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

FULL-TIME FAMILY UNIFICATION SPECIALIST - Ponoka and Wetaskiwin, 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: Under the direction and supervision of the Manager of Group Care Services, the Family Unification Specialist is responsible for supporting the youth and their family in unification, transfer of successful program strategies to the youth’s next placement, and reporting. The Family Unification Specialist will provide services and supports to empower youth and their families in their goals of safety and well-being while working towards unification.

The ideal candidate will possess:

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

Qualifications/Experience: The successful candidate must have a diploma/degree in social sciences or equivalent education in a related field (if education is in Social Work, the candidate must be a registered Social Worker with the Alberta College of Social Workers) and a minimum of 1-3 years of work experience with youth and families within the scope of family reunification or family support is desirable.

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: Salary range is $52,444.00 - $67,029.00 annually (salary commensurate with 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 benefits package (which includes vision, dental, prescription drug coverage, massage therapy, etc.) and a 100% employer-paid R.R.S.P. equaling 3% of gross salary. We also offer free courses and workshops in-house for all of our employees.

Closing Date: Open until a suitable candidate is 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.