Youth Worker - Group Drop In

For a full job description, visit our website bgcsvi.org

The Youth Worker Group/Drop-in Programs ensures the safe and effective delivery of youth programming, overseeing planning, implementation, risk management and supervision and support of youth participants. The Youth Worker will provide afternoon and evening Group Drop-in Programming in Sooke and Central Saanich expanding to other Club sites as the program grows. Programming will utilize BGC Canada Program Resources in the planning of intentional activities. Rooted in a trauma-informed approach, this role prioritizes participant safety, empowerment and skill development while supporting child/youth health promotion, relationship-building, and behavior management. The Youth Worker demonstrates intentional practice with a results-driven focus, leading by example and embodying the Agency’s Core Values and Code of Ethics in all decision-making and professional behavior.

Position Details

Wage: $22/hour
Status: Part-time
Hours: 24 – 26 hours/week
Shift: Monday to Thursday – 2:00pm – 7:00pm + Friday 2:00pm – 8:00pm (when Community Kitchen Program is running) or Friday 10:00am – 2:00pm (administration hours when no Community Kitchen Program)
Location: Mason Hall in Sooke, & Dunford Ave, Langford.
Additional Work Locations: Various locations across South Vancouver Island; evening work will be required
Benefits: Extended Health Care Benefits after 3-month probation period
Opportunities: Professional development, supportive work/life balance, training and development, career opportunities and advancement

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides supervision and support to youth in all aspects of drop-in programs and/or registered youth programs utilizing best practices that support positive behavior strategies and relationship development.
• Supports the consistent use of program interventions and support strategies by reinforcing guidelines and expectations with the youth, contributing to a safe and supportive environment
• Supports and guides youth in implementing strategies that empower and promote their health and well-being by ensuring access to information, skills and resources
•  Promotes a youth-centered, culturally responsive and inclusive approach that recognizes and adapts to diverse identities, lived experiences and developmental stages that prioritize individual needs and outcomes
• Using a preventative, strengths-based, and positive role model approach, facilitates participant engagement in daily program activities
• Plans, organizes and facilitates weekly youth drop-in/group programs and special events, ensuring a variety of relevant and engaging activities that reflect youth interests and developmental needs
• Communicates upcoming program activities in clear and consistent ways by developing tools such as calendars, newsletters, or similar formats on a monthly/quarterly basis, utilizing MyBGC resources and tools incorporating team input and submitting final versions for approval
• Provides Manager/Director with program supply lists, grocery lists, etc. to support monthly program activities
• Facilitates small group life skills, health and wellness education, resource connections and community-based recreational, social or cultural activities to meet the evolving needs of youth and support pro-social engagement, decision making and leadership skills in participants
• Facilitates youth engagement by actively participating in daily programming activities with the participants
• Works in-ratio as an active team member role modelling, coaching, mentoring and supporting participants
• Utilizes ethical and safe behavior management techniques, including Positive Behaviour Support, Non-violent Crisis Intervention and emotional regulation strategies to manage youth behavior during supervised activities. They set clear expectations, provide consistent routines, and establish structured environments to encourage youth awareness of acceptable behavior and support their ability to cope with emotional and behavioral challenges
• Engages youth in co-creating drop-in programming content such as games night, art night, and movie night, encouraging leadership and ownership of the program
• Collaborates with participants engaging youth in program activity planning while ensuring the program is meeting the needs of the participants
• Surveys program participants regarding program activities ensuring improvements are informed by data and align with program goals
• Collects program data (attendance, demographics, referrals provided), feedback, youth stories, and success examples for inclusion in quarterly and grant reporting
• Assists in data collection and analysis; collects program data (attendance, demographics, referrals provided, etc.) collects feedback and success stories, using the information to inform required program reporting and continuous improvement efforts in collaboration with Program Manager/Director
• Demonstrates flexibility in adapting to changing program needs, contributing to the overall success of the team and program management
• Completes duties as outlined in the daily shift tasks and responsibilities
• Assist with the registration/communication with participants/guardians as required for registered youth programs
• Observes and documents youth interactions and activities as required for program reporting requirements
• Ensures compliance with accreditation standards and organizational policies, overseeing program delivery through evidence-based practices and maintaining high-quality service standards.
•  Delivers programs in alignment with Agency policies, program goals, licensing regulations (where applicable) and best practices for youth engagement
• Reports and records changes in youth circumstance following program protocols
• Transports youth to activities, as required
• Develops weekly menus, grocery shops and prepares meals and snacks according to established procedures
• Supports youth in making healthy lifestyle choices by providing education on nutritious meals and snacks, guiding them in meal preparation with healthy recipes
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested, which may include tasks not listed in this position description but are within the scope of the position, program and/or department
• Provides support that is normalizing, individualized and respectful by actively engaging with youth in a way that promotes their dignity and personal growth tailoring interactions to meet each youth's unique needs
• Plans and implements pre-approved special events within the program
• Fosters a positive working relationship with the youth, to promote trust, communication and effective support
• Works collaboratively with colleagues to foster positive working relationships and ensure continuity and consistency in programming by engaging in open communication, sharing insights and updates about youth progress and collaborating on activity planning
• Ensures program stories, data, stats, and other information is communicated to the Communications team on a monthly, quarterly, annual, and as requested basis and that all consents are in place for such submission
• Utilizes teaching and learning strategies that are individualized to fit the youth's needs, abilities
• Delivers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities that support the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of youth to achieve program outcomes
• Provides feedback to the Manager/Director regarding resource needs and programming adjustments to ensure seamless operations
• Delivers services guided by evidence-based approaches, including strengths-based practices, Trauma-Informed Care, Positive Behaviour Support, and experiential learning
• Maintains administrative duties and responsibilities to BGC and accreditation standards, protocols and practices
• Facilitates the day-to-day activities with safety as the priority
• Delivers activities with appropriate levels of perceived risk while reducing actual risk.
• Assesses, evaluates and plans to prevent crisis situations whenever possible
• Applies de-escalation strategies rooted in trauma-informed and harm reduction frameworks, recognizing individual triggers and supporting emotional regulation
• Complies with Critical Incident reporting as per policy
• Demonstrates knowledge of safety precautions dealing with environmental working conditions such as potential verbal and physical aggression.
• Demonstrates capacity to implement suicide risk assessments, appropriate safety planning and response
• Develops strategies to deal with potentially dangerous situations; i.e. youth mental health crisis, youth’s aggressive behavior
• Analyzes situations accurately to mitigate risks
• Provides immediate notification about critical incidents following Agency protocols
• Stewards program relationships with staff, referring authorities, stakeholders, volunteers, etc.
• Participate as Agency brand champion at community events, committees and other official functions
• Promotes a welcoming, inclusive, and safe program environment for all youth, families and community members
• Monitors, reports and troubleshoots issues related to technology meeting effective and efficient support of program delivery needs

