Casual Child Care Worker Is Immediately Needed In Heritage Family Services Rocky Mountain – House, AB

Job Title: Casual Child Care Worker
Location: House, AB
Shift: Morning, Night, Overnight
Wage: $20.64 per hour

Description:

Heritage Family Services is now recruiting experienced Child and Youth Care Workers to provide relief support. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a variety of programs throughout the organization with opportunity for growth and advancement. All new hires must be able to attend five (5) consecutive days of training between Monday to Friday, 9:00AM to 4:30PM.

The ideal candidate will have likely be characterized by others as authentic, service-focused, responsible, organized and outgoing, and who demonstrates strong interpersonal skills with an ability to develop healthy relationships through a trauma-informed lens with children and youth in care.

The responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:

• Create and sustain trusting relationships and demonstrate respect for individuality
• Ensure that youth are provided with a safe and secure environment by discouraging youth from leaving without
• permission, following security protocol as outlined in the Policy Manual, helping maintain a stable emotional environment which reduces anxiety
• Carrying out the day-to-day routines and youth-centered programming
• Participating in the preparation of meals
• Celebration and support of the youth’s self-concept
• Advocate on behalf of each child/youth, and ensure access to the office of the Child and Youth Advocate
• Provide a caring and nurturing environment that atones to the youth’s current emotional state
• Support youth with basic life skills including the development of social information processing, cognitive reframing, and self-regulation learning

The successful candidate will have:

• A minimum Grade 12 Diploma and three (3) years of relevant experience (i.e. the care of children/youth)
• Post-Secondary Education (or current enrollment) in relevant Social Work or Human Services certificate, diploma or degree is a strong asset.
• Recognition of Indigenous Traditions and beliefs and the importance of culturally appropriate care
• Demonstrated respect to diverse communities, backgrounds, identities, gender, and sexualities with an understanding of terminology and pronouns.
• Ability to communicate cross-culturally and work effectively with individuals and groups, including those with socially marginalized identities and experiences
• Criminal Record Check, Child Intervention Check and Drivers Abstract will be required as part of pre-employment screening.

As a children and family services provider, Heritage Family Services is a person-focused, service-oriented team with a predominantly attachment-based, developmental approach to caregiving. Direct care staff are trained in Therapeutic and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention and supported through a skilled Clinical Team to support growth and change in all of our persons served. With an upstanding record of serving children and families for forty years in Alberta, Heritage Family Services’ values of authenticity, service, quality, and responsibility draw both new and experienced human services professionals to build long, rewarding careers in a positive, fulfilling environment.

Heritage Family Services is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing employment opportunities to all individuals. Only those candidates permissible to work in Canada are applicable to this position.

What skills and qualities are important for a Care Worker ?

Youth Care Workers play a crucial role in providing support, guidance, and care to young people who may be facing challenging circumstances or in need of assistance. To excel in this role, Youth Care Workers should possess a combination of skills and qualities that enable them to connect with and positively impact the lives of the youth they work with. Here are some important skills and qualities for a Youth Care Worker:

1. Empathy and Compassion: Youth Care Workers should genuinely care about the well-being and development of young people. They should be able to understand and connect with the emotions, experiences, and challenges faced by youth, showing empathy and compassion in their interactions.
2. Active Listening: Effective communication is crucial in building trust and rapport with young people. Youth Care Workers should be skilled listeners, giving their full attention, and allowing youth to express themselves without judgment. Active listening helps in understanding their needs, concerns, and goals.
3. Patience and Flexibility: Youth Care Workers often deal with complex and challenging situations. Patience is essential when working with young people who may have behavioral issues, trauma, or other difficulties. Being flexible and adaptable allows Youth Care Workers to adjust their approach and strategies to meet the individual needs of each youth.
4. Positive Role Modeling: Youth Care Workers should serve as positive role models, demonstrating healthy behaviors, good values, and strong interpersonal skills. They should strive to inspire and guide young people toward making positive choices and developing important life skills.
5. Crisis Management and Conflict Resolution: Youth Care Workers may encounter crises or conflicts while working with young people. Having skills in crisis management, de-escalation techniques, and conflict resolution helps in handling challenging situations effectively and ensuring the safety and well-being of the youth.

