Youth Support Worker - Educational Programs (Regular Full-Time)

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking a Regular Full-Time Youth Support Worker – Educational Programs for our Vancouver Coastal Youth Services team. The proposed start date for this position is as soon as possible. This position requires BCGEU membership.

These programs offer flexible learning environments aimed at re-igniting youths' interest in pursuing their education, encouraging them to identify their vocational goals, and reconnecting to school. The youth who access these services include those that are under court orders, are at high risk of re-offending, have a range of developmental needs and varying levels of academic ability. The Youth Support Worker is responsible for working closely with school personnel, and providing individualized, student driven, self-paced programming designated to meet the academic, vocational, personal and social needs of each youth and accomplish the goals identified in their service plans - both onsite at the program and community. The Youth Support Worker is responsible for providing vocational opportunities to youth through Yardworks, a landscaping social enterprise. The Youth Support Worker is responsible for ensuring the health and safety of youth, providing training and completing related paperwork.

Position Type: Regular Full-Time
Location: Vancouver, BC
Hours of Work: The usual hours of work in this position are based on Monday to Friday, flextime scheduling arrangement of 35 working hours per week.

Minimum Requirements: a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences or human services or a related discipline, and at least one (1) year of 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:

• Provide tutoring and related educational services as directed by appropriate school personnel for all youth referred. Provide educational case planning and attendance assistance in a flexible learning environment that encourages youth to identify and accomplish their educational goals.
• 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. Include such community resources as an integral part of the youths' case management plans.
• Provide close supervision and support in the community that will assist youth to achieve their personal goals in a healthy environment, maintain their motivation to make safer choices, reduce the incidence of risk behavior, strengthen their protective factors and target their criminogenic characteristics. Provide transportation as necessary.
• Teach youth the life skills and community survival skills they require. Work with youth individually, and in groups when appropriate to develop effective communication, problem solving, conflict management, personal care, and employment skills. Provide emotional support and encouragement to youth re making safer choices, and using their strengths and abilities to manage challenging situations.
• Engage youth on a one-to-one basis in recreational and social activities in the community that will build on their strengths, create new interests, develop interpersonal skills, and encourage their involvement in their culture and the community. Support youth in developing positive relationships with family, peers and others.
• 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.
• Participate in Integrated Case Management planning processes, serve as the key worker for youth on a team of professionals, 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 the youth served, and that case management objectives are met.
  
• Provide support and supervision services to youth who are subject to a Youth Court Order that address their criminogenic needs, and meet the case management objectives developed by the supervising probation officer.
• Establish strong connections to the community, including maintaining close working relationships with all formal and informal service providers.
  
• Recognize potential crises, analyze these situations accurately and implement strategies to deal with them, and inform the manager when such situations arise. Provide on call and duty coverage for the program.
  
• 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.
  
• Flexible hours outside of normal working hours and/or hours of work that include days, evenings, weekends on a rotational schedule 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 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.
• Work or volunteer experience in school-based programs.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, and familiarity with database programs.
• Landscaping skills are preferred

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.
• Use of Personal Vehicle for work-related travel. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley.
• A valid B.C. Driver's License (Class 5), and suitable driver's abstract.
• Documentation that applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.

Please submit a resume and cover letter referencing the competition number 2024035YSWEP1. Closing date for Internal Applications: Thursday, March 7, 2024, 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.