Access Worker, Youth Around Prince (YAP)

Date Posted : August 21, 2024

Position Title : Access Worker, Youth Around Prince (YAP)

Location : 1160 7th Avenue, Prince George, BC

Terms : Casual / on-call

Start Date : As soon as possible

Hours : 10-24 hours per week

Schedule : Monday Friday, 8 : 30am-4 : 30pm (4 or 8 hour shifts daily)

Salary : $23 per hour

Reports to : Coordinator, YAP and Housing Outreach

Situation :

YMCA BC is a charity dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community, by nurturing the potential of children, teens & young adults, promoting healthy lifestyles, fostering a sense of social responsibility and delivering lasting personal & social change to grow in spirit, mind, and body.

Since January 2023, YMCA of Northern British Columbia, YMCA-YWCA of Kamloops and YMCA of Greater Vancouver are officially one association, with one mission to strengthen our impact for communities across British Columbia.

We are YMCA BC Even Stronger Together. This transition marks a new chapter in our long-standing history of building communities, transforming lives, and connecting people of all ages, stages, backgrounds and abilities, to unique opportunities to learn, grow, and reach their potential.

At the YMCA BC, people are our greatest asset, and we are proud to be an employer of choice. Working at the YMCA BC means you are part of a fun, positive team in an environment of honesty, caring, respect, responsibility, and inclusivity.

We are committed to providing our community with the support it needs to thrive through employment, youth services, and programming for families and seniors.

We believe a vibrant, healthy community is one in which everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection.

Nature and Scope :

The Youth Around Prince (YAP) program at YMCA BC is a comprehensive initiative designed to support young people between the ages of 12-24.

It offers a range of services including housing support, coaching, advocacy, and practical assistance with finding employment and maintaining housing.

The program emphasizes individualized support, recognizing the unique circumstances of each participant, and works collaboratively with Foundry Prince George to provide a holistic approach to youth wellness and integration into the community.

Reporting to YAP’s Program Coordinator, the Access Worker provides a wide range of emotional and practical support for at risk youth attending YAP’s drop-in and facilitates access to the wider range of services within the YAP hub as indicated.

The Access Worker aids YAP’s program coordinator identify, deliver, and measure programs and services that focus on empowering youth to make positive change.

This position works from a minimal barrier, harm reduction perspective to build relationship and rapport with, and help meet the needs of, at risk youth.

Major Responsibilities :

• Establish rapport with young people with complex needs
• Encourage and support youth to identify and work towards goals in different areas of life
• Help youth connect to other needed resources, including Foundry Prince George which works closely with YAP
• Hold strong personal and professional boundaries and identify / manage risk safely
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of available resources for youth at risk

Qualifications / Experience :

• Previous work or volunteer experience with vulnerable populations
• Relevant education or training (social service diploma or comparable)
• Enthusiasm for working with young people
• Commitment to low-barrier, non-judgmental, and harm reduction approaches
• Ability to work as part of a larger multi-disciplinary team
• Physical ability to do the duties required
• Satisfactory Criminal Record & Vulnerable Sector Search and three satisfactory professional references

Competencies :

In addition to bringing a commitment to YMCA vision and values, and an orientation to service, the candidate should possess the following competencies :

• Leadership / Coaching Ability to direct and develop performance of others to achieve desired result.
• Service Strategy Ability to identify the needs and wants of members / participants as a priority and respond in an effective and timely manner to enhance every person’s YMCA experience.
• Negotiation / Communication / Interpersonal Skills : Ability to speak, write, listen and secure information in many settings.

Ability to cooperate with others to achieve results. Ability to create and build relationships inside and outside the organization.

• Problem Solving Ability to identify an issue, gather and processes relevant information, determine possible solutions, selects appropriate responses and implements and evaluates them.
• Initiative / Enthusiasm / Innovation Ability to manage and lead to achieve and exceed identified goals.
• Community Awareness and Understanding Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the vision, mission, and values of the organization
• Self-Management ability to appropriately manage one’s own emotions and strong feelings; maintain a calm and tactful composure under a broad range of challenging circumstances;

and think clearly and stay focused under pressure. Encompasses self-regulation and mindfulness.

Teamwork / Cooperation ability to work cooperatively and productively with others within and across organizational units to achieve common goals;

demonstrate respect, cooperation, collaboration, and consensus-building.

YMCA BC is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible environment where all members of our community feel valued, respected, and supported.

We encourage applications from the diverse communities in which we live and serve, including but not limited to people of colour, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.

We have established policies, procedures, and practices to meet accessibility standards throughout the hiring process. Should you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Application Process :

Internal Applicants : Please apply online through the ADP Workforce Now Career Center.

Application Deadline : Until filled.