Youth Support Worker - Youth Education Support Program

YMCA of Northern Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community service organization in Canada seeks a Youth Support Worker to provide holistic support to youth in grades 11-12. This full-time role includes mentoring, workshops, and case management to help youth access post-secondary education. A post-secondary degree and experience with vulnerable populations are required. The position is funded for 2 years with the potential for extension.

Benefits

Health and wellness benefits

Flexible schedule

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience working directly with vulnerable youth.
• Experience with client intake and assessment, case management.
• Standard First Aid & CPR-C certification required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure a safe, comfortable environment for participants.
• Design, implement, and evaluate youth-centered action plans.
• Consult with schools and family supports as necessary.

Skills

Excellent organizational and time-management skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Post-secondary degree or diploma in Child and Youth Care, Education, Social Work

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people! At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.

When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.

About the Role

YMCA of Northern Alberta is seeking a motivated individual that will provide effective program delivery of the YMCA Youth Education Support Program to youth in grades 11, 12 and in the first year of post‑secondary education. The YMCA is committed to creating a representative workforce that best serves the needs of our communities; therefore, priority will be given to candidates with an Indigenous lens and worldview, including lived experience.

In the role of Youth Support Worker (YSW) you will provide two main pillars of support: holistic academic support, which includes specific educational attainment goals, and social, emotional and community support that provides wrap‑around services to improve well‑being, a sense of belonging, and academic motivation.

Through one‑to‑one individualized support, workshops, vocational tours, tutoring and mentorship you will help reduce barriers for youth accessing post‑secondary education.

You will work alongside Youth Support Workers from 10 other YMCAs across Canada to deliver this program nationwide.

In this role you will grow your planning, implementation, and program evaluation skills with the support of experienced leaders. You will be supported by YMCA standards of practice, health, safety, and child protection standards, and will receive support to abide by contractual, legal, and regulatory requirements.

A willingness to work a flexible schedule is required; shifts will vary and may include evenings and/or weekends. This is a full‑time position and is eligible for benefits. Your leader is invested in your success and will provide support in person and remotely. As an established member of this national team you will actively work toward building a trusting and communicative relationship with each other.

Please note, the current funding timeline of this position is for 2 years, until March 31, 2027, however, it is anticipated that this funding will be extended.

Responsibilities

• Ensure a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for participants.
• Collect information to confirm eligibility and complete participant intake and/or assessment to inform ongoing participant supports to reach participant and funder outcomes.
• Design, implement, and evaluate youth‑centered individual action plans, in‑person & virtual services and workshops as per guidelines and funder mandates.
• Perform case management as per guidelines and funder mandates.
• Consult with school administration, other professionals, and family & natural supports when appropriate.
• Coordinate peer mentorship opportunities and relationships.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant services and community resources.
• Engage with schools, community agencies, and other organizations to maximize services and resources to participants.
• Adhere to all Risk Management and Occupational Health and Safety requirements, including Work Alone Policy and Procedures and the Children, Youth and Vulnerable Adults Protection Policies and Procedures.
• Input data accurately and timely into program‑designated database systems.
• Work within defined program budgets.
• Maintain accurate participant files in accordance with funder and YMCA guidelines.
• Collect demographic, output, and outcome data for evaluation purposes and to inform and contribute to the development of funder and YMCA reports.

Qualifications

• Post‑secondary degree or diploma in Child and Youth Care, Counselling, Education, Social Work, Recreation Management, or related field.
• At least 2 years of experience working directly with vulnerable youth.
• Previous experience with client intake and assessment, case management, and workshop facilitation are assets. Training will be provided.
• Experience working in a team environment and remotely.
• Standard First Aid & CPR‑C and ability to obtain a Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Non‑Violent Crisis Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, Suicide Intervention Certification preferred.
• Valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle is highly recommended.
• Working knowledge of issues and practices related to the social determinants of health, youth development, individual assessment, case management, group work, group facilitation, program planning, and outcome evaluation.
• Working knowledge in culturally sensitive and trauma‑informed practice, and strength‑based approach.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team skills.
• Working knowledge of computer skills (Windows, Microsoft Teams, Office, and Outlook).

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.