Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people! At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.

When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That's the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.

About the Role:

The Youth Support Worker at YMCA of Northern Alberta provides direct service delivery to youth ages 12-17 who are experiencing multiple risk factors in their lives. The Youth Support Worker is responsible for the effective planning, implementation and evaluation of program services, including the development and facilitation of workshops to program participants who have had interactions with law enforcement or are at risk of gang involvement. At all times, the Youth Support Worker will demonstrate excellent communication and service skills while working with diverse populations who face unique challenges. The Youth Support Worker acts ethically and professionally in accordance with all YMCA policies and procedures, standards of conduct and practice, health and safety standards, child protection standards and contractual, legal and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, implement, evaluate services/workshops and perform case management as per Standards of Practice guidelines and funder mandates. Comply with funder mandates for participation and promotion requirements.
• Develop and facilitate 1:1 and Group based workshops for youth involved with or at risk of involvement in the criminal justice system. Workshops will be held both in person and virtually.
• Engage and collaborate with multiple stakeholders working with justice involved youth, including Edmonton Police Services, Edmonton Young Offenders Centre, and other relevant organizations within the youth criminal justice system.
• Collect necessary information to confirm eligibility and complete participant intake and/or assessment to inform ongoing participant supports. Support participants and their natural supports within YMCA guidelines and adhere to the contracted performance outcomes.
• Engage with community agencies, and other organizations to maximize services and resources to participants.
• Know and reviews all emergency procedures, follows all guidelines from Risk Management and Health & Safety including but not limited to; Work Alone Policy and Procedures and the Children, Youth and Vulnerable Adults Protection Policies and Procedures.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant services and community resources related to the Social Determinants of Health.
• Collect data, including outcomes to inform and contribute to the development of funder and YMCA reports

Qualifications:

• University Diploma or Degree in Human Services field or relevant equivalent, such as Criminology, Sociology, Corrections, or Psychology.
  2 years of experience working directly with youth and/or young adults with multiple risk factors
• Working knowledge of the Youth Criminal Justice Act
• Working knowledge of issues related to the Social Determinants of Health and the Transtheoretical Model of Change.
• Experience with individual assessment, case management, group work, group facilitation, program promotion, program planning and outcome evaluation
• Working knowledge in supportive counselling skills, motivational interviewing, culturally sensitive practice and trauma-informed
• Working knowledge of related community, housing, education, employment, justice, family, and human services resources
• Standard First Aid and CPR-C, Police Intervention Check with Vulnerable Sector Search, Child Intervention Check
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Suicide Intervention Certification are preferred.
• Valid driver's license and vehicle, proof of insurance and a clear drivers abstract.
• Experience developing and facilitating workshops
• Annual registration in a professional organization as required by law
• Must obtain employer specific WHIMIS and child abuse prevention training within 30 days of hire date

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.