Special Services Youth Worker

Make a meaningful difference where it matters most.

Join the Support Link Program at Aunt Leah’s and become a consistent, trusted adult in the lives of youth connected to MCFD as they work toward stability, independence, and a brighter future. This is relationship-based work grounded in mentorship, guidance, and practical support—helping young people build the skills and confidence they need to navigate adulthood and prevent homelessness.

In this role, you will support youth as they navigate the impacts of trauma, housing instability, mental health concerns, and other barriers to independence. Day-to-day, this means providing steady presence, encouragement, and practical guidance while helping youth develop life skills, strengthen emotional regulation, and build pathways toward education, employment, and stable housing.

This is a highly relational position within a semi-independent living setting, where consistency, trust, and trauma-informed practice are central to supporting youth through complex transitions toward adulthood.

If you are someone who values connection, believes in the potential of youth, and is comfortable supporting individuals through complex life circumstances, this could be a deeply meaningful role for you.

Position: Special Services Support Worker

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Number of Vacancies - 2

• 1 position available with a shift schedule of Monday to Friday ; 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

• 1 position available with a shift schedule of Tuesday to Saturday; 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Job Summary

Reporting to the Program Coordinator, the Special Services Youth Worker works in a one-to-one capacity developing reliable, consistent supporting relationships and assisting youth in the Support Link Program on their journey to growth and self-sufficiency with one of the many goals being that of preventing homelessness. Works within a semi-independent living residential setting to provide a variety of support services such as conflict resolution, counseling, crisis intervention, supervision, and transportation to youth with moderate to severe behavioral issues. Available on call (on a rotational basis) to respond to participants’ crises that may require short-term overnight staffing in a Support Link suite. From a strengths-based approach and intervention, the Special Services Youth Worker will work to identify strengths, issues, and areas of risk, and develop and implement short-term and long-term goals and strategies within program guidelines.

Reports To: Program Coordinator, Support Link

Salary: $25.17/hr.

Status: Regular, Full -Time ; 37.5 hrs/wk.

Qualifications

• Post-Secondary Child and Youth Care diploma, or, Social Worker Diploma or degree or, Diploma or certificate in Human/ Social Services

• A minimum of 1 year experience working with high-risk youth or

• A relevant combination of education and experience combined with general suitability

Requirements

• Undergo & maintain a satisfactory Criminal Record Check & Local Police Check

• Undergo & Maintain MCFD Contracted Agency Caregiver Clearance

• Valid Class 5 driver’s license and access to your own reliable vehicle

• Clean Driver’s Abstract

• Proof of vehicle business insurance of $5 million liability

• Overdose Rapid Response Training

• First Aid – Level C w/ CPR

• Mental Health First Aid

• Suicide Prevention Training

• Cultural Competency Training

• Addictions & Substance use Training

• Food Safe

• CPI – Non-violent Crisis Prevention Intervention Training

• Agrees and adheres to the Society’s Code of Ethics

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Trauma Informed Practice

• Motivational Interviewing

• Person-Centered Approach

• Landlord Tenancy Acts

• Ministry of Children and Family Development knowledge

• Substance Abuse/misuse

• Youth development stages

• Knowledge of Indigenous culture

• Proven initiative, judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities

• Demonstrated ability to take action in a crisis management environment

• Ability to manage a solid self-care plan

• Suicide Prevention

• Documentation/Report Writing

• Organizational skills

• Time management

• Medication Management

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions

Direct Care (One to One Support)

• Build trusting, consistent relationships with youth and provide ongoing one-to-one support

• Support independent living skills including housing stability, cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, and maintaining a safe living environment

• Assist with education, training, and employment readiness (school, vocational goals, job search, applications)

• Support financial literacy including budgeting, banking, paying bills, and managing rent

• Provide guidance in interpersonal skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and healthy relationships

• Support health and wellness needs, including attending appointments and connecting youth to mental health and substance use services

• Encourage participation in recreational, social, and cultural activities to promote connection and well-being

Behavioural Support & Case Coordination

• Provide conflict resolution, de-escalation, and short-term crisis intervention

• Support youth with emotional and behavioural regulation strategies

• Participate in the development and implementation of service plans, safety plans, and transition goals

• Collaborate with the case management team and contribute to assessments (e.g., Casey Life Skills)

• Support youth in attending appointments, workshops, and required services

• Document observations and track progress toward goals and outcomes

Financial & Administrative Support

• Manage and monitor youth budgets for essentials such as food, clothing, and recreation

• Ensure accurate record keeping including receipts and expense tracking

• Follow program guidelines for financial accountability and reporting

Health, Safety & Environment:

• Maintain safe, clean, and structured living environments in accordance with program standards

• Conduct regular safety checks, emergency drills, and ensure suite security protocols are followed

• Support adherence to health and safety policies and procedures

• Ensure appropriate supervision and access to youth living spaces

Communication & Collaboration

• Maintain accurate documentation including case notes, reports, and service plans

• Communicate regularly with supervisors, MCFD, landlords, and community partners

• Participate in team meetings, staff development, and program-related events

• Contribute to coordinated, wraparound support for youth

Working Conditions

• This position is a Full-Time Regular Position – 37.5 hours per week; generally

> 1 position available with a shift schedule of Monday to Friday ; 9:00 am - 5:00 pm ; with the ability to have some flexibility per operational needs.

> 1 position available with a shift schedule of Tuesday to Saturday; 9:00 am - 5:00 pm ; with the ability to have some flexibility per operational needs.

• Participates in on-call as scheduled and is able to support and attend as required

• Work is performed in an office environment, provide service to youth at drop-in, assist in programming, and drive to meet with the youth

• Provide one one-on-one support by working off-site within the community and in suites in which the youth reside

• This position requires some lifting of heavier objects up to 50lbs

Living Wage Employer : As a certified living wage employer, we are committed to compensating our employees a living wage that allows working families to support the healthy development of their children and participate in the social, civic, and cultural lives of their communities. Embracing a living wage policy aligns with our Strategic Goals and provides our staff a great place to work.

We Offer: A comprehensive benefits package that includes dental, extended health care including vision care and prescription, RRSP matching, generous vacation and personal time package.

To Apply : To apply, please use the application link provided in this posting. We appreciate all applications; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, visible minorities, Indigenous persons, and persons with disabilities who are interested in supporting our mission and mandate.