A full list of duties and responsibilities will be provided in the position description

Minimum Qualifications

• Relevant post-secondary diploma in Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Recreation, Education or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Current Standard First Aid/CPR C certification
• Knowledge of mental health and substance use
• Experience developing and implementing activity-based programs
• 1-year experience working with 10 – 18-year-old youth
• Demonstrated ability to incorporate stages of child development in program/service delivery
• Demonstrated preventative approach to behavioural management
• Experience with trauma informed practice
• Class 5 Driver’s Licence and reliable vehicle
• Effective verbal, written and presentation/group facilitation skills
• Effective organizational skills
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings

To Apply

• Please submit your resume and cover letter to employment@bgcsvi.org indicating which position you are applying for in your email subject line and clearly demonstrating how your experience and qualifications relate to this position
• In the first line of your cover letter, please use our tag line “Opportunity Changes Everything”
• We thank all who apply. In align with our mission, we strive to create safe, supportive places and welcome all to apply

Please note: This BCGEU unionized position is classified. Wage rates are pending approval through the union negotiation process for non-provincially funded positions.

This position is open to all applicants. This position requires union membership.

Interested by the opportunity but not sure how to make it fit? Start the conversation and let’s discuss options! Please feel free to reach out with inquiries or for more information via employment@bgcsvi.org

In alignment with our 5 Core Values, BGC South Vancouver Island is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, welcoming diversity and inclusivity in all practices within the organization

BGC South Vancouver Island acknowledges the Lkwungen, WSÁNEĆ, T’Sou-ke, MÁlexeŁ and Scia’new people, whose traditional territories we live and work upon each day

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 24 – 26 per week

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Victoria, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Location:

• Victoria, BC (required)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2025-09-08