Youth Diversion Navigator

BGCBIGS•Edmonton, AB

12h•Onsite

About The Position

BGC Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area is an organization that believes in the promise of all children. Our team works with community volunteers, partners and other supporters to create safe environments for children to be between school and home and to provide caring mentoring relationships for children and youth. Now, more than ever, the kids in our community need us and we are looking for great staff to join our team. BGCBigs values the diversity of the people it hires and serves, and we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every individual is valued. Diversity at BGCBigs means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, respected and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person's talents and strengths. BGCBigs is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and we actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity. The Youth Diversion Navigator position will support youth ages 12-18 referred through the Diversion First Program by working in partnership with EPS, YMCA, schools and other community partners. The role focuses on relationship building, early intervention and meaningful engagement with justice-involved youth by supporting youth to develop and complete an action plan that addresses risky behaviour, build skills, and connects them to positive support. The position works directly with youth to redirect behaviour, strengthen decision-making skills and foster positive connections, helping youth build confidence, accountability and pathways toward positive involvement in their communities.

Requirements

A diploma or degree in the areas of youth development, criminology and/or social work or related human services field.
A minimum of 5 years’ combined experience in a role involving high risk youth programming, case management and/or youth education/training.
Knowledge of the Youth Criminal Justice Act
Experience working with junior high or high school ages 12 – 18, requiring early intervention and prevention supports.
Strong knowledge of the challenges faced by vulnerable youth, and their families with complex needs and criminogenic risk factors with the overlapping community systems and resources to support them.
Culturally responsive experience working alongside indigenous and multicultural youth and their families navigating intersecting challenges and increased vulnerability.
Knowledge of trauma-informed, strength-based, and youth centered approaches.
Comfortable facilitating programming and delivering workshops.
Demonstrated organizational, communication and documentation skills.
Ability to exercise good judgement and sound decision making.
Ability to pass Enhanced Security Clearance through Edmonton Police Services.
Ability to work 5 evenings per week and some weekends to accommodate meeting clients. Flexibility to shift to day-time hours in the summer and during spring break to accommodate programming needs.
A valid driver’s license and personal vehicle to assist with transportation of assigned youth to and from program required meetings and appointments.
Candidates must be capable of performing independently as well as part of a team environment and have excellent interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

Training in Suicide Intervention, First Aid/CPR and De-escalation is an asset.

Responsibilities

Lead engagement and support for justice-involved and vulnerable youth referred through EPS and school partners, building trusting relationships and connecting youth to appropriate programs, workshops and community resources.
Work collaboratively with School Resource Officers (SROs) to identify, refer and support youth who may benefit from early intervention and diversion opportunities.
Participate in referral and planning meetings with EPS, YMCA, youth and families to assess needs and determine appropriate support and diversion action plans.
Assess youth needs and work alongside them to develop meaningful action plans that address behavior, build skills, and promote positive decision making.
Connect youth to appropriate internal programs, and external resources, maintaining strong knowledge of all agency programming and community supports to ensure effective referrals.
Provide consistent, strength-based mentoring and engagement with youth throughout their participation in the program, supporting them to achieve goals and transition successfully out of the program.
Foster safe, constructive, and positive relationships that support youth well-being and positive behavioural change.
Use creative, youth-centered approaches to engage youth in conversation, activities and skill building opportunities that encourage positive involvement.
Attend school-based and community-based meetings and engage on site, as needed, to support positive youth outcomes.
Build and nurture collaborative relationships with EPS, schools, families and community partners, acting as a liaison to coordinate supports, share information, and align intervention strategies.
Demonstrated creativity, flexibility and initiative in engaging youth in community settings and partner locations to encourage positive engagement and participation.
Maintaining up-to-date electronic casework notes, statistics and other required reporting in compliance with relevant standards, policies and processes.