Early Childhood Support Specialist

**Job Overview**: Reporting to the Clinic Manager and working in a multidisciplinary team of professionals, the Early Childhood Support Specialist is committed to empowering youth under 25 and their children. The Early Childhood Support Specialist focuses on supporting youth and their children with access to health services, personal and community resources, and basic needs to achieve and maintain good health in their parenting journey. Clients will move from pre
- and post-natal specialists to early childhood support for children ages 1 to 5 years and their parents. This is a permanent, full-time position (1.0 FTE).

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Manage a caseload of parenting youth under 25, offering comprehensive support.
- Assist parenting youth with attending appointments and meetings, including providing transportation when necessary.
- Source and obtain essential resources for parenting youth, such as baby supplies, clothing, toys, furniture, diapers, formula, and health-related referrals.
- Connect young families with housing resources, independent living support, and shelters.
- Conduct home visits to support parenting skills and strategies.
- Facilitate interactions between young parents and Children’s Services.
- Link young parents to counselors, social services, mental health support, and medical care.
- Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and immediate support.
- Lead and facilitate parenting groups and activities like Parenting Plus and Toddler Play Group.
- Offer referrals to additional parenting programs, playgroups, and recreational activities.
- Collaborate with the team to share resources and guide navigation through available services.
- Work with the medical team to integrate medical and social support.
- Build partnerships with agencies serving young families and participate in relevant committees.
- Collaborate with The Alex Community Health Centre’s programs and services, including medical staff and housing programs (e.g., Pathways to Housing, Home Base).
- Maintain a safe and informed environment within the Youth Health Centre.
- Assist youth in developing problem-solving, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
- Manage crises using problem-solving and de-escalation techniques.
- Educate clients on topics such as addictions, sexual health, diversity, and mental health.
- Ensure all documentation is accurate, current, and professional.
- Promote community awareness and education on youth issues.
- Attending committee meetings and agency functions to network and foster a collaborative community.
- Uphold professional conduct and boundaries at all times.
- Support data collection and reporting as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.

**Qualifications and Experience**:

- A diploma or degree in a human services field (nursing, social work, psychology, child and youth care, etc.).
- Minimum 3-5 years’ experience working with vulnerable/at-risk youth.
- Experience and knowledge of pregnancy and infants.
- Skilled at thriving in fast-paced environments while effectively engaging with a highly diverse clientele.
- Working knowledge of resources for toddlers and preschoolers within the Calgary community.
- Skills in assessment, support and intervention, consultation, crisis counseling and advocacy are required.
- Adapt well to working both collaboratively in a team and independently.
- A passion for advocating for at-risk youth.
- Minimum age of 25 years old to drive an Alex Fleet vehicle.
- Class 5 driver’s license, personal vehicle for business use, clean 3-year drivers abstract, and $2 million liability coverage are required.
- First Aid (Basic or Intermediate) - Level C CPR & AED within 30 days of hire date; certification must be valid for a minimum of 6 months upon hire.
- A satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record clearance and child welfare intervention check are required.
- Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.

**Work Environment and Hours**:

- Predominantly outreach with some in-office components at The Alex Youth Health Centre (2840-2 Ave SE, Calgary).
- Standard hours 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
- Continuous extended periods of sitting, with some standing and walking (sometimes up/down stairwells).
- Occasional physical activity requiring the ability to bend/crouch, reach above shoulder height, kneel/crawl, and carry objects (up to 20 lbs.) throughout the shift.
- Frequent driving will be required as part of work duties.
- Frequent time outside in all weather conditions.

**Benefits**:
Some of the great benefits The Alex has to offer include:

- 3-weeks’ vacation
- Medical and Dental Coverage
- Health / Wellness Spending Accounts
- RRSP and/or Student Loan Repayment Program (up to 5% match)
- Personal Days
- Floating Holiday
- Sick/Wellness Days
- Employee Family Assistance Plan (EFAP)
- Professional Development

**About The Alex**: The Alex is a beacon