Placement: June/July 2024 (negotiable)

$31.00 - $32.00 per hour ($56,420 - $58,240 annually, 35-hour work week)
(NOTE: A 4-Day, 28 hour week is a possibility for a qualified candidate)

Nature and Scope:

The Y Young Moms Program (YMP) is a transitional supportive housing program, which supports young mothers (aged 16-29) and their children under the age of five, in 10 self-contained units. 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: screen prospective residents for program admission; individual counselling developing goal plans and provide emotional support; facilitate group programming; parent assessment and support; child development assessment; daily living activities support including supporting parents with housekeeping; crisis intervention; harm reduction and risk assessment; liaise with community agencies; housing search support; and reconnecting to the community. Further information is available here: Community Health - YMCA-YWCA Vancouver Island(vancouverislandy.com).

The successful applicant for this position will contribute their skills and abilities to a highly dedicated and collaborative team. The standard 35-hour work week is from Tuesday-Saturday; some 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 personal growth and independence, monitor and support clients’ well-being and goals.
• Support parents keeping their suites organized and clean.
• Promote and develop young women’s parenting skills through assessment and child development education, positive parenting, and attachment-based parenting.
• Facilitate access to community resources through referrals and advocacy.
• Group programming: facilitate parent drop in, weekly discussion circle, community dinner etc.
• Assist with intake and screening process for program placement: program tours, intake interviews, reference checks, program orientation.
• Provide effective crisis management and conflict resolution including active listening, problem solving, respectful limit setting and reframing.
• Adhere to all YMCA-YWCA policies and procedures.
• Ensure that buildings 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.
• Possess strong skills in advocacy, mediation, counseling skills, and effective interpersonal skills, effective communication skills.
• 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