Youth Worker, Full-Time

The Program

Spirit of Our Youth Homes is a division of Taproot Community Support Services. At Taproot, we're a 100 percent employee-owned organization through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Every employee is an owner from their first day, with a voice in shaping Taproot's future and the opportunity to share in employee ownership dividends.

Spirit of Our Youth Homes provides culturally based programming, support, and safe home-based accommodations to First Nations, Metis or Inuit children and youth, ages 3 through 18. Our trauma-informed services empower those we serve and help foster community connections with honesty, compassion and respect.

Our well-maintained homes are in safe, established neighborhoods. Close to schools, playgrounds and easy access to transportation, our homes are part of the community and create a welcoming environment. We provide healthy routines, a monthly clothing allowance, recreational opportunities and transportation.

Traditional teachings can empower youth to make strong connections with family and community. Each youth has access to culturally knowledgeable staff who can provide individual support and connection to cultural opportunities including sweats, weekly sharing circles, smudging, pipe ceremonies, feasts, dances, traditional healing, languages and access to community Elders and Cultural Helpers.

The Position

During overnight hours (approx. 2300 to 0800), the Youth Worker, working awake night shifts, will support and supervise children & youth living at the home, ensuring a consistent, healthy and safe environment and immediate support in crisis situations. The Youth Worker will also perform household cleaning duties, complete log notes/reports, etc.

Scheduling;
One (1) permanent full-time position with a schedule of 32hrs per week:

• scheduled times may vary)

• Wednesday through Saturday

• Will work between 3 sites to assist with duties or to provide support in urgent situations

• The above schedule is not negotiable and is based upon the needs of the programs.

Typical overnight shift may include:

• 2300 (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 provide wake up calls to youth according to schedule, assist/model a regular morning routine: prepare and serve/eat breakfast family-style with the kids, assist younger kids with brushing teeth/hair, dressing, etc

• day shift arrives, ON SCHOOL DAYS - drive the school-aged children to school in company van before finishing shift.

In Your Role You Will

• 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.

*** Prior to confirmation of employment, all applicants must provide a copy of a current Criminal Record Check and/or Government Screening Letter. These checks vary depending on province and sector and will be communicated by the Program Hiring Team.

As An Ideal Candidate You Possess

• 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 HAVE held a class 5 driver's for a minimum of 3 years and be able to provide a clear driver's abstract.

• Must be able to handle 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.

•MUST HAVE excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

What Taproot Community Support Services Does

In 2013, Spirit of our Youth became part of Taproot Community Support Services, the largest privately-owned national social services company in Canada. While operating autonomously, Spirit has full access to the extensive Taproot Community Support Services resources. Each day 600 dedicated Taproot employees provide a wide range of proven and innovative services to more than 1300 people in three provinces. Taproot serves many First Nation and Métis communities in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, emphasizing cultural diversity and respect.
As a Certified B Corporation, we harness business for good. Since 1984 we've grown steadily, now delivering support across Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario through more than 90 contracts.

Our 700-plus employee-owners live by five shared values: we are stronger together, we lead with optimism, we embrace challenges, we respect every voice, and we go above and beyond. Guided by these principles, we deliver more than 125 community-based services each year. We walk alongside about 1,600 children, youth, families, and people with diverse abilities, with revenues exceeding $50 million.

Spirit of Our Youth was started in 2000 out of a passion for helping Indigenous youth. From one home in Central Edmonton we have grown to operate five Group Homes as well as a Drive and Supervised Visits program.

Our Employees Enjoy

• Employee ownership from day one through our EOT, with opportunity for profit-sharing dividends

• Work/life balance

• Learning and career development opportunities

• Fair and competitive wages

• Paid vacation and benefits for eligible employees

• Matching RRSP plan for eligible employees within Alberta

• Professional development opportunities and job-related training

• Employee and Family Assistance Program

• Long Service Milestone rewards

• Employee referral bonus program

• A values-driven workplace — as a Certified B Corp, we're committed to using business as a force for good

For more information on Spirit of Our Youth and Taproot Community Support Services or to apply for this position, visit our website at

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you Please apply.

Equal-Opportunity Employer
Our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is unwavering. We believe that varied backgrounds and experiences fuel innovation and success. As an equal-opportunity employer, we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion across all operations. We're seeking candidates passionate about contributing to our multicultural teams and enriching our workplace with their unique insights and cultural sensitivity.
We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply and join us in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

No telephone calls please. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.

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