It’s important to note that the specific skills and qualities required for a Youth Care Worker may vary depending on the specific context or specialization, such as working with at-risk youth, foster care, or residential treatment programs.

What education and certification are required to become a Care Worker ?

The education and certification requirements to become a Youth Care Worker can vary depending on the country, state or province, and the specific employer or organization. Here’s a general overview of the typical requirements:

1. Education: A high school diploma or its equivalent is usually the minimum educational requirement to become a Youth Care Worker. However, many employers prefer candidates who have completed post-secondary education in a related field, such as social work, psychology, child and youth care, or counseling. Some positions may require a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.
2. Training Programs: Completing a relevant training program can provide essential knowledge and skills for working with youth. These programs may be offered by community colleges, vocational schools, or specialized training institutes. The content of the training programs can cover areas such as child and adolescent development, trauma-informed care, behavior management techniques, crisis intervention, and communication skills.
3. Experience: Employers may require or prefer candidates with practical experience working with youth. Experience can be gained through volunteer work, internships, or employment in youth-related settings, such as community centers, residential facilities, or after-school programs.
4. Certification: Depending on the jurisdiction and the specific requirements of the employer, certification or licensure may be required for Youth Care Workers. Certification programs can provide additional credibility and demonstrate competence in the field. The certification process may involve completing specific training modules, passing exams, and meeting experience requirements.
5. Background Checks: Many employers in the youth care field require candidates to undergo a background check, including criminal record checks and vulnerable sector screenings. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of the youth in their care.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements can vary significantly between regions and employers. Different organizations may have their own specific certification or training requirements based on their standards and the population they serve. Therefore, it is advisable to check with local regulatory bodies or the organizations where you wish to work as a Youth Care Worker to obtain accurate and up-to-date information regarding the education and certification requirements in your specific area.

Who can apply to this job?

The employer accepts applications from:

• Canadian citizens and permanent or temporary residents of Canada.
• Other candidates with or without a valid Canadian work permit.

How to apply
Online: Apply On Company WebSite

What is the work environment like for Care Worker ?

The work environment for Youth Care Workers can vary depending on the specific setting and population they work with. Here are some common work environments for Youth Care Workers:

1. Residential Facilities: Many Youth Care Workers are employed in residential facilities, such as group homes, treatment centers, or residential treatment programs. In these settings, they may live and work on-site, providing round-the-clock care and support to youth who may have experienced trauma, behavioral challenges, or other complex needs. Residential facilities often have a structured environment with a team of staff members working together to provide supervision, guidance, and therapeutic interventions.
2. Community-Based Programs: Some Youth Care Workers work in community-based programs that provide support and interventions to youth in their own communities. These programs can include after-school programs, community centers, mentoring programs, or outreach services. In these settings, Youth Care Workers engage with youth in various activities, provide mentoring and guidance, and facilitate skill-building workshops or recreational programs.
3. Juvenile Justice Facilities: Youth Care Workers may be employed in juvenile detention centers, correctional facilities, or other settings within the juvenile justice system. In these environments, they work with youth who have come into contact with the legal system. Youth Care Workers in these settings provide supervision, counseling, behavior management, and support services to help young people navigate their circumstances and prepare for successful reintegration into the community.
4. Schools and Educational Institutions: Some Youth Care Workers work in schools or educational institutions as part of support teams. They collaborate with teachers, counselors, and other professionals to address the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. Youth Care Workers in educational settings may provide individualized support, facilitate group interventions, or develop and implement behavior management plans.
5. Community Mental Health Agencies: Youth Care Workers may be employed in community mental health agencies or organizations that provide mental health services to youth. They work as part of multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with therapists, psychologists, and social workers to support the mental health and well-being of youth. Youth Care Workers in this setting may provide case management, assist in therapy sessions, support crisis interventions, and help youth develop coping skills.

The work environment for Youth Care Workers can be dynamic, challenging, and rewarding. It often involves working directly with youth who may have experienced trauma, have behavioral difficulties, or be in crisis. Youth Care Workers may need to exercise patience, empathy, and strong communication skills to build trusting relationships with the youth and their families. The work can involve irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to provide support and supervision when needed. Additionally, Youth Care Workers may need to document client progress, attend team meetings, and collaborate with other professionals as part of their work responsibilities.