Youth Empowerment Worker

**Youth Empowerment Worker - Running Start Pilot Program**

This is a temporary, 15-week contract that will run from May 19 to August 31 for a pilot program that is built off of our existing Youth Empowerment Worker (YEW) program. The program involves working with youth who would benefit from one-to-one support who also have a stated goal of developing physical fitness, specifically running. The work will involve some running with youth, following a running plan developed in partnership with the Coquiltam Cheetah's Track and Field Club.

The Youth Empowerment Worker will provide one-to-one support to youth 12-23 years of age with a client-centered approach that respects the self-determination of the youth we are working with. The YEW will provide ongoing one-to-one support and expertise through comprehensive assessment, meetings, planning, goal/plan implementation and progress evaluation of individual youth. The position requires meeting youth one-to-one in the community, attending community events, running an after-school youth group, and responding to youth crises during work hours. The outreach nature of the position requires excellent flexibility and adaptability. The YEW will work closely with other community resources, including the Coquitlam Cheetah's Track and Field Club, to assist clients to develop interdependence on community and personal skills, assets, and resilience as they work towards their personal goals/needs.

The YEW connects with youth online, through a work mobile phone and in-person. The position requires flexibility, collaborating and communicating with service providers, families, and community support networks.

This position is accountable to the Executive Director.

To qualify for this position, you **MUST** have the following:

- Valid Level 1 First Aid/CPR C AED.
- Criminal record check (vulnerable sector).
- Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weeklends
- A valid and **unrestricted** class 5 driver’s license. **ABSOLUTELY **no N and no L on your licence.
- Own vehicle, with third-party liability insurance ($5,000,000).
- $27/hr to start
- Non-traditional hours, includes evenings and weekends
- Location: Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody)

**Responsibilities**

Provide individual support services to clients who have been referred to the Youth Empowerment Program including: intake assessment, one-to-one support, goal setting, long-term case development, weekly case plan development, progress monitoring, advocacy, referrals and follow-up.
- Problem solving and solution focused strategies.
- Flexibility to work non-traditional hours.
- Coordinate services for clients in partnerships with other community support services,
- Advocate on the behalf of clients with external parties, such as MCFD, and mental health service providers.
- Maintain an ongoing caseload of youth at various stages of support.
- Meet with clients weekly or bi-weekly when necessary.
- Respond to youth crises appropriately.
- Track and evaluate each client’s progress directly and indirectly.
- Document daily logs/monthly & quarterly client progress reports.
- Follow-up with clients and agencies as appropriate to document client progress/success of referral.
- Maintain accurate and complete case files for all clients.
- Attend weekly team meetings as well as client review meeting with supervisor.
- Collaborate with Outreach teams in identifying | refer youth.
- Develop after-school talking and/or activity groups.

**Qualifications**

Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Child & Youth Care or related field, and 2 years of experience, or 5 years of related experience. This position is perfect for an innovative person that welcomes the opportunity to work within a new model of individualized support.
- A keen interest in running is an asset.
- Knowledge of addiction theory and relevant best practice guidelines.
- Knowledge of youth issues, substance misuse, mental health.
- Minimum 3 years recent and relevant experience in one-to-one case management.
- Excellent flexibility, adaptability, and ability to respond to unexpected situations immediately.
- Training and experience related to mental health, crisis management knowledge.
- Maturity, sound judgement, strong problem solving, and negotiation skills.
- Knowledge of community resources and counselling/social work practices with high-risk populations.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills, ability to establish rapport.
- Ability to motivate others towards achieving goals.
- Ability to work independently with strong sense of focus, strong interpersonal skills, task-oriented, non-judgemental, clear sense of boundaries.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of client documentation and tracking requirements.
- Strong knowledge of technology and the following computer programs-Word and Excel.
- Knowledge of Facebook and Twitter social media tools is an asset
- Knowledge of the Tri-Cities is an asset.

At ACCESS Youth O