Youth Development Worker (Temporary Full-Time)

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking a Temporary Full-Time Youth Development Worker for our Ridge Meadows Youth Services team located in Maple Ridge. The proposed start date for this position is May 7, 2024 and it will end upon return of the incumbent. This position requires BCGEU membership.

These are community-based one-to-one services that are provided to youth and their families/caregivers who are referred by the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development. The Youth Development Worker is responsible for addressing the full range of needs and circumstances presented by youth and their families, and assisting them to accomplish their identified goals that may include improving individual competencies, strengthening their relationships, facilitating access to community resources and supports, re-connecting to educational programs, securing employment, responding to crises, and in many cases supporting youths' transition to independence.

The Youth Development Worker will also be expected to provide intensive support and supervision to youth who are medium to high risk of re-offending and are subject to Youth Court Orders, and monitoring compliance with the terms and conditions of these orders. This program provides care to youth with moderate to severe behavioural challenges and assists them to live successfully in a staffed resource home.

Position Type: Temporary Full-Time
Location: Maple Ridge, BC
Hours of Work: The usual hours of work in this position are Tuesday to Saturday with a flextime scheduling arrangement of 35 working hours per week, including days and evenings.

Minimum Requirements: A Bachelor of Arts in the social sciences, human services, or a related discipline, and at least one (1) year of recent experience working in programs with youth who are at risk, including work with youth 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: 

• Develop positive relationships with youth that will provide them with the emotional support and practical assistance required to address their strengths, needs and circumstances, achieve their personal goals, and increase their protective factors.
• Plan and implement strategies, activities and interventions that address the issues that youth 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 youth's family/caregivers, significant others and informal support systems to maintain and strengthen these connections.
• 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, function as the key worker for youth on a team of professionals when required, and provide 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.
• Provide intensive goal-focused support and supervision services to youth who are subject to a Youth Court Order that will assist them to achieve their goals and make safer choices, support their integration and normative functioning in the community and target their criminogenic characteristics – consistent with the case management objectives developed by the supervising probation officer.
• Monitor compliance with the terms and conditions of Youth Court Orders, and Extra Judicial Sanctions including reparative conditions and completion of Community Service Work hours. Perform curfew checks as required, and reports all known instances of non-compliance to the supervising probation officers.
• 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 resources.
• Teach youth the life skills they require to make their transition to living independently as successful as possible. Work 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 regarding making safer choices, and using their strengths and abilities to manage difficult situations.
• Support youth’s family/caregivers individually or through facilitation of educational groups. Provide advice, assistance, mediation, and crisis intervention services to families/caregivers when required.
• Develop strategies that are effective in connecting youth who are at risk of homelessness, or are already homeless, or are experiencing other significant challenges in their lives, to the supports and services they require.
• Respond to critical incidents and implement crisis intervention strategies that address the specific health and safety issues of those involved, and informs the manager when such situations arise.
• Establish strong connections to the community, including maintaining close working relationships with all formal and informal service providers.
• 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.
• 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.
• Work flexible hours outside of normal working hours and/or hours of work that include days, evenings, weekends as directed.
• 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 written 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 with who are high risk, 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.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and facilitate groups designed to teach a wide variety of participants – personal, family and vocational skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, and familiarity with database programs.

PLEA Benefits and Perks:

• Eligibility to enroll in health/welfare benefits on the first day of the month following the completion of the probation period.
• 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.

*these benefits are available to employees who are eligible for PLEA's health and welfare benefits.

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.
• A valid Class 5 B.C. Driver's License, and suitable driver's abstract.
• Access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
• Documentation that the applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.

Please submit a resume and cover letter referencing the competition number 2024047YDW1. Closing date for Internal Applications: Friday, April 12, 2024, 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.