Youth Support Worker - Wood Buffalo

YMCA of Northern Alberta•Fort McMurray, AB

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Youth Support Worker provides front-line support to youth ages 12–24 to help them build confidence, develop practical life skills, and navigate challenges. Working within the Family Resource Network (FRN)-Youth Transition Program, this role supports youth through a mix of one-to-one coaching and group-based programming focused on resilience, emotional regulation, decision-making, and healthy relationships. Youth Support Workers build trusting relationships, create safe and inclusive spaces, and connect youth to additional supports when needed. The role is flexible and may include in-person, community-based, and virtual service delivery to ensure youth can access support in ways that work best for them. This position is full-time with 37.5 hours per week and includes benefits.

Requirements

Post secondary degree/diploma in Child and Youth Care, Counselling, Education, Social Work, Recreation Management, or related field.
2 years of experience working directly with vulnerable youth.
Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle. Clear driver’s abstract and proof of liability insurance is needed upon hire. Travel in Fort McMurray and rural communities within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
Excellent organizational, time management skills, communication, interpersonal, and team skills.
Flexible to work evenings and occasional weekends.
Working knowledge in a variety of social work areas, including: Issues/practices related to the social determents of health, youth development, individual assessment, case management, group work, group facilitation, program planning and outcome evaluation.
Culturally sensitive and trauma-informed practice, and strength-based approach.
Computer skills (Windows, Microsoft Teams, Office and Outlook).
Annual registration in a professional organization as required by law
Standard First Aid and CPR-C, Police Intervention Check with Vulnerable Sector Search, and Child Intervention Check
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, Suicide Intervention Certification preferred.
Job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Nice To Haves

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, Suicide Intervention Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Build strong, trusting relationships with youth using a strengths-based, youth-centred approach.
Provide one-to-one support to youth, including goal setting, problem-solving, and emotional regulation support.
Plan and facilitate group-based workshops and activities focused on resilience, coping skills, relationships, and decision-making.
Support youth to identify personal goals and track progress over time through regular check-ins and coaching.
Complete intake and ongoing assessment using youth-friendly, strengths-based approaches to understand needs and readiness for support.
Provide warm referrals and connect youth to additional supports, including FRN services and community resources.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services, participation, and outcomes.
Monitor youth well-being and respond to emerging risks by following safety protocols and escalating concerns when needed.
Participate in team meetings, supervision, and training to support continuous learning and program quality.