Youth Development Worker (Temporary Full-Time) - Float

PLEA Community Services Society of BC • Maple Ridge, BC

10d • Onsite

About The Position

PLEA Community Services is seeking a Temporary Full-Time Youth Development Worker (Float) for their Ridge Meadows and Tri-Cities Youth Services teams. This role involves spending community-based, one-on-one time with youth to address their complex needs, including issues related to aggressive behavior, addictions, mental illness, autism, and FASD. The worker will assist youth in achieving goals related to education, employment, relationship building, and their transition to independence. This is a temporary fixed-term contract position.

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 at risk, including work with youth involved in the criminal justice system, and their families/caregivers.
• Strong interpersonal communication, facilitation, and conflict management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive written reports.
• Demonstrated proficiency in teaching others.
• Ability to work collaboratively with families/caregivers and support networks.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others and implement effective behavior management strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop supportive relationships with youth and their families/caregivers who may be reluctant to engage.
• Ability to facilitate a group and work through difficult group processes effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a team with other program staff, community professionals, and other collaterals.
• Use good judgment and manage conflicts constructively.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and facilitate groups designed to teach a wide variety of participants personal, family, and vocational skills.
• 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 high-risk youth and their families/caregivers.
• 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.
• 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 strategies, activities, and interventions addressing youth issues in individual, family, peer, school/employment, and community domains using a positive youth development approach.
• Develop collaborative relationships with youth's family/caregivers, significant others, and informal support systems.
• Facilitate access to community resources and specialized services for youth and their families/caregivers.
• 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.
• Provide intensive goal-focused support and supervision services to youth subject to a Youth Court Order.
• Monitor compliance with the terms and conditions of Youth Court Orders and Extra Judicial Sanctions.
• Assist youth in meeting goals identified in their Youth Agreements, such as housing, financial, educational, vocational, and recreational opportunities.
• Teach youth life skills for independent living, including communication, problem-solving, conflict management, personal care, and money management.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to youth in making safer choices and managing difficult situations.
• Support youth's family/caregivers individually or through facilitation of educational groups, providing advice, assistance, mediation, and crisis intervention.
• Develop strategies to connect at-risk or homeless youth to necessary supports and services.
• Respond to critical incidents and implement crisis intervention strategies.
• Establish strong connections to the community and maintain working relationships with service providers.
• Maintain necessary program participant and program reports and statistics, ensuring accuracy and compliance with PLEA's policies.
• 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
• 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
• Municipal Pension Plan

What This Job Offers

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