Youth and Family Support Worker (Temporary)

at  Encompass Support Services Society

Encompass Support Services Society is an accredited, non-profit agency that provides a wide range of programs and support services in Langley and Aldergrove for over 25 years. We help to build strong, sustainable communities by offering inclusive, accessible services tailored to meet the changing needs of the individuals and community we serve.
At Encompass, we are committed to a journey towards cultural humility and safety; for the well-being of those we serve and those, we work along-side. We gratefully acknowledge that the programs, services and offices of Encompass are on the unceded, sovereign Indigenous lands of the Coast Salish People. This includes the territories of Kwantlen, Katzie, Matsqui and Semiahmoo First Nations. We also acknowledge the diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who make Langley their home.
Our purpose is to strengthen the health and vitality of community by identifying and responding to community needs, collaborating to enhance the lives of those we serve, while cultivating effective and sustainable partnerships.
Our vision is to empower individuals, to connect people, and to enrich lives. We value Integrity, Inclusion, Collaboration, and Community.
Our programs and supports are designed to build new skills, to foster healthy, productive lifestyles and to improve access to services within our community. Services are low-barrier, all-inclusive and at no cost to participants. Annually, we provide services to over 2500 individuals and families.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are currently looking for self-directed, engaging, empathetic Youth and Family Support Worker to support our Youth and Family Programs. Reporting to the Youth and Family Coordinator, this position will provide support services to clients through assessing, educating, networking and engaging clients in activities that build strength, confidence and resiliency. This position will also include supporting Youth engaged in the justice system and other duties as required including parent teen mediation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Education and Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree in human/social services or related field

1. Training and Experience

• One (1) year recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Direct service delivery experience in community social services sector, knowledge of Youth Criminal Justice Act and related provincial and community resources and service providers is preferred.
• Current First Aid Certification required.

1. Skills and Abilities

• Solid professional written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with clients and colleagues with a commitment to team approach.
• Ability to deal effectively with conflict and crisis.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of trauma-informed and culturally safe principles of care.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Acts, pertinent regulations, policy, procedures and other statutory and certification requirements (such as the Mental Health Act; Adult Guardianship Act; Child, Family and Community Service Act; and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act).
• Effective listening and consensus building skills that promote communication and a cooperative approach to problem solving and decision making.
• Ability to work effectively with others in a multicultural environment, independently and as part of a team, including understanding the frameworks of other disciplines.
• Ability to maintain professional integrity, boundaries, and confidentiality.
• Ability to make effective referrals in a collaborative manner, reflecting in-depth knowledge of community resources and strong collaborative skills in working with other community partners.
• Knowledge of systemic issues and risk factors facing under represented groups including 2SLGBTQIA+ and Indigenous youth and young adults.
• Knowledge and respect of the diversity of the BC population.

1. Other Information

• Able to work within a flexible work schedule including some evenings and possibly weekends.
• Must possess a valid BC Class 5 Drivers’ license, have a reliable vehicle, business insurance and drivers abstract review. (mileage paid for work use)
• Must have a working knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office software.
• Successful police information check, including a clear vulnerable sector search is required

At Encompass Support Services Society, we have prioritized equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to embed these principles in our programs and services and in fostering an environment of dignity, respect, and belonging. We encourage applications from persons with historical and/or current barriers to equity, who will work respectfully within our inclusive organization and diverse community.

• Responsible for providing short term support services to youth and families experiencing crisis, and or engaging in repatriation for street involved youth, and or facing the likelihood of youth leaving the home.
• Provides referrals, support, guidance and problem solving to clients in order to address issues related to youth and family functioning.
• Responsible for providing parents with best practice, strength based approaches for improving their parenting skills.
• Responsible for increasing client knowledge and linkage to community resources and supports. May provide support to youth involved with the justice system, youth who are at risk of or currently homeless, and who are youth living independently.
• Gathers information relevant to client’s problems, needs and risks by interviewing, observing behavior, meeting with caregivers and service providers using a variety of inventories, checklists, and questionnaires. Assesses the information gathered to identify client problems, needs and risks.
• Provides support, guidance and problem solving to clients to address issues related to family functioning in an individual or group setting using techniques such as
• active listening, conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation through a strength based approach and psycho-educational education methods that will resolve the identified needs and risks.
• Provide brief intervention and support to families and youth, which may include mediation with the goal of re-integrating and/or maintaining the youth in their family home.
• Provide culturally competent services to their families.
• May provide follow up services to family and/ or youth.
• Provide education to parents and parent groups around conflict styles, adolescent development which may include behavior disorders, mental health, and addictions. Link parents to parenting programs that provide specialized training and problem solving skills to deal with behavioral disorders with community supports and service providers.
• May participate in the development, modification, and evaluation of client service plans with an Integrated Case Management (ICM) team. Participates in ICM team meetings as appropriate to report clients’ activities and progress.
• Provides parenting skill building to clients on issues such as parent-teen interaction, adolescent development, discipline and guidance, and behavior management.
• May plan or provide family or individual sessions on topics related to family functioning and youth issues (self esteem, life skills, anger management, parents in family skills).
• Liaises with and/or promotes the interests of clients with other community service providers, professionals and school personnel as required. Accompanies clients to meetings and appointments as required.
• Develops and implements short-term, issue specific intervention plans within program guidelines in consultation with the supervisor that will help youth transition to independence, and that will increase confidence, self esteem, health, personal life skills, improved communication and pro-social behavior.
• May be required to monitor youth’s compliance with court orders including (Intensive Supervision & Support, Curfews, and Community Work Service)
• Maintains related records and statistics and provides reports to the supervisor