Youth Care Practitioner - Youth Resource Centre, Thompson, MB

SUMMARY:

Youth Care Practitioners (YCP’s) in the YRC operated by The Link report to their immediate Supervisor and are responsible for implementing all aspects of the day-to-day functioning of the program. YCPs are expected to provide ongoing, culturally sensitive care while adhering to organizational policies and procedures. A major focus of their work is to provide support for high-risk children and youth who are at risk of becoming victims of sexual-exploitation, or who have already become victims.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Be aware of the whereabouts of all youth accessing the shelter at-all-times as per program dictates and policies
  
• Interact with young people in a manner designed to help them feel safe and accepted
  
• Develop, manage, facilitate, and direct all daily program activities
  
• Develop and implement program routines in agreement with the Supervisor
  
• Record keeping and report writing as required
  
• Ensuring that all receipts for items purchased on program funds are collected and forwarded to the Supervisor
  
• Observes, evaluate, and records daily life events according to the program recording procedures.
  
• Work as part of the team to ensure consistency in the youth’s experiences and intervention plans while accessing services and support from the StreetReach (SR) Shelter Program
  
• Directly engage and develop relationships with high-risk youth who are receiving support through their brief and/or continued involvement with the StreetReach Programs (Community Outreach and Shelter)
  
• Meet with youth individually and in a group to discuss issues related to their life and experiences, reflecting on the reasons for their involvement with the SR Shelter Program and how they might access other community-based resources that will reduce their risk for being sexually exploited
  
• Intervene into daily life experiences to help the young person recognize risks for being exploited and to encourage alternative choices that could reduce such potentials
  
• Engage with a youth to help them identify significant others that support their need for healthy connections and belonging
  
• Participate with the team in making informed culturally responsive decisions regarding therapeutic methods based on observations and interactions with the young people and their knowledge of the young person’s culture.
  
• Engage youth in relevant recreational activities while involved with the SR Shelter Program
  
• Active involvement with youth in developmentally appropriate activities within the facility
  
• Planning for meals and grocery shopping, engaging youth in the process when appropriate
  
• Meal preparation – encourage youth to participate in cooking and baking while accessing support from the SR Shelter Program
  
• Follow the agency guidelines with regard to appropriate nutritional planning
• Assess clothing needs and ensure that youth have clothing suitable for the season. Help youth learn how to care for their clothes
• Record keeping and taking inventory at time of program intake and upon departure from the Shelter
• Assist with maintenance and cleanliness of physical property, building and yard
• Assist with maintenance and upkeep of program vehicles and appliances
• Work with youth to ensure a clean and healthy physical environment on a daily basis
• Ensure a clean environment on a daily basis for the youth of the program
  
• Advocate for a healthy and safe environment for young people
• Participate in the assignment of any other job-related tasks as requested by the supervisor or manager
  

EXPERIENCE:

• Demonstrated understanding and appreciation for issues and concerns of Indigenous peoples within a child welfare environment
  
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 and the ability to operate in a networked environment, which may include writing incident reports, develop and edit documents and correspond with emails
  
• Ability to handle sensitive situations and confidential information in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
  
• Must have knowledge, experience and understanding of Indigenous culture and traditions
  
• Must provide services through an Indigenous lens that is holistic and focuses on the strengths and experiences of Indigenous children, youth, families and communities
  
• Knowledge of history and impact of intergenerational barriers and oppression faced by Indigenous people
  
• Knowledge of systems for children in care, school, and family functioning and child welfare preferred
  
• Willingness to obtain or complete training as per The Link Policy and/or organizational required training

EDUCATION:

• Completion of high school or equivalent program and a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the youth care field
  
• A combination of education and experience may be considered

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Willingness to obtain necessary training as per the organization's training policy including: Crisis De-escalation, Applied Suicide Intervention, Colonization Awareness and Child Development
• Emergency First Aid and CPR Level C or willingness to obtain
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search, a clear Child Abuse Registry check with acceptable Prior Contact checks and a clear Adult Abuse Registry check, all done within the last 3 months

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities upon request. If you are contacted by The Link regarding a job opportunity, please know that you are welcome to request accommodation at any point in the process. All information received regarding accommodations will be kept confidential.

SALARY RANGE: $18.00 per hour including northern allowance which is equal to 5% of the base salary.

HOURS OF WORK: Full-time - 8 hours per day; Overnight; Shift may vary depending on the program need.