Youth Development Coordinator

**YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR**

MANHATTAN PLACE GROUP HOME

PERMANENT FULL TIME - 40 Hours/Week

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL

McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association of Calgary and Area is an organization making a difference in the lives of more than 4,100 children, youth, adults and families annually. We support children, youth, adults and families with complex needs that can include mental health issues, addictions, homelessness, poverty and disability by providing them with the services and supports they need to thrive. McMan exists because we believe in everyone’s deep and infinite worth. At McMan, no matter who you are, we will always walk with you. In everything we do, we will be humble and bold. Through these actions, we will be receptive, relevant, relational, and real with our community.

Manhattan Place is a community-based group home for youth with complex needs who are referred through Children’s Services. This home provides a safe and stable living environment with individualized support and around the clock care for youth aged 12-17 years. Manhattan Place works closely with youth to strengthen relationships with their families and friends and foster connections in the community.

The Youth Development Coordinator will take on a caregiving role within community group care. The Youth Development Coordinator provides a caring and nurturing home environment that is committed to ensuring daily needs are met in a safe and supportive way. The Youth Development Coordinator will practice from a trauma-informed framework to embed a youth development approach that is both strength and relationship based. The Youth Development Coordinator is expected to model a collaborative, cooperative approach focused on the personal, social, cultural and educational development of youth.

Through the provision of day-to-day care, providing case management, setting goals with youth, liaising with caseworkers, working with natural supports, and preparing youth for transition, the Youth Development Coordinator will teach life skills, and help youth establish normal routines while promoting their overall well-being. The Youth Development Coordinator will use both the principles of Wraparound and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) as a foundational guide to support interventions and youth development.

**Hours of Work**: Sunday 8AM-4PM; Monday-Wednesday 4PM-12AM; Saturday 4PM-12AM (Thursday & Friday off)

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**

**Some of the key aspects of this role include**:

- Upholding a duty of care that prioritizes trauma-informed principles to address the complex needs of children and youth who have experienced significant trauma.
- Recognizing and responding to trauma-related behaviours with sensitivity and understanding, emphasizing safety, cultural connectedness, and relationship development.
- Assisting youth to develop life skills, social skills and access to community resources. Teaching and supporting individuals with activities such as hygiene, basic cooking, money management, shopping, and safety skills.
- Facilitating physical, recreational, educational, social and vocational activities.
- Accompanying and transporting youth to activities such as appointments, shopping, school, employment or leisure activities, or as required.
- Supporting youth development through role modeling and teaching new skills.
- Supporting youth in navigating relationships with natural supports.
- Teaching and implementing DBT skills to strengthen coping strategies.
- Implementing verbal crisis intervention skills to support de-escalation.
- Providing care and guidance individualized to the needs of youth living in the home.
- Providing stabilization through predictable structures, clear expectations and positive behaviour support.
- Case management for assigned key youth including completing assessments, reporting, individualized case planning, and transition planning.
- Organizing and coordinating general aspects of youth day-to-day needs (ex: supporting youth in getting ready for school, setting up appointments, attending monthly meetings with caseworkers, general household duties such as meal preparation and cleaning).
- A Diploma or Degree in Human Services or similar
- 2 to 5 years of experience in working with youth with complex needs in a group care setting
- Knowledge of the Natural Supports and Trauma Informed Practice Frameworks
- Demonstrated ability to facilitate relationships and connections where youth expand their personal support networks and find new and meaningful relationships
- Demonstrated skills in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, critical thinking and problem solving, as well as written and verbal communication skills
- A good understanding of how trauma, grief and loss can impact identity and connection with natural supports
- Understanding of expectations, principles, and philosophy around transition planning
- The ability to attend at minimum 2 staff meetings per month (the