Community Youth Worker

at  The City of Vancouver

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Post-secondary graduation from a recognized program in child and youth care, social services or a related discipline and sound experience related to the work
• Applications will also be considered from those who have completed a diploma in the Child and Youth Care field and have at least two years full time experience working with youth and youth groups.
• Current and valid BC Driver’s Licence. A Class 4 driver’s licence is preferred. The successful candidate must be willing to obtain a Class 4 driver’s licence, if and when operationally required.
• Experience supporting young people through crisis, those with mental health and substance use, and advocating for young people’s rights is preferred.
• Experience empowering young people to have a voice in decision making is preferred.
• A current and valid First Aid Certificate is preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of standard case management techniques and their application to behavioral, social and family problems with an emphasis on cross cultural issues required, preferred experience in an inner city environment.
• Ability to recognize and deal with behavioural, social adjustment issues, and to develop and maintain harmonious relationships with youth, their families, and other recreation staff and agency personnel
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and harm reduction principles and how they are applied is preferred
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite is preferred
• Considerable knowledge of working with youth in care, youth and addictions, and youth in the criminal justice and social welfare systems is preferred
• Proven success working with Indigenous communities is preferred

Driver’s Licence and Record Checks

• A current and valid BC Driver’s licence (Class 4 licence preferred) is required. The licence must not include any restrictions that would affect the ability to legally and safely carry out job responsibilities. Local area travel and transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the Board of Parks and Recreation.
• A Police Record Check is a requirement of this position. A clearance requires the absence of any criminal charges or convictions related to this position.

Business Unit/Department: Board of Parks & Recreation (1400)
Affiliation: CUPE 15 Parks
Employment Type: Regular Full Time
Position Start Date: October, 2024
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-020: $35.72 to $42.04 per hour

MAIN PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

This is a highly rewarding position that is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, promoting and implementing innovative community-based services and programs for young people. In partnership with site programming staff and the citywide youth services team, the Community Youth Worker empowers young people by providing meaningful opportunities to develop leadership potential and by promoting acceptance.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Community Youth Worker provides guidance to young people on social and recreation opportunities and provides referrals to other support services. Outreach work is delivered within a service-based framework to achieve outcomes consistent with the Vancouver Park Board’s Community Youth Development strategy.
This position establishes ongoing influential relationships with youth (8 to 18 years of age) for the purpose of providing support and developing their leadership potential. The successful incumbent will also recruit, train and supervise auxiliary staff, temporary grant staff and volunteers. The Community Youth Worker will schedule, promote, evaluate, and report on youth programs, services and opportunities for youth participation and engagement in the community centre, local schools, and in other outreach settings such as playgrounds and day camps.
The successful incumbent will prepare reports and maintain records and required files, provide direct leadership in youth activities and outdoor excursions, and work cooperatively with a recreation team, volunteers and community members. The work involves considerable independent judgment, initiative and intervention skills and the ability to work in sometimes stressful and difficult conditions with a minimum of supervision. The Community Youth Worker will be required to perform community development work in order to build working relationships and partnerships with local schools and other youth service providers and to deal with a wide variety of sensitive youth and family issues, including crisis situations and substance abuse, and the ability to refer young people and families seeking specialized support to counseling agencies.
The successful candidate will be required to work various work schedules, including afternoons, evenings and weekends, and must be prepared to be placed and/or accept transfers to other facilities in the organization based on operational needs.