generous vacation and personal time
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within a supportive team

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter, quoting "Special Services Youth Worker" in the subject line. Short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.

We encourage qualified applicants of all gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, Indigenous persons, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply.