COMMUNITY HOMES FOR CHILDREN - Youth Care Worker (PT, Term)

New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults, and Families • Winnipeg, MB

4d • CA$17 - CA$23 • Onsite

About The Position

New Directions is a social service agency offering a wide range of resources and services that foster people’s hopes and dreams in their communities. Child Home Services (CHS) offers a range of home supports (i.e., family supports, foster home, group care homes, individualized homes, independent living, mentored living) to children, youth, and families who are dealing with challenges related to the experience of trauma and/or living with a disability. Our community-based resources are designed to support connection with family and community, a sense of belonging, and provide opportunities to engage in a meaningful life. We are seeking Direct Support Workers for specialized residential settings serving youth ages 12–17. In this role, the mission is empowerment through intentional skill-building and advocacy. We provide stabilization for youth who may be dealing with significant mental health concerns or involvement with the justice system through predictable structures, restorative justice principles, and positive behavior support. You aren't just a caregiver—you are a Life Skills Coach and Advocate. You will work within a trauma-informed environment to help youth move from crisis to self-sufficiency, transforming daily routines into opportunities for growth, healing, and future independence.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience working with youth (ages 12-17) facing mental health challenges, justice involvement, addictions, homelessness, and exploitation. Varying experience and education may be considered.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong understanding of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), and FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) and a commitment to person-led care, routine structure and adaptive communication.
• Demonstrated understanding of Trauma Informed Care, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and developmental milestones for adolescents.
• Strong awareness of Indigenous cultures, history, and the unique needs of Indigenous communities.
• A valid Class 5 driver’s license is a requirement for this position.
• Successful completion of Criminal Record Check, Adult and Child Abuse Registry Check, and Prior Contact Checks.
• Satisfactory driver’s safety rating.

Nice To Haves

• Post-secondary education in the area(s) of Youth Care Worker, and/or Mental Health.
• ASIST, Mental Health Training, or Health Care Aide certification.
• American Sign Language (ASL) skills preferred; willingness to learn and develop communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Actively teach and model life skills, including meal planning, basic cooking, grocery shopping, budgeting, and household maintenance.
• Coach youth on how to safely access community resources, use public transit, and manage medical or legal appointments.
• Facilitate and encourage educational and vocational activities that prepare youth for future employment, volunteering, or post-secondary transitions.
• Accompany and/or transport individuals to legal appointments, shopping, school, employment or leisure activities.
• Facilitate and encourage educational and vocational activities that prepare youth for future employment or volunteering.
• Utilize basic counselling and conflict resolution skills to help youth navigate social dynamics and emotional regulation.
• Act as a liaison with social workers, lawyers, teachers, and community partners to ensure the youth’s developmental goals are met.
• Assist youth in meeting conditions of probation or court mandates, focusing on restorative practices and accountability.
• Provide a "secure base" through positive behavior support, crisis intervention, and medication administration, ensuring a safe environment for learning to occur.
• Utilize trauma-informed intervention to defuse aggressive situations, focusing on de-escalation strategies that protect the individual’s safety and foster long-term self-regulation skills.
• Actively engage in harm reduction approaches.
• Maintain health and safety standards through medication administration and accurate documentation.
• Assist with personal care routines and medical needs with a focus on maintaining the individual’s dignity and comfort.

Benefits

• The salary range for this (.4) Part-time 1-year term 32-hour bi-weekly position is $17.3239 to $23.3888 per hour, dependent upon education and/or experience.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED