Part Time Youth Worker

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW:

The Old Strathcona Youth Society is a non-profit low-barrier drop-in center that supports unhoused and vulnerable youth between the ages of 14 and 24. Supporting Edmonton youth for the past 27 years, OSYS provides non-judgmental, trauma-informed access to basic needs items, services and referrals. Taking a relationship-based approach to providing care, the OSYS team believes that healthy communities start with healthy, meaningful connections. With this in mind, OSYS is committed to ensuring that the center is a place where youth feel safe and supported.

MISSION STATEMENT:

To provide purposeful resources and create a safe and supportive environment that fosters youth empowerment and development.

COMMITED TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION

OSYS is committed to equity and inclusion and strongly encourages applications from Indigenous peoples and other BIPOC, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with relevant lived experience.

ROLE:

OSYS is expanding its drop-in programming and looking to hire a Part-Time Youth Worker to support in the further development and facilitation of its drop-in programming and expansion of service hours. While all OSYS staff provide drop-in supervision, Part-Time Youth Workers primary responsibilities will be to deliver drop-in services/programs to the youth at the OSYS. Part-Time Youth Workers work collaboratively with all staff to provide support to all youth at OSYS, including: access to drop-in programming, handling sensitive information and daily documentation, and general cleaning duties.

Compensation: $25.00/hr

Required Availability:

• Tuesday- Saturday
• Days, Evenings, and Weekends
• Minimum availability of hours per week with the possibility of more during the holidays or special events.

REPORTS TO:

Program Coordinator

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide support in a non-judgmental and harm reduction-centered approach
• Coordinate with service teams and referral networks when necessary
• Document relevant client interactions in a timely fashion and store client information in a secure way to maintain client confidentiality
• Establish rapport and develop strong helping, client-centered relationships with vulnerable youth ages 14-24
• Daily supervision of drop-in activities to create a safe environment
• Ensures adequate supervision occurs regarding youth behaviors and interactions within OSYS to create and maintain a safe place.
• Uses appropriate crisis intervention techniques to de-escalate situations
• Actively facilitates, participates in, and promotes professional team functioning through participation in professional development, team debriefs, and self-evaluation.
• Participates in fundraising activities as a representative and advocate for OSYS.
• Deliver services and programs to youth in a non-judgmental manner, while demonstrating a commitment to providing services that suit the needs of each youth who accesses services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: 

• Diploma or Degree in Child and Youth Care, Social Work, or a discipline directly related to working with youth, Health Care, or Human Services. Or equivalent experience.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated competency in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and behavior management skills
• Experience within the field supporting vulnerable people as a housing worker, youth worker, case worker, or related.
• Creative problem-solving, strong organizational skills, and the ability to independently or collaboratively with a team setting.
• Extensive knowledge of issues, trends, and resources related to Edmonton youth homelessness, poverty, mental health, addictions, and trauma
• Clear and effective written and oral communication, strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Proficient computer skills, familiarity with Microsoft Office Programs (Outlook and Excel)
• Valid Driver's License, reliable vehicle, and clear driving record with 2 million liability insurance required.
• Police record check with vulnerable sector check
• Child intervention check through Children and Family Services

Experiences that will help you succeed:

• Working knowledge of ETO and Housing First initiatives and philosophy is a strong asset
• Functional knowledge of AB Works, AISH, and other Alberta Supports
• Experience working collaboratively with community agencies.
• Standard first aid, de-escalation training, suicide intervention training, crisis intervention training, food handling certification, and Naloxone training are considered strong assets
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Canva