Youth Worker-Pathways to Strength Program (Part-Time) Purpose Society Inspiring Change

Purpose Society; New Westminster; On-site; CAD 18,267,000 - 24,714,000; Part time

Job summary

Purpose Society in New Westminster is seeking a Youth Worker for the Pathways to Strength program (Part-Time). The role supports youth ages 12–24 with trauma-informed, culturally safe one-to-one and group support.

You’ll develop life-skills programming, provide harm-reduction education, crisis support, referrals, and connections to resources while maintaining professional boundaries. The position reports to the Youth Program Director and requires collaboration with schools and community

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in a relevant youth services field.
• Experience supporting youth facing multiple barriers in community settings.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed, harm-reduction approaches.
• Strong communication, boundary setting, de-escalation, and group facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; evenings may be required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and facilitate youth programming focused on life skills and mental wellness.
• Provide harm-reduction education, safety planning, and crisis support.
• Offer one-to-one support for goal setting and referrals.
• Support employment and education goals by addressing barriers.
• Plan pro-social activities and connect youth to resources.
• Maintain confidential records and participate in staff meetings.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Harm reduction

Group facilitation

Crisis support

Life skills coaching

Service navigation

Relationship building

Professional boundaries

Education

Child & Youth Care

Social Work

Job description

New Westminster Youth Hub

Position: Youth Worker-Pathways to Strength Program (Part-Time)

Wage: $30.00/hour

Term: September 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 (grant-funded)

Hours: 10 hours per week (tentatively two days between 2pm - 7pm)

Who We Are

Purpose Society is a community-based multi-service organization dedicated to delivering comprehensive programs for children, youth, and families. We focus on enhancing well-being, strengthening family functioning, and promoting personal responsibility through a client-centered approach. Our services are provided in a safe, respectful environment that values diversity and community connection.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a passionate and committed Youth Worker to join our New Westminster Youth Hub team through the Pathways to Strength crime-prevention and early-intervention program to support youth ages 12–24. This position reports to the Youth Program Director.

The role supports youth who may be experiencing risk factors associated with gang/criminal involvement, victimization, substance use, mental health challenges, school disengagement, family conflict, unsafe relationships, housing instability, and other barriers.

The Youth Worker will provide trauma-informed, culturally safe, inclusive, and low-barrier one-to-one and group support, including life-skills development, harm reduction, crisis support, employment and education assistance, service navigation, referrals, and pro-social activities.

The position also involves engaging youth, collaborating with community partners, and connecting participants to resources, while requiring strong relationship-building, professional boundaries, independent judgment, calm crisis response, and the ability to support youth with complex needs.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and facilitate youth programming focused on life skills, mental wellness, emotional regulation, coping, decision-making, communication, healthy relationships, and personal development.
• Provide harm-reduction education, safety planning, de-escalation, and crisis support for youth facing substance use, gang exposure, violence, exploitation, or other risks.
• Provide one-to-one support through goal setting, problem-solving, service navigation, referrals, and connections to community resources.
• Support youth with employment and education goals by addressing barriers and connecting them with relevant opportunities.
• Plan and facilitate pro-social, recreational, and skill-building activities that encourage belonging, healthy decision-making, and positive peer/adult relationships.
• Build professional, trusting relationships while maintaining boundaries and providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive, inclusive, and accessible services.
• Recruit and engage youth through the New Westminster Youth Hub and collaborate with schools, community agencies, and referral partners to support youth with complex needs.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records of attendance, individual supports, referrals, activities, feedback, and program evaluations.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, case consultations, training, program planning, and evaluation.
• Assist with general Youth Hub and Pathways to Strength operations and other duties as required.

What We Are Looking For

• Degree/diploma in Child & Youth Care, Social Work, Psychology, Criminology, Counselling, Community Support, a related field, or equivalent education/experience.
• Experience supporting youth/young adults facing multiple barriers or elevated risks, preferably in community settings, and facilitating groups, workshops, recreational, or life-skills programs.
• Knowledge of youth vulnerabilities including gangs, violence, substance use, mental health, trauma, family conflict, school disengagement, housing instability, and exploitation.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed, harm-reduction, culturally responsive, and youth-centred approaches.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, professional boundaries, conflict resolution, de-escalation, problem-solving, group facilitation, organization, advocacy, service navigation, and referral skills.
• Knowledge of youth-serving resources in New Westminster and surrounding areas.
• Ability to collaborate with schools, health services, government, police, and community organizations.
• Ability to maintain accurate and confidential case notes, attendance, referral, and program records.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment.
• Flexibility to work some evenings according to program and youth needs.

Why Work With Us

Join our mission-driven organization and help create positive change in the lives of youth and families. By working with us, you’ll be part of a dedicated team that:

• Support vulnerable youth through inclusive, trauma-informed services.
• Build life skills, resilience, healthy decisions, and positive relationships.
• Connect youth to education, employment, and community resources.
• Collaborate with partners to meet youth needs and promote safety.
• Reduce risks of gang involvement, crime, and victimization while strengthening youth, families, and communities.

Required:

• Three professional references, preferably including current or former supervisors.
• Criminal Record Check for work with vulnerable populations.
• Valid First Aid Certificate (OFA1 or equivalent).