SPO-CP 24R (Growth) - Child Protection Worker (Youth First Team)

The Team The Youth First Team; New Westminster; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated youth welfare team in New Westminster seeks a Social Worker to provide guardianship and child welfare services for at-risk youth. This role emphasizes building resilience and strong networks for youth, while offering opportunities to work flexibly. Candidates must hold relevant qualifications and a valid BC Drivers License.

Benefits

Flexible work options

Competitive benefits

Inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work or related fields required.
• Experience working with at-risk youth is essential.
• Must maintain a valid BC Class 5 Drivers License.

Responsibilities

• Provide guardianship protection and child welfare services.
• Guide day-to-day care decisions and coordinate support networks.
• Promote resilience and empowerment among youth.

Skills

Youth support experience

Crisis response

Inclusive planning

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or Child & Youth Care

Master's Degree in Educational Counselling Psychology

Job description

Overview

The Youth First Team is a dedicated group of professionals focused on supporting youth between the ages of 13-19 with complex needs and higher levels of risk. The team consists of four child protection social workers, a social worker assistant and a team leader, all of whom joined in early 2024. This diverse and collaborative team thrives on relationship building and outreach partnering with various community professionals to make a lasting impact in the lives of the youth they serve. The work is challenging and rewarding with a strong emphasis on patience, creativity and inclusivity.

The Role

As a Social Worker on the Youth First Team you will be responsible for providing guardianship protection and child welfare services to at-risk youth. This includes guiding day-to-day care decisions, coordinating support networks, responding to crises, safety planning, and supporting each youth to have an inclusive plan that supports their health, education, family, cultural needs and their eventual transition into adulthood. There is a strong focus on helping youth build resilience and empowerment to drive positive outcomes. You will also have opportunities to celebrate milestones such as birthdays, graduations and cultural ceremonies with the youth.

Responsibilities

Provide guardianship protection and child welfare services to at-risk youth; guide day-to-day care decisions; coordinate support networks; respond to crises; develop safety plans; create inclusive plans addressing health, education, family, and cultural needs; support transition to adulthood; promote resilience and empowerment; build lasting connections with youth and partners.

Qualifications

Education and Experience Requirements

Applicants may be considered who meet the preferred OR expanded credentials and experience requirements.

1. Preferred Credentials :

• Bachelors Degree or higher in Social Work or in Child & Youth Care OR Masters Degree in Educational Counselling Psychology / Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology with practicum in family and child welfare; OR
• In-service Ministry of Children and Family Development employees who have a SPO 24-30 base position that requires delegation under the CFCSA; OR
• A candidate may be considered equivalent when registered and in good standing with the BC College of Social Workers or has a letter confirming that application for registration has been approved.

2. Expanded Credentials :

• Bachelors Degree in a Human Services field OR Bachelors Degree with a Major/Honors in a Human Services field OR Masters level graduate Certificate/Diploma in a Human Services field after completing an unrelated Bachelors Degree.
• PLUS a minimum of one year of related or job-specific work experience.
• Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Additional Requirements :

• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 BC Drivers License with no restriction or equivalent (i.e. from another Canadian Province).

Preference will be given to applicants with the following :

• Preferred education credentials AND/OR in-service Ministry of Children and Family Development employees who hold a regular SPO 24-30 base position that requires delegation under the CFCSA.

Preference may be given to applicants with the following :

• Eligible for delegation under the CFCSA.
• Experience providing youth support or guardianship services under CFCSA.
• Experience with youth who have complex needs and behaviours.
• Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) with required education and experience.

Note: If education was obtained outside of Canada, confirm it has been assessed for equivalency through the International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES). Provide a comprehensive report by the closing date to be considered.

Note : If education was obtained outside of Canada, confirm equivalency through ICES. Provide a basic report by the closing date to be considered.

Additional Notes :

• Human Services fields include: Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Anthropology, Early Childhood Education, Indigenous Studies, Education, Theology or Nursing.

About this Position

This is a temporary opportunity until 08/14/2026 with the possibility of extension and/or the position becoming permanent.

Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work up to two days at home per week, subject to an approved telework agreement.

An eligibility list may be established to fill future permanent and temporary vacancies.

A Criminal Record Check (CRC) and Criminal Record Review Act Check (CRRA) will be required.

Work location: BC. Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

Working for the BC Public Service

The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. We offer a diverse, inclusive and rewarding workplace with competitive benefits and learning opportunities. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process.

How to Apply

Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. If selected to move forward, you may be assessed on knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position-related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile.

Resume : Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history with start and end dates, and any relevant information related to the job.

Questionnaire : You will need to complete a basic questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.

Applications will be accepted until the closing date. For more information on the recruitment process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR.