Family Engagement

Company description

The mission of Amal Youth and Family Centre is to provide a range of innovative services responsive to the needs of individuals, families and communities. Amal aims to provide trauma-informed, neuro-diverse, and culturally, racially, linguistically, and developmentally sensitive services for youth and families, and to promote diversity in all forms with respect to citizenship status, culture, religion, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, age, and ability.

Job description

Family Engagement / Therapeutic Respite Worker

(Full-time, permanent)

The Family Engagement / Therapeutic Respite Worker provides short-term care and support to children and adolescents with a variety of special needs, challenges, and/or complex behaviours. This role involves creating a safe and nurturing environment, implementing therapeutic activities, and supporting the child's individual care plan. The Family Engagement / Therapeutic Respite Worker will work closely with the program supervisor, families and other professionals to ensure the well-being and progress of each child or adolescent.

Key Responsibilities:

1. **Direct Care:

o Provide supervision and support to children during respite care, ensuring their safety and well-being.

o Engage children in therapeutic activities designed to promote social, emotional, and behavioral development.

o Implement individualized care plans and therapeutic strategies in consultation with the Respite Program Supervisor.

2. **Behavioral Support:

o Assess the risks and needs of the family, and individual family members, through a strengths and needs-based lens, taking into account, culture and other contextual factors.

o Respond to behavioural challenges with the approach noted in the child's care plan, ensuring consistency with their primary care provider.

o Monitor and document behavioral progress, ensuring appropriate documentation and submission criteria of critical incidents.

3. **Daily Living Activities:

o Assist children with daily living activities, including meals, hygiene, and recreational activities.

o Encourage and support children in developing independence and life skills, taking their individual or unique challenges into account.

o Maintain a structured and consistent routine to provide stability and predictability for children.

4. **Family and Community Engagement:

o Communicate regularly with families to provide updates on the child's progress and any concerns, and to ensure continuity of care and support during and after respite periods.

o Participate in community outings and activities to support the child's social development and engagement.

o Provide mentoring and coaching to parents / caregivers.

o Assist parents/caregivers to develop more effective parenting skills and practices.

o Supervise contact between family members as needed.

5. **Documentation and Reporting:

o Maintain accurate and timely records of all interactions, activities, and observations.

o Complete required documentation, including daily logs, incident reports, medication logs, etc.

o Report any concerns or incidents to the Respite Program Supervisor immediately.

6. **Schedule and Pay

o Work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and overnights, to meet the needs of families.

Qualifications:

• 2 years of post-secondary education in child and youth care, psychology, social work, or other related social science. (Diploma or degree an asset)
• Experience working with children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges.
• Knowledge of therapeutic techniques and behavior management strategies.
• Open to learning new approaches, techniques, and skills through professional development opportunities.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to support the well-being of children and adolescents.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification
• Valid driver's license, use of a reliable vehicle, and able to obtain business use insurance.

Work Remotely

• No

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $51,480.00-$65,562.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care

Work Location: In person