The Program
Taproot Community Support Services (formerly WJS Canada) works to improve the lives of persons in their communities through a variety of programs and services.
Spirit of Our Youth provides Indigenous culturally-based programming in multiple home-based programs in Edmonton. The Youth Worker will be assigned to a program but may be called to work at any of the other sites during their shift to assist with duties or to provide support in urgent situations.
Through positive role-modeling and a trauma-informed approach to care, our youth workers focus on supporting youth in planning for their future and in creating healthy relationships with their families & communities.
Each youth (between ages 3 to 17 years) has opportunities to access traditional Indigenous teachings, cultural opportunities including sweats, sharing circles, smudging, pipe ceremonies, feasts, round dances, languages and access to community Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
In Your Role You Will
- Assist and support youth with developing and achieving personal goals.
- Teach and encourage age-appropriate life skills such as: communication, emotional well being, problem solving, cooking, cleaning, budgeting, being a positive role model, etc.
- Supervise and participate in programming and activities that promote social/emotional /physical development to build competence and self-worth and achieve personal goals.
- Ensure individuals basic needs are met (personal care, life skills and social/occupational skills)
- Daily household tasks at the residence/program facility (May include cleaning, laundry or assisting the youth in care with the completion of these tasks, etc.)
- Drive children/youth to and from school, medical appointments, recreational activities, community resources and support networks.
- Plan, support and/or deliver culturally appropriate programs, services, workshops, and outings; encouraging youth to learn and participate in their culture.
- Contribute toward design, implementation and evaluation of individual service plans, program specific policies and procedures.
The Position
The Youth Worker promotes personal development of the youth in their care by providing and maintaining a safe, supportive home environment that is based on Indigenous culture.
Schedule:
One (1) permanent full-time position with a weekly schedule of 36 hours per week:
- Sunday 0800-1600
- Monday through Thursday 1600-2300
Mandatory Pre-Employment Screenings and Checks
***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
- Certificate in the Human Services field or equivalent experience
- 1-3 years experience in group homes and/or supported independent living
- Current and valid National Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check presented prior to confirmation of employment
- Children’s Services Intervention Record Check presented prior to confirmation of employment
- Standard First Aid and CPR Level C
- Current Suicide Intervention, Self-Harm Intervention, Trauma Informed Care and Medication Administration training
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training
- Indigenous Awareness and Cultural Diversity training
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license with a minimum of 3 years driving experience
- Current Alberta Driver's Abstract
- Personal vehicle insurance (2 million in third party liability)
- Must be able to deal with any crisis situations, to ensure safety for youth in the program.
- Able to work and follow Spirit of Our Youth Homes Inc. policies and procedures and adhere to Alberta Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act.
- Knowledge of the Canadian Accreditation Council of Human Services
- Ability to lift 50lbs
What Taproot Community Support Services Does
Spirit of Our Youth Homes Inc was started in 2000 out of a passion for helping indigenous youth. From one home in Central Edmonton, we have grown to operate multiple community group care homes.
In 2013, Spirit of our Youth Homes Inc became part of Taproot Community Support Services, the largest privately-owned national social services company in Canada. While operating autonomously, Spirit of our Youth Homes Inc has full access to the extensive Taproot Community Support Services resources.
Our Employees Enjoy
- Work/life balance
- Learning and career development opportunities
- Competitive wages and salaries
- 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
Website reference
For more information on Spirit of Our Youth and Taproot Community Support Services or to apply for this position, visit our website at www.spirityouth.ca.
Closing Statement
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.
