Child and Youth Worker - Elevation Child and Family Services

About Us:

At Elevation Child & Family Services Inc., we are committed to empowering children and youth to overcome the challenges they face and create positive, lasting change in their lives. Our mission is to provide personalized, holistic care that nurtures the emotional, social, and cognitive development of children and youth, helping them build resilience and thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Position Overview:

The Child and Youth Worker will work directly with children and adolescents, providing a range of support services aimed at promoting positive mental health, well-being, and personal growth. This role involves working closely with children and youth who may be dealing with emotional, social, behavioral, or developmental challenges. You will develop tailored intervention strategies, offer guidance, and create a supportive space that encourages growth and resilience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Individual and Group Support: Provide emotional and psychological support to children and youth in both individual and group settings.
• Care Plans: Develop, implement, and review personalized care plans, including strategies to improve behavior, communication, social skills, and emotional regulation.
• Behavioral Management: Support children and youth in managing their behavior by using a variety of techniques such as positive reinforcement, behavior modification, and conflict resolution.

Additional Responsibilites:

Life Skills Training:Help youth develop essential life skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and stress management, preparing them for independent living and success in school and the workplace.

Mentoring:Serve as a mentor and role model, building strong relationships with youth, helping them build trust, and providing ongoing encouragement.

Collaboration with Other Professionals:Work closely with social workers, psychologists, educators, and other professionals to develop and implement comprehensive support plans.

Crisis Intervention:Respond to and de-escalate crisis situations as needed, using trauma-informed care and conflict resolution strategies.

Recreational and Therapeutic Activities:Facilitate or assist in the planning and implementation of group activities and workshops to promote social skills, self-esteem, and community building.

Record Keeping and Reporting:Maintain accurate, detailed, and confidential records of each youth’s progress, goals, and interventions. Provide regular reports to parents, guardians, and team members.

Family and Community Support:Engage with families, caregivers, and the community to ensure consistent support for the youth both inside and outside of the program.

Qualifications:

• Education: Diploma or degree in Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Psychology, or related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 1 year of experience working with children and youth, particularly those with behavioral or mental health challenges.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Solid understanding of child and youth development theories, trauma-informed care, and mental health issues.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to write reports and communicate effectively with families and colleagues.
• Ability to build trust and positive relationships with youth and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge and practical experience with de-escalation techniques and crisis management.
• Certifications: Current First Aid and CPR certification. Additional certifications such as non-violent crisis intervention (NVCI) and/or UMAB. (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Clearance: Must pass a vulnerable sector check and criminal background check.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Experience working with youth who have experienced trauma, including abuse, neglect, or substance use.
• Knowledge of community resources
• Experience with recreational activities, arts, or sports as a tool for youth engagement.

Why Join Us?

• Meaningful Impact: You’ll have the opportunity to directly impact the lives of youth and help them overcome challenges to build a brighter future.
• Professional Development: Access to ongoing training, supervision, and opportunities to grow within the organization. We value and support continuous learning.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a dedicated team of professionals who share a passion for supporting children and youth.
• Work-Life Balance: We understand the importance of balance and offer flexible work schedules and ample support to maintain your well-being.
• Diverse and Inclusive Culture: We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace for all staff and youth.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.