Youth Support Worker - Wood Buffalo

Clearwater Community YMCA
9401 Franklin Avenue
Suite 200
Fort McMurray, AB , CAN

Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people! At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.

When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.

About the Role:

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.

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.

Qualifications:

• 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).

Certifications:

• 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…