Part-Time Employment Opportunity

Youth Worker, NOVA

Job ID 24-025EJHS

Company Overview:

It is an exciting time to join the team at the Edmonton John Howard Society as we embark on a renewed strategic direction. For over 70 years, EJHS has been rooted in community safety and this will continue to be our focus. We offer individuals and families a chance to heal and reintegrate into the community from justice and related systems. Our new strategic direction is about building on our rich history in the community safety space, including building our community services; building our team; and building our story.

Edmonton John Howard Society strives to provide a meaningful work environment through the following: 

• Strong focus on employee wellness and work-life balance
• Service recognition and employee awards
• Professional development opportunities
• Staff team building and appreciation days
• Part Time Health Spending Account (based on a minimum number of hours)

We are a values-driven organization that supports clients from a strength-based approach.  If your values are aligned with our core values listed at: https://johnhoward.org/about-us/core-values, please consider joining our team.

Position Summary:

NOVA aims to offer individuals aged 16-24 experiencing homelessness a safe, supported living environment as they develop the skills to make positive lifestyle choices and live independent lives in the community. NOVA provides a low-barrier housing solution to youth who may have been street-involved, and who may be struggling with drugs, alcohol, isolation and/or mental health issues. The program operates primarily from the Harm Reduction and Housing First philosophies.

NOVA consists of 2 program models located at the same site to provide appropriate approaches to residents depending on where they are at in the change process.  The STAY program provides 17 beds to young people who are committed to making changes in their lives. Residents of STAY can reside at NOVA for up to 18 months and will work closely with staff to identify goals and overcome the barriers they may face. REST offers 3 beds to young people who need a safe place to stay for a limited amount of time. While in the REST program, young people are given the opportunity to have their basic needs met while they reconnect with resources.

Part-Time Youth Workers provide ongoing day-to-day support to the youth residing at NOVA. Using positive role modeling and effective communication skills, the Part-Time Youth Workers assist NOVA youth in increasing their skills toward independence.

Responsibilities:

1. Administration:

• Completion of accurate written daily documentation (log book entries, contact notes, incident reports, medication book entries)
• Completion of referral and REST intake documentation

1. Client Support:

• Deliver services in a client-centered, strength-based approach consistent with NOVA philosophy
• Adapt services to meet the needs of diverse populations as per unit policy
• Build collaborative relationships with youth
• Role model life skills, social skills, communication skills and conflict resolution
• Support youth to achieve goals as defined on their individual goal plans
• Encourage youth to engage in healthy lifestyle alternatives
• Transparently address current challenges with the youth
• Role model and assist the youth with self-advocacy

1. Health and Safety:

• Deliver services in accordance with unit and agency policies and procedures
• Ensure youth are aware of and understand House rules and respond accordingly
• Maintain a safe, secure environment
• Communicate pertinent information to the supervisor and other staff as necessary
• Ensure maintenance and cleanliness of unit and property

1. Community Engagement:

• Liaise with guardians, program partners and other professionals
• Maintain positive relationships with community members (neighbors, visitors etc.) and report significant challenges/incidents to supervisor immediately

1. Agency Collaboration:

• Contribute to a positive culture by assisting and supporting colleagues as needed and encourage and teach others about the unit’s operations
• Practice agency mission, vision, values and guiding principles
• Maintain positive, professional working relationships with colleagues
• Participate in unit staff meetings

1. Additional Responsibilities:

• Participate in core agency and additional ongoing training opportunities as directed and approved
• As directed by supervisor

Qualifications / Skills:

• Working towards a diploma in human services or a related field
• A minimum of 6 months’ experience working with youth
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification
• Criminal Record Check and Child Intervention Check; A criminal record will not disqualify you from employment with us; we evaluate each application individually.
• Knowledge of harm reduction, addictions, and strength-based philosophy
• Able to work within a team and effectively deal with crisis situations
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Conditions of Employment:

• The successful candidate must be able to work shift work (7am-3pm, 3pm-11pm and 11pm–7am shifts) that includes evenings and weekends and be available for a minimum of 4 shifts per month.
• The position requires frequent standing, walking up and down stairs, and occasional lifting.

Hourly Wage:

The starting wage is $20.40 per hour. Shift differential will be paid for hours worked between midnight and 6 am.

To apply:

• Submit a résumé and cover letter in one PDF document to by June 15, 2024
• Please include “24-025EJHS - Youth Worker, NOVA” in the Subject Line of the email.
• Please include how you heard about the position in the cover letter. Resumes without a cover letter will not be considered.

Only those selected for interviews will be contacted

Safety and harmony in our community

Edmonton John Howard Society is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from people of Indigenous heritage, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds