Support Worker

Job Description:

Our organization provides homeless and runaway youth between the ages of 13-17 with temporary shelter and basic needs, as well as a comprehensive support system to assist them in reuniting with their families or finding alternative living arrangements.

Reporting to the Senior Youth Worker and Program Coordinators, the Support Worker position provides 24/7 program coverage and is responsible for the primary care and safety of youth in the program. The Support Worker will assist in shift coverage, training new employees and planning and implementing meaningful opportunities for youth in all three program streams. The Support Worker will ensure that the program and services provided are relevant to the needs of the clients and that all shelter components are effectively integrated with other programs and are consistent with the mission, values, vision, and business plan of the agency. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Implements routines and activities to provide a safe milieu that fosters resolution to the crisis the youth is experiencing
  • Provides individual counseling and support to youth in the program. Assists youth in developing and implementing a goal plan
  • Recognizes the importance of family in each youth’s life and therefore ensures the inclusion of appropriate family members in case planning whenever possible.
  • Encourage and assist child/youth to develop skills needed to attain higher levels of functioning by helping them to set and achieve their goals
  • Assists children/youth in developing problem solving, conflict resolution and communication skills.
  • Responsible for the case management of clients, ensuring all basic needs and programming expectations are being fulfilled while fostering personal growth and development
  • Manages crisis situations effectively using problem solving and de-escalation skills
  • Assist residents in learning life skills, such as cleaning, laundry, meal planning and preparation, shopping, budgeting and yard work
  • Provide and organizes weekly programs such as recreation, life skills and professional guest speakers
  • Assists youth with acquiring required identification and bank accounts if necessary and facilitates relationships and introductions with other professionals who can also do so
  • Provide support, information and counseling to families
  • Acts as a liaison as needed between families, social workers, school representatives, doctors and other professionals involved with the child/youth.

Qualifications:

  • Diploma or Bachelors degree in a related human services or social services field
  • Current certification for First Aid and CPR
  • Flexibility to work in the evenings, overnights, and weekends
  • Criminal Record Check with vulnerable sector search and Intervention Record Check
Publication Date: 
2014