Youth Worker II, Full-Time (4 positions)

Spirit of Our Youth provides Indigenous culturally-based programming in multiple home-based programs in Edmonton. The Youth Worker will be assigned to a program but may be called to work at any of the other sites during their shift to assist with duties or to provide support in urgent situations.

Through positive role-modeling and a trauma-informed approach to care, our youth workers focus on helping youth attain personal empowerment, helping youth plan for their future, and supporting youth in creating healthy relationships with their families and communities.

Each youth (between ages 3 to 17 years) has access to our Indigenous Resource Coordinator or culturally knowledgeable staff who provide individual support as needed and opportunities to access traditional Indigenous teachings. Cultural opportunities include sweats, sharing circles, smudging, pipe ceremonies, feasts, round dances, languages and access to community Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

In Your Role You Will

Provide healthy, positive home-based supports for children and youth
Build supportive and professional relationships with youth
Teach age-appropriate life skills: communication, emotional well being, problem solving, cooking, cleaning, budgeting, etc.
Help youth with developing and achieving personal goals; encouraging their individual interests (music, sports, art, reading, etc.)
Ensure basic needs are met
Daily household tasks (may include cleaning, laundry or assisting the youth with the completion of these tasks, etc.)
Drive children/youth to and from school, medical appointments, recreational activities, community resources and support networks.
Encourage youth to build self-worth, emotional competence, physical development and participate in their culture.
A complete and detailed list of key responsibilities can be available at time of interview.
The Position

The Youth Worker II is the key-worker responsible for leading individual service plans. The Youth Worker II provides and maintains a safe, supportive home environment that is based on Indigenous culture.

Scheduling;
Four (4) permanent full-time positions with the following available schedules of 32hrs per week:
1 x Position = Sunday through Wednesday, 1500-2300
3 x Positions - Saturday-Sunday 0800-1600 and Monday-Tuesday 1500-2300
The above schedules are not negotiable and are based upon the needs of the programs.

Typical shift may include:
Assisting youth with morning routines and completion of weekend tasks (i.e. laundry, meal preparation, tidying bedroom, etc.)
On weekdays pick child/youth up from school and transport to the residence
Guide kids with homework, daily chores, prepare and serve/eat dinner family-style with the kids, transport to and participate in recreational/cultural activities, etc.
Assist youth with creating nightly bed-time routine (assisting younger kids with bathing, brushing teeth, etc.)
While kids are sleeping - perform household chores (laundry, light cleaning, etc.), paperwork, training, etc.
Mandatory Pre-Employment Screenings and Checks

***Prior to confirmation of employment, all applicants must provide a copy of a current Criminal Record Check and/or Government Screening Letter. These checks vary depending on province and sector and will be communicated by the Program Hiring Team.

As An Ideal Candidate You Possess

2+ years' experience Child and Youth Work, in a group home &/or community setting
Experience supporting/teaching Indigenous children/youth, is an asset
Post Secondary Diploma or Degree in Social Work, Child and Youth Work, other human services, i.e Education, Sociology or Psychology, Criminology, etc.

Must have a valid Class 5 Driver’s License and clean driver’s abstract with 3 years driving history.
Must be able to handle any crisis situations.
First Aid/CPR Certificate
Suicide Intervention, Self Harm Awareness, Crisis Intervention and Medication Administration training
Indigenous Awareness and Cultural Diversity training
An understanding of Indigenous cultural practices and traditions
Follow Spirit of Our Youth Homes Inc. policies and procedures and adhere to Alberta Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act.
Knowledge of the Canadian Accreditation Council Standards for Child and Youth Group Living
Able to lift 50 lbs.
What Taproot Community Support Services Does

Spirit of Our Youth started in 2000 out of a passion for helping indigenous youth. Our current programs include 4 Group Care Homes, as well as, a Drive and Supervised Visits program.

In 2013, Spirit of our Youth became part of Taproot Community Support Services, the largest privately-owned national social services company in Canada. While operating autonomously, Spirit has full access to the extensive Taproot Community Support Services resources.

Our Employees Enjoy

Work/life balance
Learning and career development opportunities
Competitive wages and salaries
Paid vacation and benefits for eligible employees
Matching RRSP plan for eligible employees within Alberta
Professional development opportunities and job-related training
Employee and Family Assistance Program
Long Service Milestone rewards
Employee referral bonus program
Website reference

For more information on Spirit of Our Youth and Taproot Community Support Services or to apply for this position, visit our website at www.spirityouth.ca.

Closing Statement

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you! Please apply.

Equal-Opportunity Employer
Our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is unwavering. We believe that varied backgrounds and experiences fuel innovation and success. As an equal-opportunity employer, we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion across all operations. We're seeking candidates passionate about contributing to our multicultural teams and enriching our workplace with their unique insights and cultural sensitivity.
We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply and join us in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

No telephone calls please. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.