Unlimited Potential Community Services empowers individuals and families to reach their full potential and enhance community well-being.

FULL-TIME FAMILY SPECIALIST (BRIDGES PROGRAM) (12-Month Term) - Edmonton & Parkland Area, AB

Unlimited Potential Community Services (UP) is a non-profit charitable society that has been providing quality support and treatment since 1987. Our goal is to restore stability and hope in the lives of children, youth, adults, and families so they can achieve personal independence and family unity. UP believes cultural tradition is an important part of mental wellness, so we incorporate the culture and traditions of our clients wherever possible. UP invites applicants who are passionate about providing quality support to our clients through a culturally sensitive approach and helping us to work together towards our goal to support each child and family to reach their full potential.

Program/Position Overview: The Family Specialist is responsible for the delivery, coordination, and case management of support services to families in the Bridges Program. The Family Specialist works in partnership with Children Services to support families with achieving family reunification and/or maintaining family preservation. Family Specialists provide support to families based on the joint casework model, shared practice frameworks, and the specific goals and needs of families.

Family Specialists work in family’s homes and in the community. Family Specialists support families through empowerment, hands on in the moment teaching, skill development, providing information on child development, and facilitating and linking families with networks and resources in their community. Family Specialists also provide after-hours on-call services on a rotational basis.

The Ideal Candidate will possess:

• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture, customs and beliefs;
• Passion for working with children, youth and families;
• Understanding of current and emerging issues of importance to Indigenous people and communities;
• Good understanding of health issues affecting youth and adults, such as FASD, drug and alcohol addictions, intergenerational trauma, mental health, suicide and other behavioural issues;
• Good understanding of cultural differences and how they impact treatment approaches for children and youth;
• Strong understanding of family systems, child development, and different cultural and community supports and services;
• Good verbal and written communication skills with proven organizational and documentation skills;
• Able to work well in a team environment with the ability to handle stressful situations in a non-confrontational, problem-solving manner;
• Comfortable driving in rural and urban settings.

Qualifications/Experience: Must have a diploma/degree in Social Work or Child/Youth Care (if education is in Social Work, must be a registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Alberta College of Social Workers) and 2-5 years of combined experience working with families.

Other Requirements: A current, clear Police Information Check (vulnerable sector included) and Child Intervention Record Check, both dated within the last 6 months. A valid AB driver’s licence (minimum class 5), current driver's abstract (no more than 8 demerits) and a reliable vehicle with $2 million dollars’ insurance. Must be willing to work flexible hours that meet the needs of the children/families including evenings and weekends.

Salary & Benefits: $48,552.00 - $63,262.00 annually (salary commensurate with education and experience). 3-weeks’ vacation accrual to start with an additional week added after 2 years. We provide full-time employees with a 100% employer-paid health benefits package (which includes vision, dental and prescription drug coverage, massage therapy, etc.) and a 100% employer-paid R.R.S.P. equaling 3% of annual salary. We also offer free courses and workshops in-house for all of our employees.

Closing Date: Open until suitable candidate found.

Our values are integrity, respect, excellence, humility, and relationships. If you meet the entrance criteria, hold similar values and are looking to join a dynamic team that works hard to empower and support children, youth and families, please submit your Resume and Cover Letter to Human Resources at .

UP is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a safe, inclusive environment for people of all cultures and backgrounds; all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those applicants under consideration will be contacted.