Child and Youth Care Worker

THE ROLE:

Child and Youth Care Workers work collaboratively with teachers, counsellors, school administrators and other allied professionals in support of learner success. Child and Youth Care Workers assist in the delivery of programs and services to students identified as experiencing behavioural challenges, sometimes with additional learning difficulties. Although responsibilities vary from site to site, the Child and Youth Care Worker’s duties within the school setting include supporting the development of learner social-emotional well-being via, in part, the implementation of positive behaviour support plans and the implementation of various programs and techniques promoting learner social skill development and positive self-image.

• Provides individual care and support to students with moderate to severe behavioural problems to promote self-esteem, build social skills, modify behaviour, encourage an interest in learning. Prepares students and facilitates their partial or full integration into the school system whenever possible.
• Visits students in integrating classes and attends integrating classes with individual students to provide encouragement and support, escorts students from classrooms in the event of disruptive behaviour, and facilitates students' re-entry into classes. As required, spends time with disruptive students "one-to-one" until behaviour appears sufficiently approved.
• Counsels in anger management, personal hygiene, problem-solving skills, life skills and conflict resolution.
• Discusses and coordinates behaviour management techniques with teachers of integrating classes. Periodically reviews the effectiveness of such techniques with teachers, suggests modifications where necessary, and monitors student behaviour until the school based team, the teacher, appropriate district counsellor, etc. are satisfied that the results allow a withdrawal of further assistance.
• Intervenes in classrooms and on playgrounds when students' behaviour endangers themselves and/or others. Is available to staff for emergency and crisis situations. Restrains students as required.
• Assists in the development of student Individual Education Plans (IEP's), and other related reports.
• Documents and writes reports on students, as required.
• Arranges with parents for discussions about student's progress, behavioural problems, and absences or illness. Encourages parent participation in achieving desired program outcomes by discussing with them the student's non-school activities and environment. As required, attends related meetings with school and district staff and parents.
• In consultation with teachers and/or counsellors, acts as liaison between the school system and various statutory/government agencies. Discusses issues such as home environment, abuse, and offences under the Young Offenders Act. Recommends interventions and strategies as circumstances warrant.
• Organizes care plan meetings, field trips, skills workshops and community speakers.
• Participates in school based team meetings, as required.
• Performs related duties, as required.

• Knowledge of behavioural problems commonly encountered by Child/Youth Care Workers, and what strategies and corrective measures are generally applicable.
• Ability to work as a member of a team with a common interest. Ability to motivate students.
• Ability to maintain a positive and supportive attitude while attending to undesirable behaviours. Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in the English language.
• Ability to develop and maintain rapport and effectively work with students. Ability to develop and maintain rapport with and effectively work with students.
• Ability to restrain disruptive or violent…