YOUTH DRUG STABILIZATION WORKER Competition # YDSW 25-108

Brandon University; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A supportive educational institution in Winnipeg is seeking a Youth Drug Stabilization Worker to join its Youth Addictions Stabilization Unit. The ideal candidate will provide essential support for youth facing addiction challenges and help create effective treatment plans. Candidates should possess a diploma in Child & Youth Care, have significant experience in mental health support, and be knowledgeable about Indigenous culture. This role offers a competitive salary and a commitment to a diverse, equitable workplace.

Benefits

Competitive salaries

Comprehensive benefits and pension package

Opportunities for growth and advancement

Wellness programming

Access to Elders and Indigenous Cultural Services

Qualifications

• Five years of experience providing support to those impacted by mental health and addictions.
• Valid First Aid/CPR certification is required.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture or willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Facilitates admission and discharge of youth in collaboration with team members.
• Implements behavior management strategies to de-escalate crises.
• Prepares clear reports of observations and evaluations of care.

Skills

Crisis de-escalation

Behaviour management

Communication skills

Problem solving

Understanding of harm reduction

Education

Diploma in Child & Youth Care or applicable degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

YOUTH DRUG STABILIZATION WORKER Competition # YDSW 25-108

Marymound Posted: December 20, 2025
Expires: January 22, 2026

Our ideal team member is passionate about making a difference and is committed to empowering the young people we support. If you join our team, you can expect a challenging, rewarding and fulfilling career.

The Youth Drug Stabilization Worker (YDSW) supports the Youth Addictions Stabilization Unit (YASU) and/or the Intoxicated Persons Detention Area (IPDA), which are short-term programs to help youth who are experiencing addictions to alcohol and/or other drugs, and their families. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team including nurses and paramedics, the YDSW works to support the youth to physically stabilize from substances they are using, and explore treatment options available in the community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitates the admission & discharge of youth to the unit in collaboration with team members;
• Participates in the assessment, implementation and evaluation of individual intervention and treatment plans to meet the needs of youth and families;
• Safely and effectively implements behaviour management strategies to safely de-escalate crisis situations;
• Prepare clear and concise reports of relevant objective observations and evaluation of care;
• Implements specific therapeutic interventions to best meet the needs of the youth;
• Observes, evaluates, and records daily events in order to ensure continuity and consistency in treatment planning and implementation –includes accurately maintaining individual logs and communication logs as per licensing standards;
• Participates in staff meetings/team planning days to discuss program concerns, treatment issues and unit management
• Assists youth and families in accessing additional community resources;
• Demonstrates an active commitment towards professional growth and advancement through participation in training, workshops, etc.;
• Actively participates in fire and disaster safety response and prevention duties in accord with policy and licensing standards;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Diploma in Child & Youth Care, or applicable post-secondary degree (i.e. social work, psychology, counselling, etc.) is required – a combination of education and experience may be considered;
• Five years of experience providing physical, psychological, and social support to those impacted by co-occurring mental health and addictions;
• A thorough understanding of harm reduction and experience utilizing harm reduction strategies in interventions with youth;
• Experience working from a trauma-informed perspective is essential;
• Must be comfortable and competent in crisis de-escalation and behaviour management;
• Comprehensive knowledge of youth addictions services and resources available in the community;
• Valid First Aid/CPR is required;
• Mental health/crisis training certifications including NVCI (Non-Violent Crisis Intervention) and ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills) required, or to be obtained within probationary period of employment;
• Satisfactory Criminal Record and clear Vulnerable Sector checks;
• Clear Child Abuse Registry and satisfactory Prior Contact checks;
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture, or willingness to learn, including participating in cultural practices, programming and ceremonies alongside youth;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated decision making, problem solving skills and critical thinking skills;
• Demonstrated experience and competence working independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team, preferably working across agencies/systems in the provision of coordinated care;
• Working knowledge of computers and experience with Microsoft Office software.
• Physically able to perform the duties of the job;

Marymound offers: competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits and pension package for qualified positions, opportunities for growth and advancement, professional development opportunities, wellness programming, access to Elders and Indigenous Cultural Services and much more!

We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and we strongly encourage First Nations, Métis, and Inuit candidates to self-identify in their cover letters.

Request for reasonable accommodations will be made available for those who may be affected by a barrier in respect of the materials or activities used in the assessment or selection process.

Salary Range: H1-YASU $20.71 - $25.45
Close Date: Open Until Filled
Internal Applicants: Submit ‘Internal Application Form’ with cover letter and current resume
External Applicants: Submit a cover letter and résumé, including references to:
Competition # YDSW 25-108
E-mail: [e-mail]