Youth Worker, Full-time

**The Program**

Spirit of Our Youth provides Indigenous culturally-based programming in multiple home-based programs in Edmonton. The Youth Worker will be assigned to a program but may be called to work at any of the other sites during their shift to assist with duties or to provide support in urgent situations.

Through positive role-modeling and a trauma-informed approach to care, our youth workers focus on supporting youth in planning for their future and in creating healthy relationships with their families & communities.

Each youth (between ages 3 to 17 years) has opportunities to access traditional Indigenous teachings, cultural opportunities including sweats, sharing circles, smudging, pipe ceremonies, feasts, round dances, languages and access to community Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

**In Your Role You Will**
- Be a positive role model for the children & youth.
- Ensure individuals basic needs are met
- Assist with operation/maintenance of the residence/program facility (May include cleaning, laundry, dishwashing, vacuuming or assisting the youth in care with the completion of these tasks, etc.)
- Cooperate with other team members to plan, support and/or deliver culturally appropriate programs, services, workshops, and outings.
- Complete paperwork - log book, contact notes, medication, Critical Incident reports etc.

**The Position**

During overnight hours (approx. 2300 to 0800), the Youth Worker, working awake night shifts, will support and supervise children & youth living at the home, ensuring a consistent, healthy and safe environment and immediate support in crisis situations. The Youth Worker will also perform household cleaning duties, complete log notes/reports, etc.

Scheduling;
One (1) permanent full-time position with a schedule of 32+hrs per week:

- 2300-0800 (scheduled times may vary)
- Will work between 3 sites to assist with duties or to provide support in urgent situations
- The above schedule is not negotiable and is based upon the needs of the programs.

Typical overnight shift may include:

- 2300 (overnight awake) ensure a consistent, healthy and safe environment for children in care, including regular bed checks. Assist with any night time supports as required.
- From time client(s) wake - 0800- provide wake up calls to youth according to schedule, assist/model a regular morning routine: prepare and serve/eat breakfast family-style with the kids, assist younger kids with brushing teeth/hair, dressing, etc
- 0800 - day shift arrives, ON SCHOOL DAYS - drive the school-aged children to school in company van before finishing shift.

**Mandatory Pre-Employment Screenings and Checks**

** Prior to confirmation of employment all applicants must provide a current (dated within 6 months of hiring date) Criminal Record Check and Children's Services Intervention Record Check. These checks can take up to 6 weeks to obtain, please ensure you prepare accordingly.**
- Min. 2 years' experience Child and Youth Work, in a group home &/or community setting
- Experience supporting/teaching Indigenous children/youth, is an asset
- Certificate, Diploma or Degree in Social Work, Child and Youth Work, other human services, Education, Sociology or Psychology, Criminology, etc.
- MUST HAVE held a class 5 driver's for a minimum of 3 years and be able to provide a clear driver's abstract.
- Must be able to handle crisis situations, to ensure safety for youth in the program.
- First Aid/CPR Certificate
- Suicide Intervention, Self Harm, Crisis Intervention and Medication Administration training
- Indigenous Awareness and cultural diversity training
- An understanding of Indigenous cultural practices and traditions
- Able to work and follow Spirit of Our Youth Homes Inc. policies and procedures and adhere to Alberta Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act.
- Able to lift 50 lbs.
- MUST HAVE excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

**What Taproot Community Support Services Does**

In 2013, Spirit of our Youth became part of Taproot Community Support Services, the largest privately-owned national social services company in Canada. While operating autonomously, Spirit has full access to the extensive Taproot Community Support Services resources. Each day 600 dedicated Taproot employees provide a wide range of proven and innovative services to more than 1300 people in three provinces. Taproot serves many First Nation and Métis communities in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, emphasizing cultural diversity and respect.

Spirit of Our Youth was started in 2000 out of a passion for helping Indigenous youth. From one home in Central Edmonton we have grown to operate five Group Homes, as well as a Drive and Supervised Visits program.

**Our Employees Enjoy**
- Work/life balance
- Learning and career development opportunities
- Competitive wages and salaries
- Paid vacation and benefits for eligible employees
- Matching RRSP plan for eligible employees within Alberta
- Professional develo