Youth Development Worker (Full-Time)

PLEA Community Services Society of BC • Vancouver, BC

4h • Onsite

About The Position

PLEA Community Services is seeking a Regular Full-Time Youth Development Worker for their Vancouver Coastal Youth Services - Onyx team in Vancouver, BC. The position involves providing immediate support to youth who have experienced sexual exploitation, assisting them with exiting exploitative relationships or the sex trade. Support includes health services, detox, living space, and one-to-one community support. The role involves implementing interventions, developing service plans, and helping youth achieve their goals through voluntary services.

Requirements

• A Bachelor of Arts in the social sciences or human services or a related discipline.
• One (1) year of recent experience working in programs with youth who are deemed to be high risk with complex care needs, and their families/caregivers.
• Strong interpersonal communication, facilitation and conflict management skills, including a demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive written reports.
• Demonstrated ability to develop supportive relationships with youth and their families/caregivers who may be reluctant to engage, including demonstrated skills in working with youth who are being sexually exploited.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and lead groups designed to provide mutual support and teach participants personal, interpersonal, and life skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective relationships based on mutual respect and trust with a range of different individuals and groups in the community.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a team with other program staff, community professionals and other collaterals; use good judgment and manage conflicts constructively.
• Ability to facilitate a group and work through group processes, including highly charged emotional issues and conflict.
• Strong organizational, time and general management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make sound decisions and be held accountable for results.
• Demonstrated ability to be sensitive and understanding of individuals’ social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, poverty and lifestyle.
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues and trends related to the program.
• Knowledge of theory, principles and best practices with respect to providing services to youth who may be at risk or are being sexually exploited and their families.
• Knowledge of relevant Criminal Justice Legislation and policies, the role of Youth Court, Child Welfare Legislation and policies including the Child, Family and Community Service Act; and applicable government legislation, regulations and accreditation standards.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and database systems.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
• Must possess a valid Basic First Aid certificate (formerly OFA Level 1) or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.
• Must have access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 or 7N B.C. Driver's License and suitable driver's abstract/claims history.
• Documentation that the applicant is legally authorized to work on an ongoing basis in Canada.

Responsibilities

• Develop positive relationships with youth to provide emotional support and practical assistance.
• Plan and implement interventions addressing immediate safety needs and issues across five domains (individual, family, peers, school/employment, community) using a positive youth development approach.
• Develop collaborative relationships with youth's family/caregivers, significant others, and informal support systems.
• Provide assessment and planning, primary support, conflict mediation, and facilitate connections to community supports and specialized services.
• Develop, implement, and coordinate service plans and resources to meet youth's individual needs.
• Participate in case planning and management, providing ongoing consultation.
• Facilitate access to community resources and specialized services, integrating formal and informal support systems.
• Participate in Integrated Case Management planning, function as a key worker, and coordinate services.
• Work closely with Ministry personnel to ensure youth safety and well-being and meet case management objectives.
• Assist youth in meeting goals identified in their Youth Agreements, such as housing, financial, educational, vocational, and recreational opportunities.
• Teach life skills for independent living, including communication, problem-solving, conflict management, personal care, and money management.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement for safer choices and managing difficult situations.
• Support youth’s family/caregivers individually or through educational groups, providing advice, assistance, mediation, and crisis intervention.
• Respond to critical incidents and implement crisis intervention strategies, informing management of such situations.
• Establish strong community connections and maintain working relationships with service providers.
• Ensure accurate, complete, and compliant records, reports, and documentation.
• Protect and uphold confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Eligibility to enroll in health/welfare benefits on the first day of the month following the completion of the probation period
• Access to the annual physical activity fund
• Access to the annual education fund
• Enrollment in the Municipal Pension Plan
• Access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Discounted gym membership at Club 16 Trevor Linden and She's Fit
• Perkopolis membership
• Agency-Sponsored Social Events

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level