Child and Youth Worker, Youth Emergency Shelter, Evening Shift, Temporary

Position Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Child, Youth and Family Connections and the Assistant Manager of the Youth Emergency Shelter, the Child & Youth Worker supports vulnerable and at‑risk youth through individual and group activities to increase life skills, social networks and safety, using the Circles of Care and harm reduction models. The role plays a significant part in outreach, supporting youth in the community by encouraging connections to school, family, community and alternate resources.

Type: Temporary, Full Time (March 1, 2026 – February 26, 2027)

Union: Union Position covering a maternity leave.

Schedule: Rotation of 4 days on (4 pm – 12 am) followed by 2 days off, 7.5 h/day excluding meal break.

Pay: $27.92 per hour (Pay Grid 21) + $0.25 shift differential for evenings + $0.50 for weekends.

Benefits: Benefits package and Municipal Pension Plan if applicable.

• A minimum 2‑year relevant diploma or equivalent experience working with children/youth with behavioral, attachment or other needs from a trauma‑informed lens.
• Knowledge and specific training in behavioral modification, attachment‑based parenting, harm reduction, cultural safety, crisis intervention and relationship‑based interventions.
• Extensive knowledge of youth services in the Cowichan Valley.
• Class 5 BC driver’s license.
• First aid Level 2, Food Safe, Non‑Violent Crisis Intervention training and a negative TB test.
• Understanding of the Circle of Care© model.
• Ability to travel throughout the Cowichan Valley.
• Ability to obtain and maintain screening through MCFD and the Ministry of Justice.
• Successful clearance of a Criminal Record Check for vulnerable sector.

• Perform intakes for youth, working closely with the referral agency.
• Document, log and record all information through case management, preparing and maintaining data and youth records as requested.
• Work closely with youth and maintain a youth‑centered approach.
• Work collaboratively with other community supports and resources in the youth’s best interest.
• Support youth with varying degrees of mental health and substance use needs through a supportive, trauma‑informed lens.
• Drive and accompany youth to various appointments and meetings as needed.
• Integrate cultural competency and anti‑oppressive frameworks.
• Adhere to all laws, policies, procedures and standards regarding disclosure (organizationally, provincially and federally).
• Maintain a flexible youth‑centered schedule, keeping track of and reporting work hours (bi‑weekly).
• Communicate with other youth agencies and resources to ensure wrap‑around care and a collaborative approach.
• Prepare and maintain all necessary reports as requested and required.
• Plan, support and co‑facilitate youth‑inspired workshops under the direction of Manager and Team Lead at the CMHA‑CVB Youth Emergency Shelter.
• Participate, engage and collaborate in programming as CMHA‑CVB youth programs grow to meet changing needs of Cowichan Valley youth.
• Participate in and create a welcoming inclusive environment for youth at the Shelter, ensuring safe spaces.
• Light cleaning to maintain Youth Emergency Shelter space and all designated youth spaces.
• Minor food preparation and supply purchasing to serve warm meals and snacks to youth.
• Monitor youth as required during the night and attend to medical, behavioral, emotional and other needs.
• Administer and document daily medications and maintain appropriate medication records.
• Notify Provincial Centralized Screening as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Manager or Residence Coordinator.

• Demonstrated knowledge of cultural competency and anti‑racist practices.
• Ability to deal professionally, effectively and non‑judgmentally with individuals ages 12‑19, including a broad range of personalities, needs, abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and collaborative working relationships with individuals and teams.
• Conflict management and dispute resolution skills.
• Decision‑making skills with the ability to motivate and direct others.
• Sound judgment and excellent problem‑solving/crisis management skills.
• Always a role model to youth and maintaining professional conduct.
• Fully familiar with emergency protocols and able to direct others in times of crisis or emergency.
• Motivated to work in a non‑profit environment.
• Good understanding and knowledge of trauma‑informed practices.
• Solid understanding of anti‑racism and anti‑oppression practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle when required.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: CMHA‑CVB adheres to the values of diversity, cultural safety and respect for all, consistent with its anti‑racism mandate.