Youth Worker

The Program
603 Cardinal Cottage

Spirit of Our Youth homes provide Indigenous culturally-based programming, home-based accommodations, healthy routines, recreational opportunities and transportation for First Nations, Metis or Inuit children and youth age 3 to 18. Our trauma-informed services empower those we serve and help foster community connections with honesty, compassion and respect.
In Your Role You Will

**Schedule each week**: Sun, Mon, Tues & Wed 11pm to 8am (awake) (HOURS ARE NOT NEGOTIABLE)

**Typical overnight shift may include**:

- 11pm (overnight awake) ensure a consistent, healthy and safe environment for children in care, including regular bed checks. Assist with any night time supports as required.
- From time client(s) wake - 8am
- wake youth according to schedule, assist/model a regular morning routine: prepare and serve/eat dinner family-style with the kids, assist younger kids with brushing teeth/hair, dressing, etc
- 8am - day shift arrives, shift exchange
- Be a positive role model for the children & youth.
- Ensure individuals basic needs are met
- Assist with operation/maintenance of the residence/program facility (May include cleaning, laundry, dishwashing, vacuuming or assisting the youth in care with the completion of these tasks, etc.)
- Cooperate with other team members to plan, support and/or deliver culturally appropriate programs, services, workshops, and outings.
- Complete paperwork - log book, contact notes, medication, Critical Incident reports etc.

** Internal applicants must successfully complete their probationary period prior to applying
The Position
As an Overnight Awake Youth Worker, you are part of a trauma informed team who provide a safe and supportive home within Indigenous culturally based programming (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit). You will be responsible for providing support, supervising children & youth, household cleaning duties, completing log notes/reports, as well as handling any crisis situations that may occur.
Criminal Record Check/Ministry Check Statement
** Prior to confirmation of employment all applicants must provide a current (dated within 6 months of hiring date) Criminal Record Check and Ministry Check. These checks can take up to 6 weeks to obtain, please ensure you prepare accordingly.
- Min. 2 years' experience Child and Youth Work, in a group home &/or community setting
- Experience supporting/teaching Indigenous children/youth, is an asset
- Certificate, Diploma or Degree in Social Work, Child and Youth Work, other human services, Education, Sociology or Psychology, Criminology, etc.
- Must be able to deal with any crisis situations, to ensure safety for youth in the program.
- First Aid/CPR Certificate
- Suicide Intervention, Self Harm, Crisis Intervention and Medication Administration training
- Indigenous Awareness and cultural diversity training
- An understanding of Indigenous cultural practices and traditions
- Able to work and follow Spirit of Our Youth Homes Inc. policies and procedures and adhere to Alberta Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act.
- Able to lift 50 lbs.

What WJS Canada does
In 2013, Spirit of our Youth became part of WJS Canada, the largest privately-owned national social services company in Canada. While operating autonomously, Spirit has full access to the extensive WJS Canada resources. WJS serves many First Nation and Métis communities in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, emphasizing cultural competence and respect.

Spirit of Our Youth was started in 2000 out of a passion for helping Aboriginal youth. From one home in Central Edmonton we have grown to operate five Group Homes, a Supported Independent Living program, as well as a Drive and Supervised Visits program. Each youth has access to our Indigenous Cultural Coordinator who provides individual support and access to traditional Indigenous teachings, cultural opportunities including sweats, sharing circles, smudging, pipe ceremonies, feasts, round dances, languages and access to community Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

Our Employees Enjoy
- Employer-paid Dental & Extended Health benefits
- Staff training and opportunities to learn/work in a wide array of programs.
- An empowering balance of independence and supervision.
- Best practices programming and innovative client care.

Website reference
Closing Statement
We recognize that equity diversity and inclusion (EDI) is an important element in our work and in our day to day lives.