Family Support Worker

YMCA of Northern Alberta; Grande Prairie; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A community service organization is seeking a Family Support Worker to support families aged 7-18 in Grande Prairie, Canada. The role involves providing in-home and community-based support, offering parenting guidance, and fostering social connections. This part-time position requires flexibility and a vehicle. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of families in need.

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience working directly with vulnerable families.
• Ability to obtain a Police Information Check.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and screen families for participation in the program.
• Provide supportive counselling and advocacy for families.
• Plan and implement programs within YMCA guidelines.

Skills

Experience with vulnerable families

Cultural competency

Communication skills

Education

University degree in Human Services or equivalent

Tools

Standard First Aid and CPR Certification

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certification

Job description

About the Role

Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people! At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.

When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.

The Family Support Worker engages with families within the Family Connect Family Supports program providing orientation and education to support families. The successful candidate will support parents and caregivers who have children ages 7-18. You will work with participants in the homes, to provide support for child and youth development and their well‑being, increase caregiver capacity, social connections, and support. This will be accomplished through in person, virtual and community‑based visits. You will also provide in‑home support to caregivers through supportive counselling, resources, referrals and increasing parent knowledge. You will be expected to engage in networking and support event planning within the team dynamics while provided with opportunities to work with diverse populations and work to understand and help them overcome their own unique set of challenges. With support from your leaders, you will further develop your interpersonal and communications skills as we strive to approach our work with a high degree of professionalism.

This position requires regular use of a vehicle. You must be able to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings, and occasional weekends as we meet families where they are at. This is a part‑time contract position until March 31, 2026 with the possibility to extend.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and screen families for participation in the Family Supports program. Provide individual supportive counselling and advocacy, facilitate appropriate community placements, provide feedback to participants, and communicate progress of the participants within the team as appropriate.
• Work with families to provide information and support that helps them improve their parenting skills and provide a safe, nurturing environment for their children.
• Plan and implement programs within YMCA guidelines and contracted performance measures.
• Research, develop and / or acquire relevant program materials, manuals and tools to meet group and individual learning needs.
• Advocate for families in crisis, assist with problem solving and goal planning to increase their confidence in meeting the needs of their children and family.
• Maintain appropriate program administration systems in relation to programs.
• Establish effective community relations relevant to the program.
• Market and promote programs to achieve programmatic and financial targets.

Qualifications

• University degree in a Human Services field or equivalent.
• 2 years of experience working directly with vulnerable families.
• Previous experience working with cultural groups, high‑needs, and marginalized populations.
• Standard First Aid and CPR.
• Non‑Violent Crisis Intervention and Suicide Intervention Certification preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, clear driver’s abstract, and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Ability to obtain a Police Information Check and Vulnerable sector and Child Intervention / Enhanced Security check.

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.