Youth Worker I, Full-Time

The Program

Spirit of Our Youth Homes is a division of Taproot Community Support Services. At Taproot were a 100 percent employee-owned organization through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Every employee is an owner from their first day with a voice in shaping Taproots future and the opportunity to share in employee ownership dividends.

Spirit of Our Youth Homes provides culturally based programming support and safe home-based accommodations to First Nations Metis or Inuit children and youth ages 3 through 18. Our trauma-informed services empower those we serve and help foster community connections with honesty compassion and respect.

Our well-maintained homes are in safe established neighborhoods. Close to schools playgrounds and easy access to transportation our homes are part of the community and create a welcoming environment. We provide healthy routines a monthly clothing allowance recreational opportunities and transportation.

Traditional teachings can empower youth to make strong connections with family and community. Each youth has access to culturally knowledgeable staff who can provide individual support and connection to cultural opportunities including sweats weekly sharing circles smudging pipe ceremonies feasts dances traditional healing languages and access to community Elders and Cultural Helpers.

The Position

For youth reconnecting to their indigenous culture can be a powerful way to heal from past traumas and to envision a stronger healthier a safe nurturing environment our trained Youth Workers build individualized programs that teach basic skills and help youth set and achieve personal goals. With positive role-modeling and a trauma-informed approach to care we help them plan for their future create healthy relationships with their families and communities and focus on the personal empowerment found through a connection with Indigenous culture.

The Youth Worker promotes personal development of the youth in their care by providing and maintaining a safe supportive home environment that is based on Indigenous culture.

Schedule:
One (1) permanent full-time position with a weekly schedule of 32 hours per week:
Friday through Tuesday 1600-2300

In Your Role You Will

Assist and support youth with developing and achieving personal goals.
Teach and encourage age-appropriate life skills such as: communication emotional well being problem solving cooking cleaning budgeting being a positive role model etc.
Supervise and participate in programming and activities that promote social/emotional /physical development to build competence and self-worth and achieve personal goals.
Ensure individuals basic needs are met (personal care life skills and social/occupational skills)
Daily household tasks at the residence/program facility (May include cleaning laundry or assisting the youth in care with the completion of these tasks etc.)
Drive children/youth to and from school medical appointments recreational activities community resources and support networks.
Plan support and/or deliver culturally appropriate programs services workshops and outings; encouraging youth to learn and participate in their culture.
Contribute toward design implementation and evaluation of individual service plans program specific policies and procedures.

***Prior to confirmation of employment all applicants must provide a copy of a current Criminal Record Check and/or Government Screening Letter. These checks vary depending on province and sector and will be communicated by the Program Hiring Team.

As An Ideal Candidate You Possess

Certificate in the Human Services field or equivalent experience
1-3 years experience in group homes and/or supported independent living
Current and valid National Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check presented prior to confirmation of employment
Childrens Services Intervention Record Check presented prior to confirmation of employment
Standard First Aid and CPR Level C
Current Suicide Intervention Self-Harm Intervention Trauma Informed Care and Medication Administration training
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training
Indigenous Awareness and Cultural Diversity training
Valid Class 5 drivers license with a minimum of 3 years driving experience
Current Alberta Drivers Abstract
Personal vehicle insurance (2 million in third party liability)
Must be able to deal with any crisis situations to ensure safety for youth in the program.
Able to work and follow Spirit of Our Youth Homes Inc. policies and procedures and adhere to Alberta Child Youth and Family Enhancement Act.
Knowledge of the Canadian Accreditation Council of Human Services
Ability to lift 50lbs

What Taproot Community Support Services Does

In 2013 Spirit of our Youth became part of Taproot Community Support Services the largest privately-owned national social services company in Canada. While operating autonomously Spirit has full access to the extensive Taproot Community Support Services resources. Each day 600 dedicated Taproot employees provide a wide range of proven and innovative services to more than 1300 people in three provinces. Taproot serves many First Nation and Métis communities in British Columbia Alberta and Ontario emphasizing cultural diversity and respect.
As a Certified B Corporation we harness business for good. Since 1984 weve grown steadily now delivering support across Alberta British Columbia and Ontario through more than 90 contracts.

Our 700-plus employee-owners live by five shared values: we are stronger together we lead with optimism we embrace challenges we respect every voice and we go above and beyond. Guided by these principles we deliver more than 125 community-based services each year. We walk alongside about 1600 children youth families and people with diverse abilities with revenues exceeding $50 million.

Spirit of Our Youth was started in 2000 out of a passion for helping Indigenous youth. From one home in Central Edmonton we have grown to operate five Group Homes as well as a Drive and Supervised Visits program.

Our Employees Enjoy

Employee ownership from day one through our EOT with opportunity for profit-sharing dividends
Work/life balance
Learning and career development opportunities
Fair and competitive wages
Paid vacation and benefits for eligible employees
Matching RRSP plan for eligible employees within Alberta
Professional development opportunities and job-related training
Employee and Family Assistance Program
Long Service Milestone rewards
Employee referral bonus program
A values-driven workplace as a Certified B Corp were committed to using business as a force for good

For more information on Spirit of Our Youth and Taproot Community Support Services or to apply for this position visit our website at .

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what weve identified and you think you can bring value to the role wed love to learn more about you! Please apply.

Equal-Opportunity Employer
Our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is unwavering. We believe that varied backgrounds and experiences fuel innovation and success. As an equal-opportunity employer we prioritize diversity equity and inclusion across all operations. Were seeking candidates passionate about contributing to our multicultural teams and enriching our workplace with their unique insights and cultural sensitivity.
We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply and join us in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

No telephone calls please. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.