Youth Support Worker

Bright Star Respite; St. Albert; On-site; CAD 32,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Blue Cross

Health Spending

Paid vacation

Mileage reimbursement

Training & development

Job summary

Bright Star Respite at Bearspaw Lodge in St. Albert, AB, seeks a Youth Support Worker to provide trauma-informed residential care for justice-involved male youth with complex mental health needs.

You will work with a clinical team to implement individualized support plans, supervise daily living activities, and support de-escalation during crises. The role requires collaboration with youth justice, child intervention, families and Indigenous communities, plus documentation, meetings, and

Qualifications

• Certificate or Diploma in Child & Youth Care or related Human Services field.
• Experience with youth and mental health challenges including trauma.
• Knowledge of Indigenous cultures and community practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct, trauma-informed care and supervision to youth with complex needs.
• Implement individualized support plans and behavioural strategies with clinical team.
• Support daily living activities, including personal care and meals.
• De-escalate high emotional episodes and manage crises safely.
• Document incidents, progress notes, and participate in meetings.
• Engage with families, DFNA/child welfare partners, and community services.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

De-escalation

Youth support

Family communication

Indigenous knowledge

Education

Certificate or Diploma in Child & Youth Care, Disability Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Community Support Worker

Job description

About the Role

The Youth Support Worker at Bearspaw Lodge provides direct, trauma-informed residential support to justice-involved male youth managing complex mental health presentations — including schizophrenia, severe anxiety and mood disorders, and complex behavioural needs — alongside substance use and high-risk behaviours. This role requires steady, skilled de-escalation, close coordination with the youth justice and child intervention systems, and a genuine commitment to helping each young person build stability, safety, and accountability.

Application Deadline

August 17, 2026

Who We're Looking For

• Has a strong background supporting youth with mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, severe anxiety, mood disorders, and complex behavioural presentations
• Has experience supporting youth who struggle with addictions and engage in risky or unsafe activities
• Is skilled and confident in de-escalating high emotional and behavioural episodes
• Has experience working with or alongside the juvenile judicial court system
• Is comfortable supporting youth to attend appointments with psychologists, pediatricians, and family visits
• Is well-versed in and understands Indigenous culture, history, and traditions
• Communicates clearly and professionally with families, caseworkers, and interdisciplinary teams
• Thrives in a collaborative, team-based residential setting
• Is reliable, flexible, and available across a rotating part-time schedule

Key Responsibilities

Day-to-Day Support

• Provide direct, trauma-informed care and supervision to youth with complex mental health, behavioural, and substance use needs
• Implement individualized support plans, behavioural strategies, and therapeutic interventions in collaboration with the clinical team
• Support daily living activities including personal care, meal preparation, medication administration (as trained), and household routines
• Recognize early warning signs of escalation and apply trauma-informed de-escalation strategies during high emotional episodes
• Support youth safely through crises related to mental health symptoms, substance use, or risky behaviour
• Model and encourage positive coping strategies, self-regulation, and independence

Systems Navigation & Appointments

• Support and accompany youth to appointments with psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, and other medical or mental health providers
• Support youth in attending and preparing for family visits
• Liaise professionally with the juvenile judicial court system, probation officers, and legal representatives as required
• Liaise with caseworkers, DFNA representatives, school staff, and other community partners

Family & Community

• Build and maintain respectful, collaborative relationships with families and natural supports
• Advocate for each youth's participation in school, community programs, and cultural activities
• Support youth in accessing and navigating mental health and addictions services

Documentation & Communication

• Complete accurate and timely documentation including daily logs, incident reports, and progress notes
• Document Critical Incident Reports (CIRs) in accordance with BSR policy
• Participate in staff meetings, circle of care meetings, case conferences, and professional development trainings
• Communicate shift handover information clearly and thoroughly

Cultural Connection

• Support and honour the cultural identity of Indigenous youth in the program
• Participate in culturally relevant activities, ceremonies, and community events as appropriate
• Engage with cultural programming developed in partnership with DFNA bands and families

Requirements

Qualifications & Education

Required Education

• Certificate or Diploma in Child & Youth Care, Disability Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Community Support Worker, or other Human Services post-secondary education

Required Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience working with youth in a group care / youth care facility setting
• Demonstrated experience supporting youth with mental health disorders including schizophrenia, severe anxiety, and mood disorders
• Demonstrated experience supporting youth who struggle with addictions and engage in risky activities
• Demonstrated experience de-escalating high emotional and behavioural episodes
• Experience working with or alongside the juvenile judicial court system
• Experience working within or alongside child welfare systems (CFS, DFNA, or equivalent) considered a strong asset

Required Knowledge

• Well-versed in and demonstrates a genuine understanding of Indigenous culture, history, and traditions

Required Certifications & Clearances

• Current Mental Health First Aid
• Valid, clear Police Information Check from Edmonton Police Service (EPS), completed within the last 6 months
• Current, clear Child Intervention Record Check completed by Alberta Children's Services
• CPR First Aid Level C (current) [standard BSR requirement — please confirm this applies to this role]
• Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence
• Clear 3-year driver's abstract
• Reliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insurance

Assets (not Required, But Valued)

• Certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), Mandt, or equivalent
• Training in Trauma and Community Informed (TCI) practice
• Knowledge of or connection to Indigenous cultures, communities, or languages
• Experience with ShareVision or FAMCare documentation platforms

Supporting Documentation Required

• Certificate or Diploma in Child & Youth Care, Disability Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Community Support Worker, or other Human Services post-secondary education
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with youth in a group care / youth care facility setting
• Current Mental Health First Aid certification
• Valid, clear Police Information Check issued by Edmonton Police Service (EPS), completed within the last 6 months
• Current, clear Child Intervention Record Check completed by Alberta Children's Services
• Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence, clear 3-year driver's abstract, and reliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insurance
• This position carries a bona fide occupational requirement (BFOR) under the Alberta Human Rights Act for a male incumbent, based on the safety and therapeutic supervision needs of the justice-involved male youth population served at Bearspaw Lodge.

Job Type

Permanent Part-Time

Salary

$23.45 – $26.77 per hour

Ability to Commute/Relocate

Must have valid Class 5 Driver's License, clear 3-year driver's abstract, and reliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insurance

What We Offer?

• A meaningful role supporting youth through complex and challenging chapters of their lives
• A supportive, values-driven team culture at a CARF-accredited program that truly cares
• Alberta Blue Cross Extended Health Coverage (following 90-day probationary period)
• Health Spending Account
• Paid vacation, personal days, and sick days
• Mileage reimbursement for approved work-related travel
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

License/Certification

• Certificate or Diploma in Child & Youth Care, Disability Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Community Support Worker, or other Human Services post-secondary education
• Current Mental Health First Aid certification
• Valid, clear Police Information Check issued by Edmonton Police Service (EPS), completed within the last 6 months
• Current, clear Child Intervention Record Check completed by Alberta Children's Services
• Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence, clear 3-year driver's abstract, and reliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insurance

Work Location

Bearspaw Lodge — St. Albert, Alberta