POSITION TITLE: Child and Youth Worker (CYW)
REPORTS TO: Care Team Manager
LOCATION: Sherwood Park, Alberta
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Temporary Full Time (Maternity Leave Coverage) - 40 hours weekly. Schedule: Monday to Friday 12pm-8pm with flexibility.

STARTING DATE: As soon as possible

A Safe Place provides support and resources to overcome domestic abuse. The Strathcona Shelter Society operates an emergency shelter for women and children, a crisis and family violence information line, community outreach, and public education to end domestic violence in our community.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Child and Youth Worker has a pivotal role in creating a safe space for children/youth with their mothers in shelter or in A Safe Place Outreach programs.
Through conversations with the parents, they learn about their concerns, as well as the interests and needs of each child/youth. In their role, they develop supportive relationships by actively engaging children and youth in age-appropriate care and programming activities. The C/Y Worker champions healthy relationships and identifies any concerns with behaviors or disclosures from a strength-based model of care.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Post-secondary Diploma or Degree in Early Childhood Development or equivalent.
• Previous experience working with children.
• Previous experience as a Parent Educator and/or fluent in additional languages considered an asset.
• Mandatory registration with corresponding applicable professional governing body (i.e.: ACSW, PCAP, etc.)
• Police Intervention Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Intervention Check.
• Current First Aid/CPR Certification.
• ASIST Suicide Intervention Training (or willingness to complete) Trainings in (or willingness to complete): Trauma-Informed Practice De-escalation Brain Story Certification Danger Assessment Cultural Competency FOIP Others as identified or deemed necessary
• Proficiency in reading, writing and speaking in English. Additional languages considered an asset.
• Strong computer aptitudes – Microsoft Office. Experience with Outcome Tracker considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to think critically, problem solve and de-escalate situations in a fast-paced environment that requires the prioritization of tasks.

• Create a safe, engaging, clean environment.
• Complete forms and client file documentation for C/Y program requirements.
• Orientate children/youth and their mothers to the C/Y Support Program and complete intake.
• Develop non-judgmental and supportive relationships with children/youth and their mothers.
• Encourage and model age-appropriate learning and socialization.
• Promote self-expression and regulation, as well as learning through play.
• Assist children and youth to discover new interests by introducing them to art, music, sports and other potential creative outlets.
• Ensure that age-appropriate activities (i.e., books, games, toys) are available in their bedrooms.
• Foster positive parent/child interactions by providing information, role modeling appropriate behavior and teaching positive options for behavior or action.
• Ensure that mothers have regular opportunities to take a break (respite care) and to work on their goals (service care).
• Report observations of emotional or behavioral dysregulation, and/or disclosures of abuse to Supervisor and/or on-site Manager to develop a documentation and intervention plan with families and (when required) protection services.
• Complete routine housekeeping, laundry, and meal preparation/service tasks, as needed.
• Complete administrative tasks as necessary for your position (i.e. timesheets, expense and mileage reports etc.)
• Attend staff and team meetings as appropriate
• Work collaboratively with all other ASP Employees to provide consistent services and supports to clients in shelter
• Follow established Shelter Policies and Procedures and relevant legislation.
• Other job-related tasks as required.