The Youth facilitator role is designed to support youth residing in our domestic violence crisis shelter and affordable housing programs. This role involves developing and facilitating fun and engaging programming that caters to the diverse needs of young people aged 12 - 18. This position focuses on providing enriching, developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed programs while creating an environment that fosters fun, resilience, emotional well-being, healthy relationships and positive growth for youth.
This position involves working 12 hours per week across three 4-hour shifts (Tuesday and Wednesday 4–8pm, and Saturday 12–4pm) at YW Calgary’s crisis shelter. The role is performed primarily on-site and may include indoor, outdoor, and off-site activities in a fast-paced environment with potential exposure to trauma-related behaviors and crisis situations.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Truly rewarding work; contribute to lasting, positive change for employees, clients and our community
- A supportive team environment and opportunities for professional development
- Comprehensive benefits, onsite fitness, and childcare facilities
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
- Assist with the development and implementation of engaging, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive youth programs, including the afterschool programs and other enrichment opportunities.
- Lead recreational programming and social emotional learning (SEL) initiatives to promote emotional regulation, empathy, communication and resilience.
- Support in the facilitation of creative activities, workshops, and field trips that align with the interests and needs of youth.
- Provide one-to-one support to youth as needed to help them process emotions, build coping strategies and set personal goals.
- Model and reinforce positive behavior, healthy relational functioning and conflict resolution skills during group interactions.
- Monitor youth behavior and emotional well-being, responding to escalations with de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed practices.
- Participate in safety planning and risk assessments for individual youth as needed.
- Assist the Youth Programmer in engaging mothers (when appropriate) to support youth’s emotional growth and healing.
- Ensure completion of reporting documentation including attendance, case notes, incident reports and other required documentation.
- Ensure information regarding service delivery is entered into the client information database by the end of each shift.
- Support with data collection, reporting and evaluation processes to measure program effectiveness and inform future improvements.
- Integrate equity, diversity and inclusion principles into one’s role, work, and engagement with others, as aligned with YW Calgary’s EDI strategy and values.
- Understand YW Calgary’s Health, Safety and Wellness (HS&W) policies, practices and protocols; ensure work is performed safely and in alignment with YW’s HS&W culture.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING:
- Diploma or degree in Child & Youth Care, Social Work, or a related Human Services field.
- Certifications in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), and First Aid required, brain story and indigenous awareness or equivalent.
- 1-3 years experience in working with youth aged 12 – 18 in a crisis setting is an asset.
- Specialized training and knowledge in child development, social-emotional learning and trauma-informed care is valued.
- Experience working in the domestic violence and mental health sector with vulnerable populations preferred.
- Proficiency in computers, databases and case notes.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strong self-regulation and self-awareness in high pressure crisis environments to navigate crisis situations calmly.
- Cultural competence and empathy to support diverse populations.
- Strong conflict resolution and de-escalation skills for managing challenging behaviors.
- Operational and planning skills to deliver structured, engaging programming.
If you want to change lives, we want to hear from you.
Deadline: Until filled
Apply today by submitting your resume, cover letter, and salary expectations.
Check out our website for more information about YW Calgary: www.ywcalgary.ca
YW Calgary is committed to providing an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace where all employees, volunteers and clients feel valued and respected, whatever their race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, ancestry, or place of origin.
