Residential Community Support Workers

**The Program**

Youth Horizons is a licensed 4-bed co-ed resource, focusing on female youth, ages 13-18, receiving services through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

Youth Horizons provides a safe home environment in Saanich. Taking a person-centered, trauma-informed approach, staff are expected to recognize the effects of trauma and help youth cope with the effects. The goal in the provision of services is to avoid re-traumatizing and facilitate personal growth. The staff accomplish this via knowledge of the trauma-informed approach, assessment, and relationship-building, responding to disclosures, focusing on youth's strengths, and having cultural awareness.

Join our dedicated social services team, to mentor these individuals to develop their unique strengths and encourage independence.

**In Your Role You Will**
- Independently work with client(s) towards achieving the goals set out in their Individual Support Plan (ISP); encouraging them during setbacks and celebrating successes with them.
- Support/supervise complex behavioural, emotional and social needs/development (in the residence & during community activities)
- Use de-escalation techniques to deal with challenging behaviours.
- Assist client in developing life skills within the home including household chores (meal prep, cleaning, etc.) in a consistent, healthy & safe environment and their community.
- Model healthy relationships and setting boundaries
- Transports and assists residents to appointments, shopping or leisure activities; operates motor vehicles safely and legally while transporting clients or on Taproot business.
- Request a job description for full duties and responsibilities.

**The Position**
- Residence Workers, may include overnight awake scheduling (Grid 10)
- Asleep Residential Night Workers (Grid 5)
- Residential Child and Youth Workers (Grid 11)

These positions require union membership with BCGEU.

Challenging behaviours may occur on a daily basis, therefore, applicants that already have ASIST Suicide training, along with, experience with de-escalation techniques and a minimum of 1 year experience working with individuals with significant mental health concerns, high behaviors and/or trauma, is preferred.

Casual/On Call staff will be contacted to work a variety of unionized roles and shifts (based on availability) to cover staff illness, LOA, vacation etc. in a 24-hr/7 program located in Victoria, British Columbia.

**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.**
- Diploma or Degree in Child and Youth Care, Psychology, Social Work, Disability Studies, Sociology, Healthcare Aide, PSW, Practical Nursing or equivalent
- Minimum of 1 year of experience in adult, child and youth care, or with individuals with a developmental disability, mental health issues or brain injury in a community-based setting.
- Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.
- Other related fields of experience include Community Support Worker, Education Assistant, Special Needs, Behaviour Interventionist, Youth Worker
- Valid BC Driver’s Class 5 License and clean driver’s abstract
- A reliable, safe vehicle that has appropriate insurance is an asset
- Positive behavior supports experience and Trauma informed care an asset.
- Valid CPR/First Aid, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate (Mandt) and Conflict Resolution Certificate (or ability to obtain within probation period)
- Physician’s note confirming suitability, including immunization records and negative tuberculosis screening test

**Successful applicants will be required to participate in MCFD screening and provide three (3) professional reference prior to confirmed employment with Taproot Community Support Services.**

Taproot adheres to provincial/legislated communicable disease prevention protocols. Some of our community health care providers/stakeholders may require Taproot employees to be vaccinated in order to be able to enter establishments while supporting Taproot individuals/clients in service.

Not sure you meet the requirements? We still welcome you to apply, as we may be able to consider diverse combinations of skills, education and experience.
**What Taproot Community Support Services does**

Taproot helps people with developmental disabilities thrive in their communities through a variety of programs and services, including:

- Community-based homes and residential care
- Supportive Independent living
- Family support services, including respite care
- Day programs, community involvement, employment
- Behaviour, emotional and mental health support

**Our Employees Enjoy**
- Casual employees are paid an additional 10.6% of wages in lieu of benefits
- Professional development opportunities