Youth Support Worker (Regular Full-Time)

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking two (2) Regular Full-Time Youth Support Workers for our U-Turn/U-Link team. The proposed start date for these positions is September 5, 2023. These positions require BCGEU membership.

The youth who access the services have not experienced success in other residential settings; they have complex care needs that require supported family care living environments with a heightened level of support and supervision, and a range of specialized services. These youth have been exposed to risk-provoking environments, and present with a variety of disabilities, mental health issues, challenging behaviors and involvement in the criminal justice system. The Youth Support Worker is responsible for engaging the youth in one-to-one activities in the community that is aligned with the goals identified in their service plans, recognize their individual strengths and circumstances, and support their healthy development, and sense of success and well-being.

Position Type: Regular Full-Time

Location: Surrey, BC

Hours of Work: The usual hours of work in this position are based on a Sunday to Thursday flextime scheduling arrangement, including days, evenings and weekends, of 35 working hours per week.

Minimum Requirements: a Bachelor of Arts 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 deemed to be high risk and have complex needs, and/or are 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:

• Teach life skills and community survival skills, provide emotional support and model acceptable behavior. Engage youth in acceptable recreational and social activities in the community that will build on their strengths, develop their interpersonal skills, and supports their involvement in their culture to strengthen their sense of identity. Support youth towards integration and normative functioning in the community.
• Respond to critical incidents and emergencies in current placements. Recognize potential crises, analyze these situations accurately and implements strategies to deal with them, and inform the manager when such situations arise. Provide on-call and duty coverage for the program.
• Maintain necessary program participant and program reports and statistics. Ensure that all records, reports, and documentation pertaining to service delivery are accurate, complete and in compliance with PLEA’s policies and procedures.
• Develop collaborative relationships with youths' families/caregivers, significant others and informal support systems to maintain and strengthen these connections.
• Work closely with the Services Coordinator and Family Caregivers to support the goals identified in each youth's service plan. Develop and implement appropriate plans, strategies, and activities that will address their complex needs, strengthen their protective factors and provide a sense of belonging and stability.
• Implement interventions that address the complex personal, social and health care needs of the youth, and recognize the contextual dynamics they are experiencing. Provide opportunities to access and reconnect to available resources in the community that will enable and encourage youth to develop the necessary educational, personal, social, vocational and self-advocacy skills. Includes such community resources as an integral part of the youth’s case management plan.
• Establish strong connections to the community, including maintaining close working relationships with all formal and informal service providers.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures established by PLEA, and meet the performance expectations of the position in a manner that demonstrates compassion and respect for all persons served. Exercise the responsibilities of the position in a manner consistent with the philosophical approach and mandate of the program.
• Provide close supervision and support in the community that will assist youth to achieve their individual goals, maintain their motivation to make safer choices, improve their behavior, develop new interests and connections, and feel successful.
• Maintain on-going positive relationships with Family Caregivers and participate as part of the team responsible for improving the quality of life for the youth, addressing their individual strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences consistently, and supporting their healthy development.

What You Will Bring:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others, enjoys the company of young people and can implement effective behavior management strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective relationships based on mutual respect and trust with a range of different individuals and groups in the community.
• 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; Foster Care and Residential Standards; and applicable government legislation, regulations, and accreditation standards.
• 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.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong collaborative relationships, work effectively as part of a team, use good judgment, manage conflicts constructively, work independently and be accountable for results.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, counseling, and conflict management skills, including a demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive written reports.
• Excellent organizational, time and general management skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in teaching others and an ability to work collaboratively with families/caregivers and networks that provide support to youth.
• Knowledge of theory, principles and best practices with respect to providing services to youth with who are high risk, and have complex care needs, and their families/caregivers.

PLEA Benefits and Perks:

• Education and Training Fund
• Physical Activity Fund
• 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).
• Perkopolis Membership - exclusive managed discount, reward, and benefits programs.
• Discounted Membership Fees for Club 16 Trevor Linden and She’s Fit.
• Employee Recognition Program (i.e., long service awards).

Additional Requirements:

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

Please submit a resume and cover letter referencing the competition number 2023151YSW2. Closing date for Internal Applications: Monday, August 21, 2023, at 4:30PM. If the position is not filled internally, it 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.