Classification: Permanent Full Time
Placement: April 2024 / As soon as possible

Benefit and Pension Plans: Yes (see below)

Nature and Scope:
The Y Young Moms Program (YMP) and Pandora Youth Apartments (PYA), operated by the YMCA-YWCA of Vancouver Island in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Victoria and the Victoria Cool Aid Society, are transitional supportive housing programs. YMP supports young mothers (aged 16-29) and their children under the age of five, in 10 self-contained units; the PYA program has 8 self-contained apartments for youth 15-19 years of age. The YMP counseling and parenting program uses a harm reduction, strength based and trauma informed approach to support young women to develop their parenting and life skills while building resilience and reducing risk. The counsellor provides a wide variety of supportive services including: supportive individual and group counseling; crisis intervention; harm reduction and risk assessment; parent assessment and development of parenting skills; child development assessment; liaise with community agencies; housing search support; daily living activities support; and reconnecting to the community. The applicant will be based at YMP and will provide periodic support to PYA. The PYA program is a safe and affordable transitional housing and life skills program.

The successful candidate is available to work a variety of shifts including evenings and weekends. The standard 35-hour work week is from Tuesday-Saturday; flexibility is required to meet the needs of our clients. This permanent full-time position is entitled to a YMCA-YWCA individual membership; 15 days paid vacation; paid sick days (18 per year, accrued); and a cost-shared benefits package (after completion of the probationary period) which includes:

• Health Care, Drug Plan, Dental, Vision, EAP
• Extended Health Care and Life Insurance
• YMCA Canada Pension Plan (eligible after one year)

Further benefits are outlined in the Personnel Policies.

Major Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with a person centered, trauma informed, solution focused problem solving and motivational counselling approach
• Participate in the development of service plans for young families and youth with multiple service needs related to mental health issues, substance recovery, family violence, poverty, abuse, or neglect
• Promote and develop young women's and youth's independence and personal growth; monitor and support clients' well-being and goals
• Promote and develop young women's parenting skills through assessment and child development education, positive parenting, and attachment-based parenting
• Identify changing program needs and ensure effective programming is maintained
• Facilitate access to community resources through referrals and advocacy
• Facilitate psycho-educational groups, parent support drop-ins, and other programming as required
• Work in collaboration with the Program Manager(s) to screen referrals and assist in parenting and life skills assessment and mental health during intake process
• Provide effective crisis management and conflict resolution including active listening, problem solving, respectful limit setting and reframing
• Maintain program statistics for the purposes of reporting, evaluation, and program development. Contribute to quarterly and annual program reports
• Adhere to all YMCA-YWCA policies and procedures
• Ensure that building and residences are clean, safe, and well organized

Qualifications:

• Degree in Social Work, Child and Youth Care, counseling psychology or a related discipline
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of applicable legislation
• Minimum 2 years' experience working with multi-barriered youth; experience supporting young, at-risk families is preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of childhood developmental stages and parenting strategies
• Experience working with trauma impacted individuals and an understanding of mental health and substance use issues
• Experience with curriculum development and group facilitation preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a team and with other professionals
• Be a highly motivated self-starter, innovative, energetic and a team player
• Possess strong skills in advocacy, mediation, counseling skills, and effective interpersonal skills; effective communication skills (written and verbal)
• Knowledge of community resources and referral processes are an asset
• Valid BC Driver's License (Class 5) with a safe driving record, and a reliable vehicle with adequate insurance
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR C required
• Clear Police/RCMP Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening required

Competencies:

• Commitment to Organization Vision and Values
• Communication
• Coaching and Development
• Problem solving and Conflict Resolution
• Planning and Organization
• Initiative