Youth Development Worker Jobs

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking a Regular Full-Time Youth Development Worker for our Tri-Cities Youth Services team. The proposed start date for this position is July 4, 2023. This position requires BCGEU membership.

Tri-Cities Youth Services are our community-based one-to-one services that are provided to youth and their families/caregivers who are referred by MCFD. The Youth Development Worker is responsible for addressing the full range of needs and circumstances presented by youth and their families, and assisting them to accomplish their identified goals that may include improving individual competencies, strengthening their relationships, facilitating access to community resources and supports, re-connecting to educational programs, securing employment, responding to crises and in many cases supporting youths' transition to independence. The Youth Development Worker will also be expected to provide intensive support and supervision to youth who are medium to high risk of re-offending and are subject to Youth Court Orders, and monitoring compliance with the terms and conditions of these orders.

Please submit a resume and cover letter referencing the competition number 2023093YDW1. Closing date for Internal Applications: Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 4:30PM. If the position is not filled internally, it will remain open until filled.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops positive relationships with youth that will provide them with the emotional support and practical assistance required to address their strengths, needs, and circumstances, achieve their personal goals, and increase their protective factors.
• Adheres to all policies and procedures established by PLEA, and meets the performance expectations of the position in a manner that demonstrates compassion and respect for all persons served. Exercises the responsibilities of the position in a manner consistent with the philosophical approach and mandate of the program.
• Plans and implements strategies, activities and interventions that address the issues that youth present in the five domains (individual, family, peers, school/employment, and community) of their lives using a positive youth development approach.
• Assists youth to meet the goals identified in their Youth Agreements. These may include but are not limited to locating and maintaining safe and stable housing, accessing financial, educational, vocational, and recreational opportunities, developing adult competencies and strengthening their connections to the community and resources.
• Establishes strong connections to the community, including maintaining close working relationships with all formal and informal service providers.
• Monitors compliance with the terms and conditions of Youth Court Orders, and Extra-Judicial Sanctions including reparative conditions and completion of Community Service Work hours. Performs curfew checks as required, and reports all known instances of non-compliance to the supervising probation officers.
• Participates in Integrated Case Management planning processes, functions as the key worker for youth on a team of professionals when required, and provides ongoing coordination of services to youth and their families/caregivers. Works closely with Ministry personnel to ensure the safety and wellbeing of youth served, and that case management objectives are met.
• Teaches youth the life skills they require to make their transition to living independently as successful as possible. Works with youth individually, and in groups when appropriate to develop effective communication, problem-solving, conflict management, personal care, and money management skills. Provides emotional support and encouragement to youth remaking safer choices, and using their strengths and abilities to manage difficult situations.
• Responds to critical incidents and implements crisis intervention strategies that address the specific health and safety issues of those involved, and informs the manager when such situations arise.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• Provides intensive goal-focused support and supervision services to youth who are subject to a Youth Court Order that will assist them to achieve their goals and make safer choices, support their integration and normative functioning in the community and target their criminogenic characteristics – consistent with the case management objectives developed by the supervising probation officer.
• Maintains necessary program participant and program reports and statistics. Ensures that all records, reports, and documentation pertaining to service delivery are accurate, complete and in compliance with PLEA’s policies and procedures.
• Facilitates access to community resources and specialized services when required by youth and their families/caregivers to ensure they receive services that are integrated, timely and meet their identified needs. Includes formal and informal support systems as an integral part of all work with youth and their families.
• Develops strategies that are effective in connecting youth who are at risk of homelessness, or are already homeless, or are experiencing other significant challenges in their lives, to the supports and services they require.
• Supports youth's families/caregivers individually or through the facilitation of educational groups. Provides advice, assistance, mediation, and crisis intervention services to families/caregivers when required.
• Develops collaborative relationships with youth's families/caregivers, significant others and informal support systems to maintain and strengthen these connections.

Job Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent organizational, time and general management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others, enjoys the company of young people and can implement effective behavior management strategies.
• Demonstrated proficiency in teaching others and an ability to work collaboratively with families/caregivers and networks that provide support to youth.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, counseling, facilitation and conflict management skills, including a demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive written reports.
• Knowledge of theory, principles and best practices with respect to providing services to youth who are high risk, and their families/caregivers.
• Ability to facilitate a group and work through difficult group processes effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to develop supportive relationships with youth and their families/caregivers who may be reluctant to engage, and to be sensitive and understanding of their social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, poverty, and lifestyle.
• Good understanding of relevant Criminal Justice Legislation and policies, the role of Youth Court, Child Welfare Legislation and policies including the Child, Family, and Community Service Act; and applicable government legislation, regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a team with other program staff, community professionals and other collaterals; use good judgment; manage conflicts constructively; work independently and be accountable for results.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, and familiarity with database programs.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and facilitate groups designed to teach a wide variety of participants – personal, family and vocational skills.
• At least one (1) year recent experience working in programs with youth who are at risk, including work with youth involved in the criminal justice system, and their families/caregivers.
• A Bachelor of Arts in the social sciences or human services or a related discipline.
• Direct program delivery experience in the community social justice services sector, with a demonstrated working knowledge of community-based programs and related provincial and community support services are preferred.

Requirements:

• A valid B.C. Driver's License (Class 5 or Class 7), and suitable driver's abstract.
• Must possess a valid Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certificate or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.
• The usual hours of work in this position are based on a Tuesday to Saturday flextime scheduling arrangement, including days and evenings, of 35 working hours per week.
• Use of Personal Vehicle. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland.
• Our funding contracts require that successful applicants are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their start date.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
• Documentation that applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.

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.