Child and Youth Worker, Youth Emergency Shelter, Evening Shift at Canadian Mental Health Association-Cowichan Valley Branch

Permanent Full Time

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Manager of Child, Youth and Family Connections and Assistant Manager, Youth Emergency Shelter, the

Child & Youth Worker supports vulnerable and/or at-risk youth through individual and group activities to increase life

skills, social networks and safety, using the Circles of Care and harm reduction models. This position plays a significant

role in reaching out to and supporting youth in the community by encouraging connection to school, family, community

and alternate resources.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum 2-year relevant diploma, or equivalent of education/experience working with children/ youth with

behavioural, attachment and other needs from a trauma-informed lens.

• Knowledge and specific training in behavioural modification, attachment-based parenting, harm reduction,

cultural safety, crisis intervention and relationship-based interventions.

• Extensive knowledge of youth services in the Cowichan Valley

• Class 5 BC drivers’ license

• First aid Level 2, Food Safe, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training, and a negative TB test

• An understanding of the Circle of Care model

• Obtain and maintain screening through MCFD and the Ministry of Justice

POSITION DETAILS

This is a Permanent Full Time Union Position. The position works a rotation of 4 days working followed by 2 days off. The

hours of work are 4 pm to 12 am (evening shift), (7.5 hours/day excluding meal break). The rate of pay is $27.92 per hour

(Pay Grid 21) plus a shift differential of $0.25/hr for evenings and an added shift differential of $0.50/hr when working

weekends. The position offers attractive Benefits Package along with Municipal Pension Plan if applicable. Successful

candidate to start as soon as possible.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Please submit your resume clearly outlining your education, experience, and qualifications as they relate to this position

via email to [email protected]. Kindly specify the title of the position in your subject.

Applications will be accepted until November 30, 2025.

Please note that a successful clearance of a Criminal Record Check for vulnerable sector is a condition of

employment with CMHA Cowichan Valley Branch.

CMHA-CVB adheres to the values of diversity, cultural safety, and respect for all, as identified in its Anti-Racism

Statement, please visit our website at cmhacowichanvalley.com.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be

contacted.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Child & Youth Worker- Youth Emergency Shelter or Youth at Home

Program Area: Child, Youth and Family Connections

Date: October 2024

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

Providing services in the Cowichan Valley since 1992, Canadian Mental Health Association - Cowichan Valley Branch

(CMHA-CVB) is a registered charity and not-for-profit, independent society operating under a branch division agreement

with CMHA British Columbia and within the context of the nation-wide Strategic Plan of the Canadian Mental Health

Association.

As part of a national organization and an advocate of mental health for all, CMHA-CVB facilitates access to resources

people need to maintain and improve mental health and wellbeing, and to participate in community integration, build

resilience, and support recovery from mental illness and/or substance use and addiction.

CMHA-CVB operates Warmland House Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing Services, Sobering and Assessment

Centre, Adult Outreach programs, the Mischa Lelum Youth Emergency Shelter, a Youth Centre, Youth Connect, Bounce

Back personal coaching, Family Capacity Program, Rainbows and a variety of other counselling/therapeutic programs for

children, youth, and families.

CMHA-CVB also provides community education and advocacy aimed at the promotion of good mental health and in

support of individuals and families with mental health challenges.

CMHA-CVB adheres to the values of diversity, cultural safety, and respect for all, as identified in its Anti-Racism

Statement as attached.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Manager of Child, Youth and Family Connections and the Assistant Manager of the Youth Emergency

Shelter, the Child & Youth Worker supports vulnerable and/or at-risk youth through individual and group activities to

increase life skills, social networks and safety, using the Circles of Care and harm reduction models. This position plays a

significant role in reaching out to and supporting youth in the community by encouraging connection to school, family,

community and alternate resources.

The Child & Youth Worker will provide services in the 4 main program areas (as assigned by the Manager):

1) One-to-one work with youth at risk

2) Youth engagement and outreach

3) Community connections and education

4) Supporting youth and programming at the CMHA-CVB Youth Emergency Shelter

This is a connection and engagement-based program. Child & Youth workers develop relationships based on trust and

consistency that is developed over many months. Youth workers will have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to

connect authentically with youth while supporting them to meet their goals through the 4 main service areas.

RESPONSIBILTIES:

• Perform Intakes for youth, working closely with the referring agency

• Document, log and record all information through case management, prepare and maintain data and youth

records as requested

• Work closely with youth and maintain youth-centered approach

• Work collaboratively with other community supports and resources in the youth’s best interest

• Support youth with varying degrees of mental health and substance use needs through a supportive trauma-

informed lens

• Drive and accompany youth to various appointments and meetings as needed

• Integrate cultural competency and anti-oppressive frameworks

• Adhere to all laws, policies, procedures and standards regarding disclosure (organizationally, provincially and

federally)

• Maintain flexible youth centered schedule, keeping track of, and reporting work hours, bi-weekly

• Communicate with other youth agencies and resources to ensure wraparound care and collaborative approach

• Prepare and maintain all necessary reports as requested and required

• Plan, support and co-facilitate youth-inspired workshops under the direction of Manager and Team Lead at the

CMHA-CVB Youth Emergency Shelter

• Participate, engage and collaborate in programming as CMHA-CVB youth programs grow to meet changing

needs of Cowichan Valley youth

• Participate in, and create a welcoming inclusive environment for youth at the Shelter, being aware of safe

spaces

• Light cleaning to maintain Youth Emergency Shelter space and all designated youth spaces

• Minor food preparation and supply purchasing to serve warm meals & snacks to youth

• Monitors youth as required during the night and attends to medical, behavioral, emotional and/or other needs

• Administers and documents daily medications and maintains appropriate medication record management

• Notifies Provincial Centralized Screening as required

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Manager or Residence Coordinator

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES and SKILLS:

• Demonstrated knowledge of cultural competency and anti-racist practices

• Ability to deal professionally, effectively and non-judgmentally with individuals ages 12-19 including a broad

range of personalities, needs, abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and collaborative working relationships with

individuals and teams

• Good conflict management and dispute resolution skills

• Good decision-making skills with the ability to motivate and direct others

• Sound judgment and excellent problem solving/crisis management skills

• Cognizant of always being a role model to youth and the need for professional conduct

• Fully familiar with emergency protocols and able to direct others in time of crisis or emergency

• Motivated to work in a non-profit environment

• Good understanding and knowledge of trauma-informed practices

• Solid understanding of anti-racism and anti-oppression practices

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Valid Driver’s License and access to a vehicle when required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Successful clearance of a Criminal Record Check for vulnerable sector

• A minimum 2-year relevant diploma, or equivalent of education/experience working with children/ youth with

behavioural, attachment and other needs from a trauma-informed lens.

• Knowledge and specific training in behavioural modification, attachment-based parenting, harm reduction,

cultural safety, crisis intervention and relationship-based interventions.

• Extensive knowledge of youth services in the Cowichan Valley

• Class 5 BC drivers’ license

• Ability to travel throughout the Cowichan Valley

• First aid, Food Safe, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training

• An understanding of the Circle of Care model

• Obtain and maintain screening through MCFD and the Ministry of Justice