Family Support Worker

YMCA of Northern Alberta; Grande Prairie; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Northern Alberta seeks a Family Support Worker to engage with families, providing essential support and education. This full-time position involves in-home visits to enhance child and youth development, requiring a university degree in Human Services and experience with vulnerable populations.

Benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Inclusive and welcoming team environment

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience working directly with vulnerable families.
• Experience with cultural groups and marginalized populations.
• Standard First Aid and CPR certification.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and screen families for participation in the program.
• Provide individual counseling and advocacy.
• Implement programs within YMCA guidelines.

Skills

Interpersonal Communication

Advocacy

Problem Solving

Education

University Degree in a Human Services field

Job description

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.

About the Role :

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 full time (37.5 hrs weekly) contract position until August 25, 2025 with the possibility to extend .

Responsibilities :

• Recruit, and screen families for participation in 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.

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