Child and Youth Worker - Summer Student
About the role
About The Link: Youth and Family Supports
For more than 90 years, The Link has helped youth and families on a journey to healing, hope and better lives. The organization is dedicated to walking alongside children, youth, and families as an inclusive community, strengthening and empowering a sense of being, pride, and purpose. With over 15 diverse programs, The Link has a community of caring staff that work together to provide support through a 24-hour crisis line, youth resource centers, emergency shelters, mobile crisis teams, specialized foster care, healing homes, job readiness supports, and Skills4Life. With a strong foundation within the community and a focus on connection, unity, and compassion, the organization provides a vital link for youth and families in the province of Manitoba.
POSITION SUMMARY
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) is a program under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS). It helps youth aged 15 to 30 years of age to gain paid summer work experience and develop skills for the job market.
Reporting to the supervisor, the Child and Youth Worker are responsible for directing and facilitating the daily activities of the youth in the homes. They are also expected to provide ongoing culturally sensitive care while adhering to organizational policies and procedures. A major focus of their work with young people is to be a positive role model at all times and to intervene purposefully into the young people’s daily life events in a manner which will help the young person reach the agreed upon goals.
POSITION SCOPE/IMPACT OF ERROR
The impact of errors in this role can significantly affect the well-being and safety of the youth. Poor judgment or failure to provide adequate support can result in harm or missed opportunities for healing, development and reconciliation. Not following the Child and Family Services act, could lead to legal consequences, breakdown of partnerships and placements. The YCP must ensure high standards of care and adhere to all program guidelines to foster trust, growth, and positive outcomes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with the development, management, and facilitation, and direct of all daily program activities as well as implement household routines.
- Engage with young people in a manner designed to help them achieve their goals.
- Work as part of the team to ensure consistency in the youth’s experiences and healing plans as based on the established goals.
- Intervene into daily life events to help the young person achieve their goals and connect to their experiences in a manner designed to help them achieve their goals.
- Participate with the team in making informed culturally responsive decisions regarding therapeutic activities based on observations and interactions with the young people and their knowledge of the young person’s culture.
- Active involvement with youth in developmentally appropriate activities within the home, in the community and with their families with a view towards their growth and development and reaching the goals they have set.
- Encourage young people to develop engagement with community activities that will provide ongoing support.
- Teach the youth about a holistic approach to life that includes physical, social, emotional, and spiritual domains and the life skills that support the approach
- Assist with all procedures and routines related to health and safety of staff and youth and the importance of a safe environment. Assist with maintenance and cleanliness of physical property, building and yard
- Involvement in learning opportunities and development of an attitude that promotes a growth mindset in young people.
- Display an attitude that promotes positive teamwork and exhibits a high degree of positive role modelling for young people.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
- Completion of High School Diploma.
- Certificate or Currently enrolled in, or completed post-secondary education in Human Services or relevant field.
- The requirements for the position are for youth aged 15-30 who are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or refugees, and must have a valid SIN and legally entitled to work in Canada.
Experience
- Experience working with vulnerable youth. Lived experience is also considered.
- Experience working with youths with mental health diagnosis, substance abuse and array of behavioral needs.
WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Satisfactory Child Abuse and Adult Abuse Registry Check, Prior Contact Check and Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.
- Valid Manitoba Drive
- License and satisfactory driving record.
- Valid First Aid and CPR certification.
COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS
- Receive and act upon written/verbal instructions
- Work independently with ability to take initiative and remain motivated