Youth Care Practitioner

**SUMMARY**: The Link is looking for an experienced Youth Care Practitioner (YCP) in Thompson, MB for a full-time role to provide mentorship to multiple young persons living independently. The YCP is expected to provide ongoing, culturally sensitive care while adhering to organizational policies and procedures. A major focus of the work with young people is to be a positive role-model at all times and to assist the young person in a manner that encourages them to reach their agreed upon goals.

Duties are varied, following established service plan, procedures and policies with some judgement required to determine the most appropriate of a limited number of alternatives. Non-routine or unusual situations are referred to the supervisor. Actions could result in inadequate services that could have a negative impact on The Link, to employees, customers, youth and communities. Misconduct could result in major loss of time or resources, could cause embarrassment within the organization and have a negative impact on the organization, to customers, communities and/or its public image.

**PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES**:
Responsibilities of the YCP include, but are not limited to:

- Participate in on-going professional development to increase knowledge in the field and increase skill level to continue meeting developing employment needs
- Participate in meetings as required and promote positive teamwork and exhibit a high degree of positive role modelling for young people
- Support the program to reflect The Link treatment philosophy, organizational and Human Resource policies and program protocols; including representing the program and the organization in a professional manner
- Demonstrate a good understanding of the Child and Family Services system in Manitoba, particularly in the context of Indigenous communities and the impacts of inter-generational and historical trauma
- Knowledge, awareness and respect of Indigenous cultures, languages, traditions, and practices
- Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills; Ability to adapt to changing circumstances or conditions with flexibility and compassion
- Ability to reflect or seek guidance to ensure support given is representative of the organization’s mission and values
- Transport youth to and from appointments (medical & other), to pay bills, to and from the grocery store.
- Provide direction, support and participation in daily chores.
- Helping young people develop and implement household routines
- Record keeping and report writing as required, including monthly reports
- Ensuring that all receipts for items purchased with company funds are forwarded to the program supervisor
- Provide first aid interventions as required
- Works as part of a team to ensure consistency in the youth’s experiences with The Link
- Spend one-on-one time with the youth
- Identify and assist with life skills development
- Active involvement with the youth in family and community
- Encourage and participate in cultural activities
- Assist in developing and implementing plans for special occasions such as birthdays, holidays or discharge.
- Helping youth with meal planning, grocery shopping and cooking
- Adhere to and encourage safe food handling, cooking and clean up
- Teach the youth budgeting and shopping techniques
- Assist with the maintenance and cleanliness of the office space and the vehicles
- Report damage or concerns with the building and vehicles to the program supervisor
- Assist with all procedures and routines related to health and safety of staff and youth

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Completion of high school or equivalent program and a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the youth care field
- Demonstrated understanding and appreciation for issues and concerns of Indigenous peoples within a child welfare environment
- Ability to handle sensitive situations and confidential information in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
- Must have knowledge, experience and understanding of Indigenous culture and traditions
- Must provide services through an Indigenous lens that is holistic and focuses on the strengths and experiences of Indigenous children, youth, families and communities
- Knowledge of history and impact of intergenerational barriers and oppression faced by Indigenous people
- Knowledge of systems for children in care, school, family functioning and child welfare preferred
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license
- Willingness to obtain or complete training as per The Link Policy and/or organizational required training
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search, a clear Child Abuse Registry check with acceptable Prior Contact checks and a clear Adult Abuse Registry check, all done within the last 3 (three) months

**Preferred**:

- Ability to speak an Indigenous language is a definite asset
- ASSIST certificate (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training and De-escalation training
- Mental Health First Aid
- The Link Commit 2 Kids Training