Youth Worker

**Youth Worker**

**Typical Duties**:

- Community outreach within the Maple Ridge area, connecting with youth that are not accessing services and are in need of supports obtaining community services (mental health, physical health, addictions, criminal justice issues, employment, finances, housing, education and/or other needs defined by the youth)
- Ability to work later hours and weekends to connect with youth.
- Navigating, liaising and effectively communicating with services for youth in Maple Ridge and advocating for supports on their behalf.
- Supporting youth in obtaining and attending appointments to connect with GP/NPs and other health professionals.
- Supporting youth with dealing with Criminal Justice System (probation, court attendance, etc.)
- Working with other on developing a restorative justice approach for youth.
- Ensures the implementation of the programs including, leisure activities, cooking, housekeeping and maintenance tasks by engaging the clients daily life skills activities.
- Provides community based Psycho social rehabilitation services by, identifying and supporting clients in accessing and developing links into community programs and services.
- Teaches and models life skills and strategies necessary for self care, independent living and interaction with outside social agencies.
- Applies a range of effective communications strategies such as role modelling to establish a collaborative rapport with the clients.
- Provides the support and information necessary to help clients build self-esteem and develop decision
- making skills through role modelling and other techniques.
- Assists clients to identify and gain access to formal and informal community supports such as leisure, vocational, educational services through active community integration; providing community services resources of community services.
- Observes and records the physical and mental health status of clients and take necessary action.
- Advocates for and with the clients to encourage them to maintain their rights and dignity.
- Works with clients, peers, supervisors, other agencies and relatives in a cooperative and professional manner.
- Develops individualized life skills programs with clients involving, where appropriate, family, friends and community resources.
- Ensures all requirements of the QWIK process and administrative tasks are completed within the allocated timeframes.
- Uses formal and informal assessment practices such as interviews to develop individual plans identifying the client’s areas of interest and need.
- Distributes medications safely in accordance with medication policies and procedures.
- Ensures the implementation of the program’s maintenance, housekeeping and cooking tasks.
- Reports and addresses health and safety issues/concerns as they arise.
- Performs administrative tasks, as assigned.
- Maintains records as required.
- Fulfills any other functions/duties that may develop in conjunction with the above.
- May be asked to direct students and volunteers.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.

**Required Qualifications**
- Diploma in Community Social Service or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience or other qualifications determined to be reasonable and relevant to the level of work
- Knowledge, experience and understanding of the barriers youth face in accessing support services.
- 5+ years working with youth experiencing issues related to addictions, mental health, complex medical issues, homelessness, criminal justice issues and inability to access community services
- Ability to provide/obtain the following upon hire
- Certificates in First Aid + CPR, WHMIS and FoodSafe
- Ministry of Justice Criminal Record Clearance
- TB Clearance
- Immunization Records Including Covid-19 Vaccination Status

**Hours of Work**

Tuesday to Saturday, 11am-7pm

**Knowledge and Abilities**
- Knowledge of housing issues local and community resources
- Firm understanding of harm reduction approach and its implementation in a community based setting.
- Demonstrated ability in crisis de-escalation skills applied in a team setting
- Demonstrated ability to work with individuals who are marginalized, under served and who may be at risk of homelessness or homeless.
- Demonstrated ability working with individuals living with substance misuse issues and or an untreated mental illness.
- Understanding of a trauma informed approach
- Knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation practices
- Knowledge of program policy and procedures
- Knowledge and proficiency in relevant software
- Ability to work with clients living with mental illness
- A good understanding of the issues related to meeting basic needs of food, clothing, shelter.
- Ability to work effectively independently and in cooperation with others.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
- Ability to observe and recognize changes