The Impact the Youth Worker in the Sanctuary Program can make:
The Sanctuary program is an enhanced low barrier 28 bed program, supporting youth with significant substance use and mental health concerns. You will demonstrate absolute respect to youth that will allow them to know their worth.
This program is a low barrier, 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 and trauma-informed model of care proven to support youth at greatest risk in our community. You will have the opportunity to build transformative relationships with youth and reduce the risks of street homelessness and drug use. Through relentless engagement, the CHV continuum of care will expand to connect 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 relationships with at risk youth 16-24 years of age
- Upon entry to the Program, introduce the services provided, orient new youth, complete program intake/admission
- Assist clients in exiting street life, maintaining independence, or accessing supports to have their needs met
- Work with youth to address their needs and goals
- Accompany youth to scheduled appointments and support youth in crisis
- Supporting youth with addictions, mental health and behavior management issues and referring to specialist agencies 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
- Manage youth case files, including all relevant reporting and documentation
- Coordinate youth meetings and activities, including recreation and life skills
- Attend all training as directed by your Team Leader
- Clean, search, and remake youth rooms at discharge
- 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
Who are we looking for?
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
Competencies:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Familiarity with at risk youth and youth homelessness
- Work cooperatively and effectively with others to reach a common goal
- Strong situational awareness and ability to manage critical incidents
- Ability to work with youth experiencing complex mental health challenges
- 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