BIPOC Youth Advocate – Youth Advocacy and Support Services

Calgary John Howard Society; Calgary; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused charity in Calgary is seeking a BIPOC Youth Advocate to help youth aged 12-17 transition successfully out of incarceration. This role involves advocating for youth with various community services and providing support for their personal growth. Ideal candidates will possess strong case management skills, an understanding of the Youth Criminal Justice System, and relevant post-secondary education. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found.

Qualifications

• You know how to support clients effectively.
• You can stay calm and respond appropriately in challenging situations.
• Familiarity with processes and supports for youth is essential.
• Travel may be required for this role.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for youth with community services such as education, employment, and justice.
• Support healthy family and peer relationships.
• Assist youth with short- and long-term goal planning.
• Help clients access programs that foster positive engagement.

Skills

Strong case management and social work skills

Crisis prevention and intervention expertise

Understanding of the Youth Criminal Justice System

Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Education

Post-secondary education in a relevant field

Brain Story Certification

Job description

The Agency

The Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS) is a charity that reduces crime and makes Calgary communities safer by helping youth and adults make positive changes and move away from criminal behaviour. We do this by addressing the root causes of crime through housing, education, employment programs and support so that individuals have alternatives to breaking the law. CJHS is committed to restorative justice and an organizational environment that recognizes the dignity and worth of each person. CJHS values diversity and inclusion and welcomes qualified applicants from all walks of life.

The Program

The program provides advocacy, support and mentorship for youth 12 to 24 years old who are struggling with a variety of social and emotional issues including strained family relationships, negative peer relationships, school challenges and unhealthy risk taking. Youth are provided with the necessary support to develop pro‑social reactions to conflict, to address day‑to‑day challenges, and to make appropriate choices which allow for positive contributions to family, school, and community.

The Position

As a BIPOC Youth Advocate, you’ll work collaboratively with the Youth Advocacy and Support Services, the wider CJHS team, and community partners to help youth build resilience and positive life skills. The Advocate will support an intensive system navigation approach for youth ages 12-17 exiting incarceration to facilitate successful reintegration into the community. Working from a client‑centered, trauma‑informed lens, youth are provided one‐to‐one support with a coordinated and integrative approach for their transition plan.

What You’ll Do

• Advocate for youth with community services such as education, employment, justice, leisure, and cultural connections.
• Support healthy family and peer relationships.
• Assist youth with short‑ and long‑term goal planning.
• Help clients access programs and resources that foster positive engagement and growth.

Qualifications

• Strong case management and social work skills – you know how to support clients effectively.
• Crisis prevention and intervention expertise – you can stay calm and respond appropriately in challenging situations.
• Understanding of the Youth Criminal Justice System – familiarity with processes and supports for youth.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation – travel may be required.
• Post‑secondary education in a relevant field (e.g., Human Services, Child and Youth Care, Social Work).
• Brain Story Certification – considered an asset.
• Current checks required:
  • Criminal Record Check (CPIC)
  • Child Intervention Check (Both completed within the past three months.)

Your past does not define your future. A criminal record will not disqualify you from employment with us; we evaluate each application individually.

Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found.

Please submit your cover letter and resume to:

https://calgaryjohnhoward.bamboohr.com/careers/255?source=aWQ9MTI%3D

The Calgary John Howard Society thanks all applicants; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.