Intensive Support & Supervision Program (ISSP) Worker (Regular Full-Time)

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking two (2) Regular Full-Time Intensive Support & Supervision Program (ISSP) Workers for our Vancouver Coastal Youth Services team. The proposed start date for these positions is October 9, 2023. These positions require BCGEU membership.

The ISSP is a community-based one-to-one service for youth who are deemed to be medium to high risk of re-offending – it is an alternative to custody. The ISSP worker is responsible for providing these youth with intensive supervision, and to support their participation in activities and programs in the community that will facilitate their rehabilitation and integration – which are complemented by the case management and supervision provided by the probation officer; also monitors compliance with the terms and conditions of court orders.

Position Type: Regular Full-Time
Location: Vancouver, BC
Hours of Work: The usual hours of work are different for each of these positions and are as follows:

• Schedule 1: Tuesday to Saturday flextime scheduling arrangement of 35 working hours per week, that include days and two evening shifts per week.
• Schedule 2: Sunday to Thursday flextime scheduling arrangement of 35 working hours per week, that include days and two evening shifts 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, and/or 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: 

• Plan and implement appropriate strategies, activities and interventions for youth that are consistent with the case management objectives developed in consultation with the supervising probation officer, and will address the youth's complex needs, strengthen their protective factors and target their criminogenic characteristics.
• Provide intensive goal-focused supervision and support in the community to youth who are subject to a Youth Court Order, that will assist them to achieve their personal goals in a healthy environment, maintain their motivation to make safer choices, reduce the incidence of risk behavior, and support their integration and normative functioning in the community.
• Monitor compliance with court-ordered terms and conditions. By request, conducts random and periodic curfew checks. Assist with court ordered reparative conditions. Report all known instances of non-compliance to the supervising probation officer.
• Provide opportunities to access and reconnect to available resources in the community that will enable youth to develop the necessary educational, personal, social, and vocational skills. Includes such community resources as an integral part of the youth’s case management plan. Provide transportation as necessary.
• Engage youth on a one-to-one basis in recreational and social activities in the community that will build on their strengths, develop their interpersonal skills, and support their involvement in their culture and the community. Support youth in developing positive relationships with family, peers and others.
• Teach youth the life skills and community survival skills they require. Work with the youth's families/caregivers and/or support network individually or through the facilitation of educational groups. Provide advice, assistance, mediation and crisis intervention, as required.
• Maintain on-going positive relationships with youth's family/caregivers and significant others, and participates as part of a team responsible for enhancing and rehabilitating the quality of life for youth.
• Participate in Integrated Case Management planning processes, serves 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.
• Respond to emergencies; recognizes potential crises, analyzes these situations accurately and implements strategies to deal with them, and informs 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.
• Establish strong connections to the community, including maintaining close working relationships with all formal and informal service providers.
• 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, counselling, facilitation, and conflict management skills, including a demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive reports.
• Demonstrated proficiency in teaching others and an ability to work collaboratively with families/caregivers and networks that provide support to youth.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others, enjoys the company of young people and can implement effective behavior management strategies.
• 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.
• Ability to facilitate a group and work through difficult group processes effectively.
• 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.
• Knowledge of theory, principles and best practices with respect to providing services to youth who are high risk and have complex care needs, and their families/caregivers.
• 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.
• Direct program delivery experience in the community social justice services sector, with a demonstrated working knowledge of community-based programs and related provincial and community support services is preferred.
• 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 and the Fraser Valley.
• A valid B.C. Driver's License (Class 5 or Class 7), 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 2023166ISSP2. Closing date for Internal Applications: Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 4:30PM. If the positions are not filled internally, they 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.