The Impact a Youth Worker in the Foundations Program can make:
The VCH Foundations Program is a residential stabilization program supporting youth with significant substance use and mental health concerns. You will demonstrate absolute respect and unconditional love to youth that will support them to know their worth. The VCH Foundations Program is a safe and non-judgmental environment where youth are supported to address every aspect of wellbeing - health, emotional, and spiritual. You will provide services from an attachment-based, harm reduction, culturally relevant, trauma-informed model of care. You will have the opportunity to build transformative relationship with youth and reduce the risks of street homelessness and substance use. Through relentless engagement, the CHV continuum of care connects with youth where they are at because we feel it should be "one size fits one" when it comes to supporting young people.
How you will contribute:
- Greet and welcome youth accessing CHV services, assess and respond to their immediate needs, and provide them with practical resources including food, clothing, and transportation
- Initiate, develop and maintain professional relationships with youth 16-24 years of age
- Upon entry to the Program, introduce the services provided, orient new youth, and complete program intake
- Center the principles of Harm Reduction and Trauma-Informed Practice
- Work with youth to address their individual needs and goals
- Supporting youth with addictions and mental health challenges and referring to specialist agencies and/or allied professionals where needed
- Provide crisis intervention, including responding to overdoes/administering first aid and Naloxone that may happen within CHV premises, ongoing training will also be provided
- Document client notes in ETO, write Incident Reports, and other routine documentation as required
- Coordinate youth meetings and activities, including recreation and life skills
- Attend all training as directed
- Maintain youth rooms including: set up, safety checks, etc.
- Laundry as needed
- Other duties as required
Compensation:
The successful candidate can expect a starting hourly rate of between $25.35 and $31.69 depending on factors such as internal equity, experience, competencies, and education. Once hired, the hourly rates are reviewed annually following the annual performance review and successful employees have the opportunity for their hourly rate to increase, over time, up to the maximum of the pay band, currently $38.03.
Education and Experience:
- Diploma or degree in related social service and a minimum one year in a low barrier, harm reduction setting, or
- Minimum 3 year’s full-time working experience in a similar low barrier role
- Experience with the challenges facing youth who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability
- First Aid & Non-Violent Crisis Intervention is an asset
- Evidence of compliance with the Province's immunization and tuberculosis control programs is required
Competencies:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Familiarity with at risk youth and youth homelessness
- Ability to work with youth experiencing complex mental health challenges
- Work cooperatively and effectively with others to reach a common goal
- Strong situational awareness and ability to manage critical incidents
- Ability to adapt decision making based on circumstances or when presented with unclear information
- Familiarity with issued related to substance use and Harm Reduction principles and practices
- Familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries with the Youth
- Basic computer skills
- Working knowledge of Trauma Informed Practice
- Able to lift up to 25 lbs, and kneel and squat as needed