Youth Support Worker (Temporary Full-Time)

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking a Temporary Full-Time Youth Support Worker for our U-Turn Specialized Residential Care Services team. The proposed start date for this position is May 13, 2024, and the projected end date is March 31, 2025. This position requires BCGEU membership.

The youth who access these services have not experienced success in other residential settings; they have complex care needs that require supported family care living environments with a heightened level of support and supervision, and a range of specialized services. These youth have been exposed to risk-provoking environments, and present with a variety of disabilities, mental health issues, challenging behaviours and involvement in the criminal justice system.

The Youth Support Worker is responsible for engaging the youth in one-to-one activities in the community that are aligned with the goals identified in their service plans, recognize their individual strengths and circumstances, and support their healthy development, and sense of success and well-being.

The incumbent in this position supports youth aged 13 - 19.

Position Type: Temporary Full-Time
Location: Port Coquitlam, 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, which includes days and evenings.

Minimum Requirements:

• A Bachelor of Arts in the social sciences, human services or a related discipline.
• Work or volunteer experience in a residential care facility or foster home model program.
• At least one (1) year recent experience working in programs with youth who are deemed to be high risk and have complex needs, and/or are 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: 

• Work closely with the Services Coordinator and Family Caregivers to support the goals identified in each youth's service plan. Develop and implement appropriate plans, strategies and activities that will address their complex needs, strengthen their protective factors and provide a sense of belonging and stability.
• Provide close supervision and support in the community that will assist youth to achieve their individual goals, maintain their motivation to make safer choices, improve their behavior, develop new interests and connections, and feel successful.
• Implement interventions that address the complex personal, social and healthcare needs of the youth, and recognize the contextual dynamics they are experiencing. Provide opportunities to access and reconnect to available resources in the community that will enable and encourage youth to develop the necessary educational, personal, social, vocational and self-advocacy skills. Include such community resources as an integral part of the youth’s case management plan.
• Maintain on-going positive relationships with Family Caregivers and participate as part of the team responsible for improving the quality of life for the youth, addressing their individual strengths, needs, abilities and preferences consistently, and supporting their healthy development.
• Teach life skills and community survival skills, provide emotional support and model acceptable behavior. Engage youth in acceptable recreational and social activities in the community that will build on their strengths, develop their interpersonal skills, and support their involvement in their culture to strengthen their sense of identity. Support youth towards integration and normative functioning in the community.
• Develop collaborative relationships with youths' families/caregivers, significant others and informal support systems to maintain and strengthen these connections.
• Respond to critical incidents and emergencies in current placements. 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.
• 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.
• Work 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 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, 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.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong collaborative relationships, work effectively as part of a team, use good judgment, manage conflicts constructively, work independently and be accountable for results.
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective relationships based on mutual respect and trust with a range of different individuals and groups in the community.
• Knowledge of theory, principles and best practices with respect to providing services to youth with 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; Foster Care and Residential Standards; and applicable government legislation, regulations and accreditation standards.
• Excellent organizational, time and general management 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/claims history.
• Access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland.
• Documentation that the applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.

Please submit a resume and cover letter referencing the competition number 2024052YSW1. Closing date for Internal Applications: Monday, April 15, 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.