Youth Drug Stabilization Worker

COMPETITION # YDSW 26-044

POSITION TYPE PERMANENT, FULL-TIME (80 Hours Bi-Weekly)

(Days, Evenings, Weekends, Shift Work)

The Youth Drug Stabilization Worker (YDSW) supports the Youth Addictions Stabilization Unit (YASU) and/or the Intoxicated Persons Detention Area (IPDA), which are short-term programs to help youth who are experiencing addictions to alcohol and/or other drugs, and their families. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team including nurses and paramedics, the YDSW works to support the youth to physically stabilize from substances they are using and explore treatment options available in the community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitates the admission & discharge of youth to the unit in collaboration with team members.
• Participates in the assessment, implementation and evaluation of individual intervention and treatment plans to meet the needs of youth and families.
• Safely and effectively implements behaviour management strategies to safely de-escalate crisis situations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports of relevant objective observations and evaluation of care.
• Implements specific therapeutic interventions to best meet the needs of the youth.
• Observes, evaluates, and records daily events in order to ensure continuity and consistency in treatment planning and implementation – includes accurately maintaining individual logs and communication logs as per licensing standards.
• Participates in staff meetings/team planning days to discuss program concerns, treatment issues and unit management
• Assists youth and families in accessing additional community resources.
• Demonstrates an active commitment towards professional growth and advancement through participation in training, workshops, etc.
• Actively participates in fire and disaster safety response and prevention duties in accordance with policy and licensing standards.
• Engages in behaviour management and crisis intervention in accordance with Marymound policies and the youth’s safety plan, utilizing NVCI and ASIST. NVCI certification is a bona fide occupational requirement for this role; candidates who do not already hold certification will be provided training upon hire.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Diploma in Child & Youth Care, or applicable post-secondary degree (i.e. social work, psychology, counselling, etc.) is required – a combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Five years of experience providing physical, psychological, and social support to those impacted by co-occurring mental health and addictions.
• A thorough understanding of harm reduction and experience utilizing harm reduction strategies in interventions with youth.
• Experience working from a trauma-informed perspective is essential.
• Must be comfortable and competent in crisis de-escalation and behaviour management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of youth addiction services and resources available in the community.
• Valid First Aid/CPR is required.
• Mental health and crisis intervention training, including NVCI and ASIST, is a bona fide requirement for this role. Certification is an asset; Marymound provides full training to successful candidates.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record and clear Vulnerable Sector checks.
• Clear Child Abuse Registry and satisfactory Prior Contact checks.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture, or willingness to learn, including participating in cultural practices, programming and ceremonies alongside youth.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated decision-making, problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated experience and competence working independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team, preferably working across agencies/systems in the provision of coordinated care.
• Working knowledge of computers and experience with Microsoft Office software.
• Physically able to perform the duties of the job.