Youth Justice Worker

The John Howard Society of North Island•Campbell River, BC

15h•CA$31 - CA$35•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Justice Worker provides support, supervision, and service co-ordination to youth and their families referred by local probation officers in accordance with Ministry guidelines. The focus is on assisting the youth in developing healthy functioning in education, work, family, and community settings.

Requirements

Two (2) year diploma in a related human/social services field
Driving is required to attend meetings and to enable contact with youth/families at home or in the community. The worker must have a valid driver's licence and safe, reliable transportation, and must obtain appropriate insurance as per Society policy.
Two (2) years related experience which should include: Experience in providing support and supervision to high-risk youth who may be violent and may be participating in a non-voluntary program in a community based setting
Experience in providing crisis intervention
Knowledge of, and experience with, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and youth corrections
Demonstrated ability to work constructively and co-operatively in a team setting
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of, and experience in, involving families, community, youth corrections, and other systems in case planning with youth
Knowledge and experience with case recording practices
Knowledge and experience with referral, screening, and case conferencing practices
Knowledge of community resources for youth and families
Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
Demonstrate a level of cultural sensitivity and understanding of the client population’s cultural and socio-economic characteristics.
Have the ability to form a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families in which they are helped to gain skills and confidence to address any issues and problems they face.
Have the ability to accept the differences they will find among their clients.
Accept clients’ rights to self-determination and individuality, and must not discriminate on the basis of Indigenous identity, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, socio-economic status, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age.
Have a positive conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change.
Have the ability to work respectfully in partnership with other team members, including referring authorities.
Recognize the value of a nurturing family as the ideal environment for a person.
Worker must have the ability to recognize persons with special needs, and make appropriate referrals.
Have the ability to set limits and maintain the helping role for the practitioner and to intervene appropriately to meet the needs of the persons served or other family members.
Have basic computer and Internet skills.
The program worker may be involved in coordinating and/or participating in activities with youth, which include physical, outdoor or other active elements.
The program worker will follow the Code of Ethics and the Mission Statement of The John Howard Society of North Island. The program worker will also abide by the relevant rules and regulations and guidelines set out by the Ministry for Children and Family Development.

Nice To Haves

Multilingual skills and multicultural competence are assets.

Responsibilities

Prepare, in consultation with and subject to the approval of the supervising probation officer, a detailed plan of supervision and support activities within a set time frame.
Monitor compliance with the terms and conditions of community supervision, including, where applicable, random and periodic curfew checks.
Report all known instances of the young person's non-compliance with the conditions of community supervision to the supervising probation officer or directly to the police, the latter being subject to locally established protocols or pre-authorized approval of the supervising probation officer.
May be required to provide a statement and/or appear in court as a witness.
Work flexible hours including weekends and evenings to accommodate program and client needs.
Support the young person's participation in required or voluntary rehabilitation and intervention programs, e.g. addictions counselling, youth forensic treatment, Youth Substance Abuse Management Program, Youth Violence Intervention Program, life skills, social skills, etc.
Assist the young person in complying with reparative conditions of the court order such as community or personal service, compensation or apology to the victim.
Maintain ongoing contact with parent/caregivers, providing advice and assistance, including a range of counselling techniques, mediation and, as required, crisis intervention in order to maintain family integrity and residence stability.
Identify, introduce, and integrate recreational, social and/or cultural activities, which will support the young person’s participation in such activities and facilitate the young person’s disengagement from anti-social peers and activities.
Act as an advocate, mentor, and pro-social role model to the young person.
Facilitate and support the young person's ongoing participation in school, training or employment.
Link the young person with ongoing, non-governmental community supports, e.g. community mentors, volunteers, church groups, youth support groups, etc.
Work collaboratively with the supervising probation officer, young person, parents/caregivers, and all relevant professionals and service providers involved with the young person through integrated case management.
Work within a team model; however, program delivery warrants working alone without constant supervision.
Provide the supervising probation officer with monthly reports and immediate notification about critical incidents.
Represent the agency in the community when required, and maintain healthy relationships with other helping organizations, and the community at large.
Offer and receive support to and from co-workers as part of a team providing integrated, holistic services to youth and families.
Follow policy and procedures, complete reports, and attend meetings as required by the Ministry for Children and Family Development and The John Howard Society of North Island.