Youth Development Worker (Temporary Full-Time)

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking a Temporary Full-Time Youth Development Worker for our Onyx team. The proposed start date for this position is November 13, 2023, and it will end upon return of the incumbent. This position requires BCGEU membership. 

Onyx are voluntary support services provided to youth who identify themselves, or are identified by others as being sexually exploited and in dangerous situations. The Youth Development Worker is responsible for providing immediate support to the youth, and assist them to access the practical assistance and concrete resources they need – these may include a safe place to live, health services, detox or treatment for substance misuse, and one-to-one support on an outreach basis in the community. All services are intensive, time limited, tailored to meet individual needs and circumstances, and are focused on providing safety, stabilization and the resources that will support the young person’s exit from the sex trade or sexually exploitive relationships.

Position Type: Temporary Full-Time
Location: Vancouver, BC
Hours of Work: The usual hours of work in this position are based on a Monday to Friday flextime scheduling arrangement, including days, evenings and weekends, 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 deemed to be high risk with complex care needs, 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: 

• Develop 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.
  
• Plan and implement 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.
• Develop collaborative relationships with youths' families/caregivers, significant others and informal support systems to maintain and strengthen these connections.
• Provide a range of services including assessment and planning, primary support, conflict mediation, facilitating connections to natural support systems and assistance in accessing community supports and specialized services.
• Develop, implement, and coordinate service plans and resources designed to ensure that youth’s individual needs are met. Participate in case planning and management for each young person and provides ongoing consultation as required.
• Facilitate 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. Include formal and informal support systems as an integral part of all work with youth and their families.
• Participate 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. Work closely with Ministry personnel to ensure the safety and well being of youth served, and that case management objectives are met.
• Assist 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 its resources.
• Teach 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. Provide emotional support and encouragement to youth re making safer choices, and using their strengths and abilities to manage difficult situations.
• Support youths' families/caregivers individually or through facilitation of educational groups. Provide advice, assistance, mediation and crisis intervention services to families/caregivers when required.
• Respond to critical incidents and implement crisis intervention strategies that address the specific health and safety issues of those involved, and inform the manager when such situations arise.
• Establish strong connections to the community, including maintaining close working relationships with all formal and informal service providers.
• Ensure that all records, reports and documentation pertaining to service delivery are accurate, complete and in compliance with PLEA’s policies and procedures.
• 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.
• Perform other related duties as required.
  

What You Will Bring:

• Excellent interpersonal communication, facilitation, and conflict management skills, including the demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive written reports.
  
• 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 effective relationships based on mutual respect and trust with a range of different individuals and groups in the community.
• 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.
• Ability to facilitate a group and work through group processes, including highly charged emotional issues and conflict.
•  Knowledge of theory, principles and best practices with respect to providing services to youth who may be at risk, or are being sexually exploited and their families.
• 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.
• Excellent organizational, time and general management skills.
• Must have demonstrated skills in working with youth who are being sexually exploited.
  
• Demonstrated ability to organize and lead groups designed to provide mutual support and teach participants personal, interpersonal, and life skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, and familiarity with database programs.

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.
• Discounted Membership Fees for Club 16 Trevor Linden and She's Fit.
• Employee Recognition Program (i.e., long service awards).
  
• Agency-Sponsored Social Events (i.e., summer barbecue, annual holiday party, and team days).
• Perkopolis Membership - exclusive managed discount, reward, and benefits programs.

Additional Requirements:

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
• 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.
• A valid B.C. Driver's License (Class 5), and suitable driver's abstract. 
• 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 2023165YDW1. Closing date for Internal Applications: Wednesday, September 20, 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.