Youth Care Worker (Reg Pt)

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking two (2) Regular Part-Time Youth Care Workers for our Lighthouse team. The proposed start date for this position is August 6, 2023. This position requires BCGEU membership.

The Lighthouse program provides care to youth with moderate to severe behavioural challenges and assists them to live successfully in residential settings. The Youth Care Worker ensures that the youth's physical, emotional, social, educational, and medical needs are met. The Youth Care Worker assists youth to enhance quality of life with activities of daily living and the development of life skills.

Position Type: Regular Part-Time

Location: Maple Ridge, BC

Hours of Work: The usual hours of work are different for each of these positions and are as follows:

• Schedule 2: Saturday and Sunday from 12:00PM to 8:00AM, based on 16 working hours per week.
• Schedule 1: Friday to Monday from 8:00AM to 4:00PM, based on 32 working hours per week.

Minimum Requirements: a Diploma (6o credits/two years) in a related human/social services field, and six (6) or more months of recent related experience

Who We Are:

PLEA is an accredited, not-for-profit, charitable community services agency that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. We deliver high quality, innovative services to children, youth, adults, and families facing significant challenges in their lives. PLEA is an ally in reconciliation. The organization is committed to providing culturally safe programs and continuing to work towards breaking down the barriers that cause harm to Indigenous people and communities.

What You Will Do:

• Assists the youth in self-administering medication in accordance with established policy.
• Performs residence/program maintenance and housekeeping duties such as laundry, sweeping, mopping floors, mowing lawns, inventory, shopping, cleaning equipment and meal preparation.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Provides crisis intervention and emotional support to youth in accordance with established policy.
• Monitors youth in residential settings and ensures their safety and well-being. Recognizes, analyses, and deals with potential emergency situations such as aggressive behaviour to ensure no harm comes to the youth and/or the public. Identifies and reports critical incidents to their manager. Complies with youth safety plans.
• Coordinates, schedules and accompanies youth to appointments and community outings.
• Teaches youth to relate in a socially appropriate manner through the use of daily routines and activities. Provides life skills training such as meal preparation, housekeeping, personal care skills and personal finance as required by their service plans.
• Ensures effective communication and coordination between the Family Caregiver, internal staff, and the youth. Liaises with external stakeholders such as the school, family, and the community, where appropriate.
• Participates in the assessment, goal setting and program planning (service plan) for youth living in a residence. Documents, implements and provides input into the evaluation of the youth’s progress.
• Provides feedback to the youth on their behaviour, teaches coping techniques and adaptive behaviour strategies, and provides guidance and support to youth on a one-to-one and/or group basis.
• Maintains reports such as statistics, logbooks, and case notes on daily activities with youth.
• Participates in various youth-focused activities in accordance with the youth’s service plan.
• Protects and upholds confidentiality.

What You Will Bring:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and database systems.
• Effective interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to build trusting and effective relationships with youth, Family Caregivers, internal staff, professionals and families.
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues and trends related to the program.
• Demonstrated ability to be sensitive and understanding of individuals’ social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, poverty and lifestyle.
• Effective de-escalation, crisis management and problem-solving skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative, make sound decisions and follow service and safety plans in high pressure situations.
• Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.

PLEA Benefits and Perks:

• Education and Training Fund*
• Agency-Sponsored Social Events (i.e., summer barbecue, annual holiday party, and team days).
• Perkopolis Membership - exclusive managed discount, reward, and benefits programs.
• Employee Recognition Program (i.e., long service awards).
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) – confidential and voluntary counselling support services and wellness resources.
• These benefits are available to employees who are eligible for PLEA's health and welfare benefits.
• Discounted Membership Fees for Club 16 Trevor Linden and She’s Fit.
• Physical Activity Fund*

Additional Requirements:

• Satisfactory Centralized Services Hub Clearance by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
• Documentation that the applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.
• The candidate may be required to complete a Tuberculosis Screening Test prior to the start of employment.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
• A valid B.C. Driver's License (Class 5 or Class 7), and suitable driver's abstract.
• Our funding contracts require that successful applicants are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their start date.
• Must possess a valid Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certificate or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.

Please submit a resume and cover letter referencing the competition number 2023116YCW2 Closing date for Internal Applications: Friday, July 28, 2023 at 4:30PM. If the positions are not filled internally, they will remain open until filled.

Note: PLEA conducts primary source verification of applicant's credentials including education, training, work history, and licensure.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.