Children and Youth Respite Worker

POSITION: Respite Wellness Advocate (Child and Youth Worker)

Classification: Days, evenings, weekends

Location: Oshawa and Surrounding Durham Region

POSITION REPORTS TO: Program Manager and Program Assistant

WHO WE ARE:
Synergy Link is a multi-service agency that helps children, youth and adults experience new or challenging transitions with more ease through access to support, relief and resources.

At Synergy Link we ensure clients have someone supporting them throughout their journey to overcome a new or challenging stage in life. Our support is rooted in the power of connection and equitable care.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
Respite Workers offers a child and youth-centred care for children 18 and under who have physical, mental, emotional and/or behavioural challenges. Respite Wellness Advocates provides direct temporary relief for families and support in-home and in the community.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: In Home and In Community

HOURS OF WORK: 4-8hr shifts

RATE OF PAY: $22 per hour

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Promote mental wellness, safety and wellness of client
- In-home visits with client(s)
- Support client(s) with building a network of care
- Accompany client(s) on outings
- Weekly check-ins with client via your mutually agreed upon method of communication
- Liaise and referrals to community and government agencies
- Attend required and relevant trainings
- Maintains qualifications and certifications as required by the Synergy Link and provincial standard
- Complete a daily log of interaction with client
- **Knowledge of Black and Indigenous cultures and dynamics.**:

- Provide evidence-based information to families regarding child(ren) and/or youth’s development under the supervision of supervisor.
- Coordinate weekly activities or outings
- Provides evidence-based information and referrals to community members when necessary
- Prepares and provides relevant information at shift change (When applicable)
- Provide supportive counselling
- Provide evidence-based information for clients regarding child development, mental health and behaviour management
- Support client with life skills development, financial literacy skills, behaviour management
- Support client with the development and implementation of self-care routine
- Support client with grounding techniques
- Support with personal care needs such as: toileting, feeding and dressing
- Support client with the use of assistive devices
- Provide crisis intervention with the use of Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques
- Report any serious occurrences with Program Manager and Program assistant immediately
- Prepare serious occurrence reports and/or incident report when necessary
- Develop and implement safety plans (when applicable)
- Develop plan of care with client
- Adheres to all policies and procedures of Synergy Link

MINIMUM EDUCATION & GENERAL EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

- Knowledge of an academic discipline typically acquired through completion of a post-secondary degree or diploma (e.g. Behaviourial Science, Child and Youth Work/Child and Youth Care, Social Service Worker, Community Service Worker, Bachelor of Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Human Services, Sociology or equivalent).
- **Minimum of 2-3 years experience with working with children and youth**:

- **Lived and Worked experiece with indigenous populations**:

- Knowledge of ABA interventions an asset
- Valid Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening completed
- Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act
- Nonviolent crisis intervention trained
- Current First Aid and CPR training or willing to obtain prior to hire
- Knowledge and understanding of mental health issues, advocacy, child development and parenting
- Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
- Valid drivers license (preferred)
- Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle and $1,000,000. personal liability insurance or willing to obtain (preferred)
- Experience with working with Child Welfare

BENEFITS TO WORKING AT SYNERGY LINK
- Flexible schedule
- Paid online trainings and webinars

**Job Types**: Full-time, Part-time, Freelance
Part-time hours: 8-40 per week

**Salary**: From $24.00 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule

Schedule:

- 4 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Weekends as needed

Application question(s):

- Do you have a completed clear vulnerable sector check 6-12 months current?
- Do you have evening and weekend availability?

**Experience**:

- Child and youth: 3 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

- Class G Licence (required)
- UMAB or CPI (required)

Work Location: In person