Child & Youth Development Specialist

The Brenda Strafford Foundation Ltd.; Calgary; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Brenda Strafford Foundation is seeking a Child & Youth Development Specialist to lead intentional programming for children and youth at Heart Home Network's second-stage shelter. You will plan activities for ages 0–12 and 8–18, focusing on safety, belonging, healthy relationships, and growth.

With a background in Early Childhood Development or Social Work, you will support families, conduct developmental observations, and collaborate with shelter staff to provide trauma-informed care and

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Early Childhood Development, Social Work or related field.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Pass police security clearance and child intervention check.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate activities for children and youth.
• Provide basic care tasks and monitor safety.
• Conduct developmental observations and share findings with families.
• Collaborate with shelter teams to ensure consistent communication.
• Adapt programming to trauma-informed needs and diverse backgrounds.

Skills

Professionalism & confidentiality

Team collaboration

Problem solving & critical thinking

Flexible scheduling

Driver's license (asset)

Second language (asset)

Education

Diploma/degree in Early Childhood Development or Social Work

CPR and First Aid certificate

Job description

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Join Our Passionate Team at The Brenda Strafford Foundation!

About Us:

The Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF) is a charitable organization that currently owns and operates five Long Term Care and Assisted Living seniors care communities in Calgary, AB, and Okotoks, AB. We take pride in providing a safe, caring, and comfortable home environment that caters to the complex needs of our senior residents and families.

Putting people first is a way of life at The Brenda Stafford Foundation. It's in our values and it's central to the way we do things. We believe in a person-centered approach to our care, services, and environment. By responding to the individual needs of those we serve, we can all play an important role in optimizing well-being and enriching lives... one person at a time.

The Brenda Strafford Foundation – Heart Home Network (“HHN”) serves women and children impacted by family violence through providing a safe shelter and housing complimented by comprehensive support services for all participants. HHN offers a continuum of care designed to help families develop their potential and transition to safe and healthy lives in the community upon their departure.

Our team members not only have the right skills and knowledge for the job, they are also passionate about the mission, vision, and values of the BSF.

Our Team Members:

• Place people at the heart of our mission
• Embrace quality and innovation with enthusiasm
• Engage with respect and empathy
• Act with compassion and understanding

We uphold our 8 BSF Commitments to:

• Make a meaningful impact through small acts
• Deliver exceptional service
• Understand and celebrate individual uniqueness
• Be present and attentive
• Support and respect personal aspirations
• Bring joy to others
• Empower and honor choices
• Create a homelike atmosphere

The Role:

The Child Development Specialist creates and leads intentional programming for children and youth living in Heart Home Network’s second-stage domestic violence shelter. This role supports two program streams: the Child Development Centre for ages 0–12, and Youth Programming for ages 8–18. The work centers on safety, belonging, healthy relationships, and developmental growth.

Program Delivery

• Plan and facilitate developmentally appropriate activities for ages 0–12 that support social emotional learning, regulation, fine and gross motor skills, language and literacy, imagination, exploration, and positive identity.
• Support youth ages 8–18 through programming focused on social emotional skills, healthy relationships, safety, leadership, and domestic violence prevention.
• Create a safe, predictable, and inclusive environment that recognizes the impact of trauma and promotes trust and autonomy.
• Adapt programming for children and youth with a wide range of developmental and complex needs, including ADHD, autism, and developmental delays, while respecting each young person’s strengths, pace, and communication style.
• Tailor activities to diverse cultural backgrounds, interests, and learning styles.

Care & Daily Support

• Provide basic care for young children, including diapering, toileting support, and simple meals/snacks.
• Monitor safety, respond to escalations using trauma-informed approaches, and offer co-regulation strategies when needed.
• Build positive, respectful relationships with children, youth, and caregivers.

Assessment & Family Support

• Complete developmental observations, screenings, and assessments, and share findings with caregivers and support teams in a supportive, collaborative way.
• Help connect families to internal and external resources, including developmental supports, school advocacy, and community services.
• Document participation, concerns, and progress clearly and promptly.
• Work closely with other child development staff, counsellors, case managers, and shelter teams to maintain consistent communication and shared understanding of each child’s or youth’s needs.
• Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and case consultations.
• Contribute to a positive, steady team environment, especially during crises or high-stress periods.

Why Join Us:

At The Brenda Strafford Foundation, we are more than a workplace—we are a united team. We believe in fostering a culture where you can grow, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact. You'll be part of a team that values empathy, compassion, and innovation.

Who We're Looking For:

• Degree or diploma in Early Childhood Development, Social Work or relevant experience
• One (1) years’ experience working with children in the family violence sector, children high support needs children or related experience is an asset
• Current CPR and First Aid Certificate
• Maintains professionalism and confidentiality in all aspects of work
• Ability to work from an intersectional approach to reduce barriers for families who are experiencing high levels of crisis
• Maintain positive team working relationships with all departments
• Uses problem solving and critical thinking skills to support decision making
• Flexible availability and willingness to adapt schedule to meet program needs
• Required to pass police security clearance and child intervention check
• Valid driver’s license of six (6) years with clean drivers abstract of three (3) years is an asset
• Fluency in a second language is an asset

Additional Information:

In accordance with Alberta's Protection for Persons in Care Act, a criminal record check is required for successful candidates.

Diversity and Inclusion:

The Brenda Strafford Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating and celebrating an environment of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility for all employees.

We sincerely thank everyone for their interest in this opportunity. Due to the high volume of applicants, only those advancing to the next stage will be contacted.

Site:Heart Home Network

• Position Title: Child & Youth Development Specialist
• Requisition Number: 1932
• FTE: 1.0
• Position Status: Permanent Full Time
• Union/Agreement: Out of Scope
• Shift Pattern: Monday to Friday - 10:30am to 6:30pm

Įn the spirit of respect, reconciliation, and gratitude, we honour and acknowledge that our services are provided on the traditional territories of Treaty 7, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy comprising the Siksika, Piikani and Kainai First Nations, the Tsuut‚ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda First Nation including the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Good Stoney Bands. Calgary and Okotoks are also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta Battle River Territory Districts 4, 5 and 6.