Youth Care Specialist

Closer To Home Community Services Society

Calgary

On-site

CAD 28,026 - 39,916

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Disability, Life and AD&D Insurance

Extended Health & Dental Coverage

RRSP Matching

Training and Professional Development

Wellness Days

Employee Assistance Program

Company Events

Job summary

Closer To Home Community Services Society, located in Calgary, Alberta, is seeking a Youth Care Specialist to provide support for youth in a Community Group Home. This permanent full-time position involves a 4-on, 4-off shift rotation, including days, evenings, nights, and weekends.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting youth with complex mental health and behavior needs, ensuring safety, and collaborating with a trans-disciplinary treatment team. Applicants should possess experience working with individuals with behavioral issues and hold a relevant diploma or degree.

Qualifications

Experience working with individuals with complex needs and multiple diagnoses.
Must have open availability for shift rotations.
Compassionate individual with a strength-based approach.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are required.
A valid class 5 Alberta driver’s licence and vehicle is necessary.
Ability to manage crisis situations therapeutically.

Responsibilities

Assist youth with skills for community living and daily routines.
Support therapeutic treatment approaches.
Maintain safety and structure while supervising youth.
Collaborate with a trans-disciplinary team on treatment plans.
Drive youths for errands or move between work locations.
Participate in supervision, team meetings, and ongoing training.

Skills

Experience with complex needs

Detail-oriented

Compassionate

Exceptional communication skills

Education

Diploma or degree in a related field

Tools

Personal vehicle

Job description

Youth Care Specialist

Closer To Home Community Services Society, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

About this position

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. We are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging for all, and we strive to be an employer of choice with a focus on wellness and connection.

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.

About the Position

This permanent full‑time position works closely with a team of professionals to support youth in a Community Group Home. Utilizing the Teaching Family Model, the Youth Care Specialist’s primary responsibility is to facilitate success for youth with complex mental health and behaviour needs by assisting with their day‑to‑day activities and routines. Typical youth behaviours may include aggression, running away, self‑harm, or suicide attempts.

Schedule

This position uses a 4‑on, 4‑off shift rotation, including days, evenings, overnight shifts, weekends and holidays, to provide round‑the‑clock care. Hours of work are 6:45 am – 7:15 pm and 6:45 pm – 7:15 am. Open availability is required.

Compliance Requirements

All candidates must provide an Intervention Record Check (IRC) from Children and Family Services and a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search (PIC) before the offer is issued.

Responsibilities

Assist youth with the acquisition of skills to live safely and thrive in the community, supporting them with daily routines such as going to school, attending appointments, or visiting family.
Support a therapeutic based approach to treatment.
Maintain a structured setting, fostering skill development.
Manage crises, ensuring high levels of supervision to promote safety.
Assist youth with scheduled activities and appointments and provide relief coverage to other homes as needed.
Work collaboratively with a trans‑disciplinary team in the formation and implementation of treatment plans to ensure strategies are effectively implemented.
Co‑regulate youth when escalated or distressed.
Conduct assessments, collect client information, and produce documentation including critical incident reports.
Participate in individual supervision, team meetings and ongoing training.
Drive for household errands, transport youth or move between work locations as needed.

Qualifications

Experience working with individuals with complex needs, behaviours and multiple diagnoses (ADD, ADHD, Trauma, FASD, ODD, addictions, mental health, etc.).
Open availability to work the required shift rotation, including days, evenings, overnight shifts, weekends and holidays.
Responsible, diligent and dependable; an exceptional role model.
Extremely detail‑oriented, organized and able to manage multiple priorities.
Compassionate individual with a positive, strength‑based and empathetic approach.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
Eager to participate in continuous learning and to carry out the principles of CTH and the Teaching Family Model.
A diploma or degree in a related field and experience in residential and community group care (combination of education and experience will be considered).
Must have a class 5 Alberta driver’s licence, a personal vehicle and a clean 3‑year driver abstract. Must agree to maintain statutory liability insurance on personal vehicle and consent to annual reviews. Mileage reimbursed per CRA guidelines and CTH policy.
A Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search and an Intervention Record Check, completed prior to commencement.
Ability to manage a crisis situation therapeutically and, if necessary, intervene physically to reduce risk of harm to children and staff.
Willing to work alongside service animals and/or pets.