Integrated Youth Services Family Support Worker

About the Position

The Family Support Worker supports and guides families and caregivers as they navigate their youth’s wellness journey. The Family Support Worker works collaboratively with caregivers, youth, members of the Integrated Youth Services team, and others, to meet established goals and objectives and support changes to care plans as needed.

• Embrace a wholistic approach to youth well-being, informed by the Pan-Canadian Guiding Principles of IYS, the social determinants of health, and the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility, and anti-racism (EDIRAA).
• Under the clinical supervision of the site MHA clinician, provide direct service to caregivers and families:
• Meet with caregivers to assess their needs and options, and to provide information, education, and ongoing support and problem-solving as needed.
• Facilitate referrals to services both internal and external to IYS. Support caregivers and youth to create and maintain connections to relevant services/care providers. Monitor & support their progress.
• Assist caregivers to support young people on their wellness journey and in the successful transition to adult services.
• Assist with case management and crisis intervention.
• Collaborate with IYS colleagues and others to coordinate and integrate service delivery at all levels.
• Lead the development and implementation of caregiver and youth peer support initiatives for the IYS site.
• Plan and facilitate group programming and activities for families/caregivers, including peer support, capacity- building, and other relevant programs.
• In collaboration with the provincial Youth and Caregiver Engagement Coordinator, organize and support the site- based Caregiver Advisory Committee.
• Actively nurture and support formal and informal opportunities for caregiver engagement, peer support, and leadership.
• On an ongoing basis, work with site staff and management, IYS coalition member organizations, Youth and Caregiver Advisory Committees, Collaborating Service Providers, and the IYS-NS Provincial Leadership Team, to ensure that the Pan-Canadian Principles of IYS guide all aspects of site services.
• Take part in relevant committees, working groups, and IYS-NS Communities of Practice.
• Take part in IYS planning, development, team-building, research, evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives (locally, provincially and occasionally nationally).
• Take part in regular performance appraisals and employer/IYS-NS training and professional development.
• Act professionally and ethically, following all organizational and IYS-NS policies procedures, applicable legislation and regulations, and professional standards and code(s) of ethics.
• Assist with the reception, welcome, and drop-in functions of the IYS-NS site.
• Participate in internal team meetings as required
• Look for potential improvements and help implement solutions
• Maintain quality, safety and the confidentiality of employees, clients, and volunteers
• Maintain professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity so as to portray New Dawn and IYS in a positive manner, consistent with its values and vision
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, engaging in professional networks, and participating in professional organizations
• Respond to the needs of others with effective communication, mutual respect, and consistent follow through to build trust and workplace relationships
• Promote the mission and values of New Dawn both internally and externally
• Other duties as assigned by the Site Manager, Integrated Youth Services

• Bachelor’s degree in the social science required. Family Studies or similar field preferred. Specialization in mental health and addictions preferred
• Two (2) years of relevant experience required; three (3) to five (5) years preferred. Experience providing services directly to parents/caregivers, and…