Indigenous Child and Youth Worker

Closer To Home Community Services Society; Calgary; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community services organization in Calgary is looking for a dedicated Child & Youth Worker to support Indigenous youth in a culturally safe environment. The role involves ensuring safety, assisting with daily needs, and implementing development strategies. Candidates should have experience with vulnerable populations and a strong understanding of Indigenous practices. The position offers a pay rate of $23.15 CAD per hour and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Disability, Life and AD&D Insurance

Extended Health & Dental Coverage

Additional Health Spending Account

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness Days

RRSP Matching

Company Events

Training and Professional Development

Qualifications

• Previous experience working with vulnerable children and families is an asset.
• Experience working in Community Group Care or similar programs is preferred.
• Ability to manage crisis situations therapeutically and safely.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety and meet daily needs of children and youth.
• Assist with daily activities, visits, and appointments.
• Implement skill development strategies and maintain structure.
• Support children’s well-being and sense of belonging.
• Document critical incidents and manage crises.

Skills

Crisis management

Verbal and written communication

Detail oriented

Organized

Culturally responsive care

Knowledge of Indigenous practices

Education

Diploma or degree in a related field

Job description

About Us: Closer to Home Community Services (CTH) is a non‑profit organization located in Alberta since 1995. CTH provides a wide range of services designed to meet the unique needs of children, youth and families. Be a part of an innovative team that envisions a world where “every child is thriving within supportive family and community relationships”. Join in our mission to facilitate growth and belonging in communities of meaningful relationships and where our integrity is grounded in evidence‑based practice authentically informed by, and connected to, diverse cultural wisdom. Together, we will journey with children and families to uncover strength, hope and healing, creating new possibilities for a brighter future.

CTH is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all; including different cultural backgrounds, spiritual beliefs, and sexual and gender diversities. We strive to be an employer of choice with a focus on wellness and connection.

Company benefits include:

• Disability, Life and AD&D Insurance
• Extended Health & Dental Coverage
• Additional Health Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Days
• RRSP Matching
• Company Events
• Training and Professional Development

About the Position:

With guidance from Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous Staff, this community group care program (Matomai'tsitapisskoyis) is designed specifically for Indigenous youth who choose this as an optimal placement for themselves. The Child & Youth Worker will work with a team of professionals to support Indigenous children and youth in a culturally safe and immersive home.

Responsibilities:

• Ensuring safety and providing for children and youth’s daily needs, while supporting the acquisition of relevant skills which will support them to live safely and thrive in the community.
• Assisting with day to day activities and routines, visits and appointments
• Implementing skill development strategies, maintaining a structured setting
• Managing crises and escalated behaviours
• Documenting critical incident reports
• Focusing on interconnectedness, including family kinship, academics, recreation and community inclusion
• Supporting children and youth with strategies to enhance their mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well‑being, and to increase their sense of belonging
• Completing day to day household tasks such as cooking, cleaning and other duties as required
• Transporting youth to and from school, appointments or visits
• Participating in supervision and meetings as needed, and implement pre‑determined treatment strategies.
• Supporting other group homes in Calgary/Airdrie as needed
• Medication Management (includes diabetes or naloxone administered by injection)
• Adhere to workplace protocols regarding animals in group homes, including reporting any allergy risks or concerns.

Qualifications:

• A diploma or degree in a related field is preferred and previous experience working with vulnerable children and families is an asset; a combination of education and experience will be considered
• Experience working in Community Group Care or other “in‑care” programs (preferred)
• Experience providing trauma‑informed, family‑sensitive and culturally responsive care
• Deep understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, being, connecting and doing.
• Willing to work an unstructured work week, including days, evenings, weekends and holidays
• Ability to manage a crisis situation in a therapeutic manner, and, if necessary, intervene physically in a manner that reduces the risk of harm.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with and relate to people of all ages
• Detail oriented and organized, able to manage multiple priorities at the same time
• Eager to learn and carry out the principles and philosophy of Closer to Home and the Teaching Family Model
• This position requires the use of a personal vehicle for work‑related purposes. Must provide proof of a Class 5 Alberta driver’s license, a personal vehicle, and a clean 3‑year driver’s abstract and maintain $2 million liability insurance on their personal vehicle and consent to an annual driver’s abstract review to meet the insurance provider’s requirements. Mileage will be reimbursed in alignment with CRA guidelines and CTH policy.
• A Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search and an Intervention Record Check must be completed prior to commencement.

All positions at Closer to Home Community Services require (5) competencies: I nstills Trust, Consumer Focus, Communicates Effectively, Situational Adaptability and Ensures Accountability.

Closing Date:

Until suitable candidate is found

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that we are gathered on the ancestral lands of the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), which is comprised of the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani and Amskapi Piikani Nations, and the shared territories of the Tsuut’ina Nation and Iyarhe Nakoda Nations, all of whom are the original signatories of the Blackfoot Treaty #7 in Southern Alberta. We also recognize Mohkinstsis (Calgary) as a home to members of the Metis Settlements and communities within Alberta.

The pay range for this role is:

23.15 - 23.15 CAD per hour (Calgary & Area)