Casual Child and Youth Care Worker

The Department of Social Development and Seniors is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions.

Those looking for more information are invited to visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.

This position is responsible for providing residential services, outreach, and intensive support and direction on a 24/7 basis to high needs children (6
-12) and youth (11-17) in the legal custody and guardianship of the province. In a highly complex and shifting work environment, the Child and Youth Care Worker functions within a multi-disciplinary team and a community-based approach to deliver mandated services that support the complex needs of children and youth who may be resistant to interventions. On occasion, the incumbent may be asked to work their scheduled shift at an alternative location to meet the needs of the program.

Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Provide general and individual supervision and care to high needs children and youth and create safe, supportive and nurturing environment conducive to their optimal growth and development.
• Contribute to the development and ongoing modification of case plans based on the changing needs of children and youth.
• Work closely with and support the child and youth, parents/guardians, community, and others significantly involved to provide intensive one on one supports to address emotional, behavioral, or relationship issues.
• Use trauma informed approach to service, evidence-based and cognitive-behavioral programming techniques to support children and youth to achieve their case plan goals.
• Adapt available services to the needs of the children/youth and as profiled needs of children and youth change, facilitate the transition to provide new services as required.
• Manage crisis situations appropriately ensuring safety of all involved and make decisions to contact supervisor and additional supports when required.
• Understand and apply non-violent safety interventions to maintain safety of child and staff when less intrusive options are insufficient.
• Support the delivery of a new Outreach service, implemented for youth choosing to live in unsupported conditions outside the group home system.
• Work as part of a team and contribute to the development of an effective team and a psychologically safe work environment in a supportive, positive manner. Assist new or relief staff with orientation.
• Prepare documentation and reports for others involved in the care of the child such as social workers and physicians and other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have successful completion of a Child and Youth Care Worker program from a recognized community college and/or successful completion of a Bachelor’s degree with major course work in the social sciences. Human Services, Early Childhood Educator or related program may be considered.
• Considerable experience in the social services field, of which a minimum of one year’s experience must be directly related to working with children, youth and families. Working directly with children and youth in a residential setting as well as direct family work/outreach experience is preferred. Applicants with less experience requirement may be considered.
• Demonstrated equivalencies will be considered.
• Family preservation and behavioural management skills, and knowledge of mental health disorders.
• Knowledgeable of the developmental issues of children and youth and demonstrated ability to effectively manage a broad spectrum of child/youth behaviours resulting from psychological / social / neurological impacts.
• Must have up to date training in CPR;
  First Aid Certification;
  Non-Violent Crisis Intervention;
  Suicide Prevention training;
  Trauma Informed Care;
  Dialectable…