Youth Care Specialist

Youth Care Specialist

Closer To Home Community Services Society, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Closer to Home Community Services (CTH) is a non‑profit organization located in Alberta since 1995. CTH provides a wide range of services designed to meet the unique needs of children, youth and families. We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all, and we strive to be an employer of choice with a focus on wellness and connection.

In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that we are gathered on the ancestral lands of the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy) which is comprised of the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani and Amskapi Piikani Nations, and the shared territories of the Tsuut’ina Nation and Iyarhe Nakoda Nations, all of whom are the original signatories of the Blackfoot Treaty #7 in Southern Alberta.

We also recognize Mohkinstsis (Calgary) as a home to members of the Metis Settlements and communities within Alberta.

This permanent full‑time position works closely with a team of professionals to support youth in a Community Group Home. Utilizing the Teaching Family Model, the Youth Care Specialist’s primary responsibility is to facilitate success for youth with complex mental health and behaviour needs by assisting with their day‑to‑day activities and routines. Typical youth behaviours may include aggression, running away, self‑harm, or suicide attempts.

This position uses a 4‑on, 4‑off shift rotation, including days, evenings, overnight shifts, weekends and holidays, to provide round‑the‑clock care. Hours of work are 6:45 am – 7:15 pm and 6:45 pm – 7:15 am. Open availability is required.

All candidates must provide an Intervention Record Check (IRC) from Children and Family Services and a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search (PIC) before the offer is issued.

• Assist youth with the acquisition of skills to live safely and thrive in the community, supporting them with daily routines such as going to school, attending appointments, or visiting family.
• Support a therapeutic based approach to treatment.
• Maintain a structured setting, fostering skill development.
• Manage crises, ensuring high levels of supervision to promote safety.
• Assist youth with scheduled activities and appointments and provide relief coverage to other homes as needed.
• Work collaboratively with a trans‑disciplinary team in the formation and implementation of treatment plans to ensure strategies are effectively implemented.
• Co‑regulate youth when escalated or distressed.
• Conduct assessments, collect client information, and produce documentation including critical incident reports.
• Participate in individual supervision, team meetings and ongoing training.
• Drive for household errands, transport youth or move between work locations as needed.

• Experience working with individuals with complex needs, behaviours and multiple diagnoses (ADD, ADHD, Trauma, FASD, ODD, addictions, mental health, etc.).
• Open availability to work the required shift rotation, including days, evenings, overnight shifts, weekends and holidays.
• Responsible, diligent and dependable; an exceptional role model.
• Extremely detail‑oriented, organized and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Compassionate individual with a positive, strength‑based and empathetic approach.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Eager to participate in continuous learning and to carry out the principles of CTH and the Teaching Family Model.
• A diploma or degree in a related field and experience in residential and community group care (combination of education and experience will be considered).
• Must have a class 5 Alberta…