Youth Worker II, Full-Time

Taproot Community Support Services; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Canada is seeking a Youth Worker to provide culturally based programming and support to Indigenous children and youth. This full-time role includes assisting youth in personal goal setting, teaching life skills, and maintaining a safe home environment. Ideal candidates should have experience in human services and a commitment to fostering community connections through Indigenous culture. Benefits include employee ownership and training opportunities.

Benefits

Employee ownership

Work/life balance

Learning and career development

Paid vacation

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• 1-3 years experience in group homes and/or supported independent living required.
• Must present a current Criminal Record Check before employment.
• Ability to lift 50 lb.

Responsibilities

• Assist youth in developing and achieving personal goals.
• Plan and deliver culturally appropriate programs and activities.
• Supervise daily household tasks.

Skills

Communication skills

Crisis management

Personal empowerment

Cultural sensitivity

Teamwork

Education

Certificate in Human Services or equivalent experience

Tools

First Aid and CPR Level C

Valid Class 5 driver’s license

Job description

The Program: Spirit of Our Youth Homes is a division of Taproot Community Support Services. At Taproot, we’re a 100 percent employee‑owned organization through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Every employee is an owner from their first day, with a voice in shaping Taproot’s future and the opportunity to share in employee ownership dividends.

Spirit of Our Youth Homes provides culturally based programming, support, and safe home‑based accommodations to First Nations, Métis or Inuit children and youth, ages 3 through 18. Our trauma‑informed services empower those we serve and help foster community connections with honesty, compassion and respect. Our well‑maintained homes are in safe, established neighborhoods close to schools, playgrounds and transport hubs. We provide healthy routines, a monthly clothing allowance, recreational opportunities and transportation.

The Position

For youth, reconnecting to their Indigenous culture can be a powerful way to heal from past traumas and to envision a stronger, healthier future. In a safe, nurturing environment, our trained Youth Workers build individualized programs that teach basic skills and help youth set and achieve personal goals. With positive role‑modeling and a trauma‑informed approach to care, we help them plan for their future, create healthy relationships with their families and communities, and focus on personal empowerment found through a connection with Indigenous culture. The Youth Worker promotes personal development of the youth in their care by providing and maintaining a safe, supportive home environment that is based on Indigenous culture.

Schedule

One (1) permanent full‑time position with a weekly schedule of 32+ hours per week.

• Friday through Tuesday 16:00-23:00

In Your Role You Will

• Assist and support youth with developing and achieving personal goals.
• Teach and encourage age‑appropriate life skills such as communication, emotional well‑being, problem solving, cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and positive role‑modeling.
• Supervise and participate in programming and activities that promote social, emotional and physical development to build competence and self‑worth and achieve personal goals.
• Ensure individuals’ basic needs are met (personal care, life skills and social/occupational skills).
• Daily household tasks at the residence/program facility (may include cleaning, laundry or assisting the youth with task completion).
• Drive children/youth to and from school, medical appointments, recreational activities, community resources and support networks.
• Plan, support and/or deliver culturally appropriate programs, services, workshops, and outings; encouraging youth to learn and participate in their culture.
• Contribute toward design, implementation and evaluation of individual service plans, program‑specific policies and procedures.
• Prior to confirmation of employment, applicants must provide a current Criminal Record Check and/or Government Screening Letter.

As An Ideal Candidate You Possess

• Certificate in the Human Services field or equivalent experience.
• 1–3 years experience in group homes and/or supported independent living.
• Current and valid National Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check presented prior to confirmation of employment.
• Children’s Services Intervention Record Check presented prior to confirmation of employment.
• Standard First Aid and CPR Level C.
• Current Suicide Intervention, Self‑Harm Intervention, Trauma‑Informed Care and Medication Administration training.
• Non‑Violent Crisis Intervention training.
• Indigenous Awareness and Cultural Diversity training.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license with a minimum of 3 years driving experience.
• Current Alberta Driver's Abstract.
• Personal vehicle insurance (minimum 2 million third party liability).
• Must be able to deal with any crisis situations, ensuring safety for youth in the program.
• Able to work and follow Spirit of Our Youth Homes Inc. policies and procedures and adhere to Alberta Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act.
• Knowledge of the Canadian Accreditation Council of Human Services.
• Ability to lift 50 lb.

What Taproot Community Support Services Does

In 2013, Spirit of our Youth became part of Taproot Community Support Services, a large privately‑owned national social services company in Canada. Taproot provides a wide range of proven and innovative services to more than 1300 people in three provinces. As a Certified B Corporation, we harness business for good, supporting many First Nation and Métis communities.

Our Employees Enjoy

• Employee ownership from day one through our EOT, with opportunity for profit‑sharing dividends.
• Work/life balance.
• Learning and career development opportunities.
• Fair and competitive wages.
• Paid vacation and benefits for eligible employees.
• Matching RRSP plan for eligible employees within Alberta.
• Professional development opportunities and job‑related training.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• Long Service Milestone rewards.
• Employee referral bonus program.
• Values‑driven workplace — as a Certified B Corp, we are committed to using business as a force for good.

Equal‑Opportunity Employer

Our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is unwavering. We believe that varied backgrounds and experiences fuel innovation and success. As an equal‑opportunity employer, we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion across all operations. We’re seeking candidates passionate about contributing to our multicultural teams and enriching our workplace with their unique insights and cultural sensitivity.

No telephone calls please. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.