Youth Worker

Coast Foundation Society 1974; Surrey; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A community support organization in Surrey is seeking a dedicated professional to assist youth aged 17-24 experiencing various challenges. The role involves outreach, flexible engagement, and support in navigating health and community resources, emphasizing a holistic approach to healing. The ideal candidate has relevant qualifications and experience, along with strong communication and crisis de-escalation skills. The position offers a wage of $31.56 to $33.28 per hour with opportunities for professional development and community engagement.

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits

Paid leave for Indigenous cultural events

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Diploma in Child & Youth Care, Community Social Service Work, or equivalent.
• Two years of recent related experience.
• Certificates in First Aid + CPR, WHMIS, FoodSafe.

Responsibilities

• Community outreach to connect youth with services.
• Work flexible hours to engage with youth.
• Assist youth in attending health appointments.

Skills

Crisis de-escalation

Communication

Knowledge of harm reduction

Group facilitation

Education

Diploma in Child & Youth Care or equivalent

Tools

Relevant software

Job description

Job Description

Status: Casual

Schedule: Various

Location: Healing House, Surrey, BC

Hourly Wage: $31.56 to $33.28

Job Summary:

Join our team of dedicated health professionals to support youth and young adults ages 17 to 24 identifying as female. Located in a peaceful neighborhood, three blocks from the beach in sunny White Rock, this setting is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You will utilize your knowledge and skills to support individuals who may have experienced mental health, physical health, trauma, family/cultural disconnection, and substance use. The program employs a two-eyed seeing approach, integrating Indigenous cultural healing traditions with Western medicine to create a holistic, healing, and flexible program tailored to each participant's needs. It operates under a harm-reduction lens to support individuals in exploring healing, wellness, and treatment options.

Our focus is community-driven, fostering a sense of community among participants and staff through shared meals, activities, healing practices like yoga and meditation, and group walks. We also connect individuals to resources within Surrey and their home communities, emphasizing land-based healing practices, adventure therapy, and skill building.

Typical Duties:

1. Community outreach in Maple Ridge to connect youth not accessing services and needing support with community resources (mental health, physical health, addictions, criminal justice, employment, finances, housing, education, etc.).
2. Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to engage with youth.
3. Navigate, liaise, and communicate effectively with youth services in Maple Ridge, advocating for support on their behalf.
4. Assist youth in attending appointments with GPs, NPs, and other health professionals.
5. Support youth dealing with the Criminal Justice System (probation, court attendance, etc.).
6. Collaborate on developing restorative justice approaches for youth.
7. Implement program activities including leisure, cooking, housekeeping, and life skills development.
8. Provide psychosocial rehabilitation services by helping clients access and connect with community programs and services.
9. Teach and model life skills for self-care, independent living, and interacting with social agencies.
10. Use effective communication strategies to build rapport and support clients’ self-esteem and decision-making skills.
11. Help clients access community supports such as leisure, vocational, and educational services.
12. Observe, record, and respond to clients’ physical and mental health status.
13. Advocate for clients to maintain their rights and dignity.
14. Collaborate professionally with clients, colleagues, agencies, and families.
15. Develop individualized life skills programs involving family and community when appropriate.
16. Complete all administrative tasks within designated timeframes.
17. Use assessment practices to develop personalized plans based on clients’ interests and needs.
18. Safely distribute medications following policies.
19. Maintain program cleanliness and meal preparation tasks.
20. Report health and safety concerns promptly.
21. Perform other duties as assigned, including supervising students and volunteers.

Required Qualifications:

• Diploma in Child & Youth Care, Community Social Service Work, or equivalent education, training, and experience.
• At least two years of recent related experience.
• Certificates in First Aid + CPR, WHMIS, FoodSafe.
• Criminal Record Clearance from the Ministry of Justice.
• Non-violent Crisis Intervention training or equivalent.
• Valid BC Driver’s License (Class 5) and a clean Driver’s Abstract.

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Understanding of housing issues and local resources.
• Knowledge of harm reduction approaches and community implementation.
• Skills in crisis de-escalation within a team setting.
• Experience working with marginalized, underserved, and at-risk populations.
• Experience with individuals facing substance misuse and mental health issues.
• Trauma-informed care knowledge.
• Psychosocial rehabilitation practices.
• Familiarity with program policies and procedures.
• Proficiency with relevant software.
• Ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Physical ability to perform duties.
• Ability to recognize and respond to client changes.
• Group facilitation skills.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system.

About Coast: Coast Mental Health is a leading non-profit providing supportive housing and community services for individuals with mental illness in Vancouver. We promote a recovery-oriented, culturally safe environment and value lived experience alongside professional qualifications.

Why Coast: We prioritize safety, recognize employee efforts, operate under psychosocial rehabilitation principles, and offer diverse career opportunities. We are accredited by Canada and have received numerous awards for our innovative programs. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, reflecting the communities we serve.

Benefits include comprehensive employer-paid health benefits, pension, paid leave for Indigenous cultural events, gender-affirming care leave, Employee Assistance Program, and more.