Child and Youth Worker

About Closer To Home Community Services

About Us: Closer to Home Community Services (CTH) is a non-profit organization located in Alberta since 1995. CTH provides a wide range of services designed to meet the unique needs of children, youth and families. Be a part of an innovative team that envisions a world where “every child is thriving within supportive family and community relationships”. Join in our mission to facilitate growth and belonging in communities of meaningful relationships and where our integrity is grounded in evidence-based practice authentically informed by, and connected to, diverse cultural wisdom. Together, we will journey with children and families to uncover strength, hope and healing, creating new possibilities for a brighter future.

CTH is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all; including different cultural backgrounds, spiritual beliefs, and sexual and gender diversities. We strive to be an employer of choice with a focus on wellness and connection.

Company benefits include:

• Disability, Life and AD&D Insurance
• Extended Health & Dental Coverage 
• Additional Health Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Days
• RRSP Matching 
• Company Events 
• Training and Professional Development

About the Position: This permanent full-time position, in Coaldale, AB, works with a team of professionals to support children and youth in a newly created community group home. Utilizing the Teaching Family Model as a holistic approach, you will facilitate success for children and youth by assisting with day to day activities and routines, maintaining a structured setting, fostering skill development, managing crisis, ensuring high levels of supervision to promote safety, and assisting with schoolwork household duties.

Please note that the following are non-negotiable compliance requirements for all Closer to Home employees before an offer letter can be issued.

• First Aid Certificate Level C from an Alberta OHS Approved Agency
• A reliable personal vehicle
• Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License
• Clean 3 Year Driver’s Abstract - apply here
• Proof of $2M Liability Auto Insurance Coverage
• Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search (completed within the last 6 months) - apply here
• Intervention Record Check (completed within the last 6 months) - apply here
• Please refer to the Qualifications section for details.

Responsibilities: 

• Assisting with day to day activities and routines, visits and appointments
• Implementing skill development strategies, managing crises and assisting with school difficulties
• Focusing on interconnectedness, including family kinship, academics, recreation and community inclusion
• Supporting children and youth with strategies to enhance their mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, and to increase their sense of belonging
• Completing day to day household tasks such as cooking, cleaning and other duties as required 
• Transporting youth to and from school, appointments or visits
• Adhere to workplace protocols regarding animals in group homes, including reporting any allergy risks or concerns.

Qualifications:

• A diploma or degree in a related field is preferred and previous experience working with vulnerable children and families is an asset;  a combination of education and experience will be considered
• Experience working in Community Group Care or other “in-care” programs (preferred)
• Experience providing trauma-informed, family-sensitive and culturally responsive care
• Willing to work an unstructured work week, consisting of 12-hour shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• A valid Alberta Driver’s License, reliable vehicle for work purposes, adequate and current insurance and willing to provide a Driver’s Abstract upon hire.
• A Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search and an Intervention Record Check must be completed prior to commencement.
• Ability to manage a crisis situation in a therapeutic manner, and, if necessary, intervene physically in a manner that reduces the risk of harm.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with and relate to people of all ages
• Detail oriented and organized, able to manage multiple priorities at the same time
• Eager to learn and carry out the principles and philosophy of Closer to Home and the Teaching Family Model
• Compassionate individual with a positive, empathetic and relational approach

Required Competencies:  All positions at Closer to Home Community Services require (5) competencies: Instills Trust, Person Focus, Communicates Effectively, Situational Adaptability and Ensures Accountability.

Closing Date: Until suitable candidate is found 

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

For more information on our organization, please visit our website at www.closertohome.com.

Other titles for this role: Child & Youth Counselor, Community service worker, Group home worker, Youth worker, Residential counselor.

In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that we are gathered on the ancestral lands of the Siksikaitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), which is comprised of the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani and Amskapi Piikani Nations, and the shared territories of the Tsuut’ina Nation and Iyarhe Nakoda Nations, all of whom are the original signatories of the Blackfoot Treaty #7 in Southern Alberta. We also recognize Mohkinstsis (Calgary) as a home to members of the Metis Settlements and communities within Alberta.

The pay range for this role is:

23.15 - 23.15 CAD per hour