Job Description

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Child and Youth Worker

Permanent Full-Time

POSITION SUMMARY

CMHA is looking for two (2) Permanent Full-Time Child and Youth Workers. Reporting to the Manager and Team Lead of Child, Youth and Family Connections, the Child & Youth Worker supports vulnerable and/or at-risk youth through individual and group activities to increase life skills, social networks and safety, using the Circles of Care and harm reduction models. This position plays a significant role in reaching out to and supporting youth in the community by encouraging connection to school, family, community, and alternate resources.

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications include a diploma in Child and Youth care or relevant field or 3 years of relevant experience; extensive knowledge of youth services in the Cowichan Valley; at least 1-year experience with Child & Youth services. Possession Class 5 BC drivers’ license and ability to travel throughout the Cowichan Valley. First aid,

Food Safe, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training and understanding of the Circle of Courage© model.

Candidates are required to submit an ICBC Driver Factor Report to be reviewed at the time of the interview.

POSITION DETAILS

This is a permanent full-time (37.5 Hours per week) Union Position. This position will operate from Monday- Friday with weekends off. The rate of pay is $27.11 per hour (Pay Grid 21). The position offers an attractive benefits package and municipal pension plan. Successful candidate to start as soon as possible.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Please submit a cover letter and resume clearly outlining your education, experience and qualifications as they relate to this position via email to careers.cowichan@cmha.bc.ca. Kindly specify the title of the position in your subject.

Applications will be accepted until May 22, 2023.

Please note that proof of COVID-19 vaccination status (a valid BC Vaccine Card) and a successful clearance of a Criminal Record Check for vulnerable sector is a condition of employment with CMHA Cowichan Valley Branch.

CMHA-CVB adheres to the values of diversity, cultural safety, and respect for all, as identified in its Anti-Racism

Statement, please visit our website at cmhacowichanvalley.com.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Child & Youth Worker

Program Area: Child, Youth and Family Connections

Date: April 2022 (amended November 2022)

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

Providing services in the Cowichan Valley since 1992, Canadian Mental Health Association - Cowichan Valley Branch (CMHA-CVB) is a registered charity and not-for-profit, independent society operating under a branch division agreement with CMHA British Columbia and within the context of the nation-wide Strategic Plan of the Canadian Mental Health Association.

As part of a national organization and an advocate of mental health for all, CMHA-CVB facilitates access to resources people need to maintain and improve mental health and wellbeing, and to participate in community integration, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness and/or substance use and addiction.

CMHA-CVB operates Warmland House Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing Services, Sobering and Assessment Centre, Adult Outreach programs, a Youth Centre, Youth Connect, Bounce Back personal coaching, Family Capacity Program, Rainbows and a variety of other counselling/therapeutic programs for children, youth, and families.

CMHA-CVB also provides community education and advocacy aimed at the promotion of good mental health and in support of individuals and families with mental health challenges.

CMHA-CVB adheres to the values of diversity, cultural safety, and respect for all, as identified in its Anti-Racism

Statement as attached.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Manager and Team Lead of Child, Youth and Family Connections, the Child & Youth Worker supports vulnerable and/or at-risk youth through individual and group activities to increase life skills, social networks and safety, using the Circles of Care and harm reduction models. This position plays a significant role in reaching out to and supporting youth in the community by encouraging connection to school, family, community, and alternate resources.

The Child & Youth Worker will provide services in the 4 main program areas (as assigned by the Manager):

1) One-to-one work with youth at risk

2) Youth engagement and outreach

3) Community connections and education

4) Supporting youth and programming at the CMHA-CVB Youth Centre

This is a connection and engagement based program. Child & Youth workers develop relationships based on trust and consistency that is developed over many months. Youth workers will have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to connect authentically with youth while supporting them to meet their goals through the 4 main service areas.

RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Perform Intakes for youth, working closely with the referring agency
• Document, log and record all information through case management, prepare and maintain data and youth records as requested
• Work closely with youth and maintain youth-centered approach
• Work collaboratively with other community supports and resources in the youth’s best interest
• Support youth with varying degrees of mental health and substance use needs through a supportive trauma-informed lens
• Drive and accompany youth to various appointments and meetings as needed
• Integrate cultural competency and anti-oppressive frameworks
• Adhere to all laws, policies, procedures and standards regarding disclosure (organizationally, provincially and federally)
• Maintain flexible youth centered schedule, keeping track of, and reporting work hours, bi-weekly
• Communicate with other youth agencies and resources to ensure wraparound care and collaborative approach
• Prepare and maintain all necessary reports as requested and required
• Plan, support and co-facilitate youth-inspired workshops under the direction of Manager and Team Lead at the CMHA-CVB Youth Centre
• Participate, engage and collaborate in programming as CMHA-CVB youth programs grow to meet changing needs of Cowichan Valley youth
• Participate in, and create, a welcoming inclusive environment for youth at the Centre, being aware of safe spaces
• Participate in Youth Outreach services as directed by the Manager i.e. Safety checks in extreme weather
• Light cleaning to maintain Youth Centre space and all designated youth spaces
• Minor food preparation and supply purchasing to serve warm meals & snacks to youth in centre
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Manager or Team Lead

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES and SKILLS:

• Demonstrated knowledge of cultural competency and anti-racist practices
• Ability to deal professionally, effectively and non-judgmentally with individuals ages 12-19 including a broad range of personalities, needs, abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and collaborative working relationships with individuals and teams
• Good conflict management and dispute resolution skills
• Good decision-making skills with the ability to motivate and direct others
• Sound judgment and excellent problem solving/crisis management skills
• Cognizant of being a role model to youth and the need for professional conduct at all times
• Fully familiar with emergency protocols and able to direct others in time of crisis or emergency
• Motivated to work in a non-profit environment
• Good understanding and knowledge of trauma-informed practices
• Solid understanding of anti-racism and anti-oppression practices
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Valid Driver’s License and access to a vehicle when required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Successful clearance of a Criminal Record Check for vulnerable sector
• Possess a diploma in Child and Youth care or relevant field or 3 years of relevant experience
• Extensive knowledge of youth services in the Cowichan Valley
• At least 1-year experience with Child & Youth services
• Class 5 BC drivers’ license
• Ability to travel throughout the Cowichan Valley
• First aid, Food Safe, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training
• An understanding of the Circle of Courage© model

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $27.11 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Duncan, BC V9L 2R1: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2023-05-22

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