Family Support Specialist

Are you passionate about early childhood development and the power of connection during the first five years of life? Do you believe that every young parent deserves compassionate, non-judgmental support as they navigate their parenting journey? If this sounds like the kind of meaningful work you’ve been searching for, we’d love to hear from you._

**What We Do**:
The Alex is a beacon of hope for Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens, offering wrap-around health care, housing, social, and wellness programs. With a patient and client-centered approach, we envision a community where every individual is valued and empowered to thrive. Our mission is to improve quality of life through accessible and integrated health, housing, and social services. With five decades of experience, we have earned a reputation for tackling tough health and social issues, guiding individuals on their journey from crisis to wellness, and from challenge to change.

The Alex Youth Health Centre is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for young people ages 12 to 24 and their children to access health and social care without judgment. Our team of doctors, nurses, mental health clinicians, and social workers work together to support youth as they navigate life’s challenges, big or small, with dignity, trust, and compassion at the core of everything we do.

Reporting to the Clinic Manager and working in a multidisciplinary team of professionals, the Family Support Specialist is committed to empowering youth under 25 and their children in accessing and navigating health services, personal and community resources, and the basic needs to achieve and maintain good health to support them in their parenting journey. Clients may be connected from community or move from pre
- and post-natal specialists.

This is a permanent, full-time position.

**What You Will Do**:

- Manage a caseload of parenting youth under 25, offering comprehensive support.
- Assist parenting youth with program navigation.
- Assist parenting youth with attending appointments and meetings, including providing transportation when necessary.
- Source and obtain essential resources for parenting youth, such as baby supplies, clothing, toys, furniture, diapers, formula, and health-related referrals.
- Connect young families with housing resources, independent living support, and shelters.
- Conduct home visits to support parenting skills and strategies.
- Facilitate interactions between young parents and Children’s Services.
- Link young parents to counselors, social services, mental health support, and medical care.
- Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and immediate support.
- Lead and facilitate parenting groups and activities like Parenting Plus and Toddler Play Group.
- Offer referrals to external parenting programs, playgroups, and recreational activities.
- Collaborate with the team to share resources and guide navigation through available services.
- Work with the medical team to integrate medical and social support as appropriate.
- Build partnerships with agencies serving young families and participate in relevant committees.
- Collaborate with The Alex Community Health Centre’s programs and services, including medical staff and housing programs.
- Maintain a safe and informed environment within the Youth Health Centre.
- Assist youth in developing problem-solving, conflict resolution, and communication skills.
- Manage crises using problem-solving and de-escalation techniques.
- Educate clients on topics such as addictions, sexual health, diversity, and mental health.
- Ensure all documentation is accurate, current, and professional.
- Promote community awareness and education on youth issues.
- Attend committee meetings and agency functions to network and foster a collaborative community.
- Uphold professional conduct and boundaries at all times.
- Support data collection and reporting as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

**What You Bring**:

- A diploma or degree in social work.
- An active practice permit with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) is preferred.
- Minimum 3-5 years’ experience working with vulnerable/at-risk youth.
- Experience and knowledge of pregnancy and infants is an asset.
- A high degree of comfort working with youth using harm reduction, strength based, natural and logical consequences, and trauma informed care techniques.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a very diverse clientele.
- Working knowledge of resources for toddlers and preschoolers within the Calgary community.
- Skills in assessment, support and intervention, consultation, crisis counseling and advocacy are required
- A high degree of comfort working in a team as well as working independently.
- A passion for advocating for at-risk youth.
- Class 5 driver’s license, personal vehicle for business use, clean 3-year drivers abstract, and $2 million liability coverage are required.
- At least 21 years of age with a minimum of three (3) ye