Youth Development Worker (Regular Full-Time)

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking three (3) Regular Full-Time Youth Development Workers for our Tri-Cities Youth Services team. The proposed start date for these positions is September 18, 2023. These positions require 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.

Position Type: Regular Full-Time

Location: Port Coquitlam, BC

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

• Schedule 2: Tuesday to Saturday flextime scheduling arrangement, including days, evenings and weekends, of 35 working hours per week.
• Schedule 1: Monday to Friday flextime scheduling arrangement, including days and evenings, of 35 working hours per week.

Minimum Requirements: a Bachelor's of Arts degree in the social sciences or human services or a related discipline, and 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.

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:

• 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.
• 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.
• Develops collaborative relationships with youths' families/caregivers, significant others and informal support systems to maintain and strengthen these connections.
• 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.
• 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.
• Supports youth’s family/caregivers individually or through facilitation of educational groups. Provides advice, assistance, mediation and crisis intervention services to families/caregivers when required.
• Performs other related duties as required.
• 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.
• 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.
• Develops positive relationships with youth that will provide them with the emotional support and practical assistance required to address their individual needs, achieve their personal goals, and increase their protective factors.
• 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 re making safer choices, and using their strengths and abilities to manage difficult situations.
• Establishes strong connections to the community, including maintaining close working relationships with all formal and informal service providers.
• 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 well being of youth served, and that case management objectives are met.
• Plans and implements interventions that address the immediate safety needs of the youth referred, and the issues they present in the five domains (individual, family, peers, school/employment and community) of their lives using a positive youth development approach.
• 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.

What You Will Bring:

• 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.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, facilitation, and conflict management skills, including the demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive written reports.
• 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.
• Knowledge of theory, principles and best practices with respect to providing services to youth with who are high risk, and their families/caregivers.
• Excellent organizational, time and general management skills.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to facilitate a group and work through difficult group processes effectively.
• 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.

PLEA Benefits and Perks:

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

Additional Requirements:

• Must possess a valid Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certificate or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.
• 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.
• Documentation that applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.
• A valid B.C. Driver's License (Class 5 or Class 7), and suitable driver's abstract.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.

Please submit a resume and cover letter referencing the competition number 2023140YDW3. Closing date for Internal Applications: Monday, August 7, 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.