Full-Time Youth Support Worker

Plea; Port Coquitlam; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team as a Youth Support Worker, where you will engage with youth facing complex challenges. This role focuses on providing one-on-one support, teaching essential life skills, and fostering healthy development in a community-based setting. You will collaborate with families and caregivers to create a positive impact in the lives of youth, guiding them towards their long-term goals. With a strong emphasis on interpersonal communication and conflict management, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in the community. If you are passionate about supporting youth and have the skills to help them thrive, this is the perfect role for you.

Benefits

Health/Welfare Benefits

Municipal Pension Plan

Education and Training Fund

Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Agency-Sponsored Social Events

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences or related field required.
• Experience working with high-risk youth is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support youth in achieving their goals through close supervision.
• Implement interventions for personal and social needs.

Skills

Interpersonal Communication

Conflict Management

Teaching Skills

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Independent Work

Knowledge of Criminal Justice Legislation

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences

Experience with High-Risk Youth

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Database Systems

Job description

Location: 2071 Kingsway Ave Port Co, 2071 Kingsway Avenue, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C6N2, CAN

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking two (2) Regular Full-Time Youth Support Workers for our U-Turn/U-Link team located in Port Coquitlam, BC. The proposed start date for these positions is as soon as possible. These positions require BCGEU membership.

The Youth Support Worker engages the youth in one-to-one activities, helping them reach their long-term goals around success, well-being, and healthy development. The youth in this program have complex care needs related to mental health, disability, addiction, and challenging behaviour. The employee will provide close supervision and attention to the youth’s needs to teach skills in education, recreation, and healthy living.

Hours of Work: The usual hours of work are different for each of these positions and are as follows:

• Schedule 1: Tuesday to Saturday based on a flextime scheduling arrangement, including days, evenings and weekends, of 35 working hours per week.
• Schedule 2: Sunday to Thursday based on a flextime scheduling arrangement, including days, evenings and weekends, of 35 working hours per week.

Education/Experience Requirements:

• A Bachelor of Arts in the social sciences or human services or a related discipline.
• One (1) year recent experience working in programs with youth who are deemed to be high risk and have complex needs, and/or are involved in the criminal justice system, and their families/caregivers.
• Work or volunteer experience in a residential care facility or foster home model program.

Closing date for Internal Applications: Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 4:30 PM. If these positions are not filled internally, they will remain open until filled.

Who We Are: PLEA is an accredited, charitable community services organization that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. We deliver community-based services and specialized supported homes to children, youth, adults and families facing significant challenges in their lives. We continually adapt our programs to suit each individual’s diverse strengths, needs and circumstances.

What You Will Do:

• Work closely with the Services Coordinator and Family Caregivers to support the goals identified in each youth's service plan.
• Provide close supervision and support in the community that will assist youth to achieve their individual goals.
• Implement interventions that address the complex personal, social and healthcare needs of the youth.
• Maintain ongoing positive relationships with Family Caregivers and participate in the team responsible for improving the quality of life for the youth.
• Teach life skills and community survival skills, provide emotional support and model acceptable behavior.
• Develop collaborative relationships with youths' families/caregivers and significant others.
• Respond to critical incidents and emergencies in current placements.
• Maintain necessary program participant and program reports and statistics.
• Establish strong connections to the community, including maintaining close working relationships with all formal and informal service providers.
• Protect and uphold confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as required.

What You Will Bring:

• Strong interpersonal communication and conflict management skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in teaching others and an ability to work collaboratively.
• Strong organizational, time and general management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Knowledge of relevant Criminal Justice Legislation and policies.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and database systems.

PLEA Benefits and Perks:

• Eligibility to enroll in health/welfare benefits on the first day of the month following the completion of the probation period.
• Enrollment in the Municipal Pension Plan, as per the plan's criteria.
• An education and training fund.
• Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
• Agency-Sponsored Social Events.

Requirements:

• Satisfactory Consolidated Criminal Record Clearance (CCRC).
• Must possess a valid Basic First Aid certificate or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.
• Must have access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 B.C. Driver's License.
• Documentation that the applicant is legally authorized to work in Canada.

Note: PLEA conducts primary source verification of applicant's credentials including education, training, work history, and licensure.