PLEA Community Services is currently seeking a Temporary Full-Time Youth Development Worker for our Onyx team. This temporary term-contract is proposed to start on February 6, 2023 and end on August 4, 2023.  This position requires BCGEU membership. 

A voluntary support service provided to youth accessing the Onyx Program who identify themselves, or are identified by others as being sexually exploited and in dangerous situations. The Youth Development Worker plans, develops and implements educational, vocational, social, recreational and life skills activities for youth that will assist them to be successful in employment and community environments. Employment goals are focused around stabilization; safety and providing the young person with economic independence that will support them to exit from the sex trade or sexually exploitative relationships.

Please submit a resume and cover letter referencing the competition number 2023002YDW1. Closing date for Internal Applications: Thursday, January 19, 2023, at 4:30PM. If the position is not filled internally, it will remain open until filled. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Develops positive relationships with youth that will provide them with the emotional support and practical assistance required to address their individual needs, achieve their personal goals, and increase their protective factors.
2. Using a trauma informed and positive youth development approach, provides vocational case planning and attendance assistance in a flexible learning environment that encourages youth to accomplish their employment and educational goals.
3. Provides opportunities for youth to access available resources in the community that will enable and encourage them to develop educational, personal, social, and vocational skills. Includes such community resources as an integral part of the youth’s case management plan.
4. Teaches youth the life skills and community survival skills they require. Works with youth individually and in groups when appropriate to develop communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, money management, employment, self-care skills. Provides emotional support and encouragement to youth re: making safer choices, and use their strengths and abilities to become self-reliant.
5. Provides a range of services including assessment and planning, primary support, conflict mediation, facilitating connections to natural support systems and assistance in accessing community supports and specialized services.
6. Provides employment skills training and opportunities for employment. Identifies and introduces youth to educational services in the community. Provides transportation as necessary.
7. Engages youth in acceptable recreational and social activities in the community that creates new interests, strengthens resilience and develops pro-social skills. Provides emotional support and models acceptable behaviours.
8. Recognizes potential crises, responds to critical incidents and implements crisis intervention strategies that address the specific health and safety issues of those involved, and informs the Program Manager when such situations arise.
9. Establishes strong connections to the community, including maintain close working relationships with all formal and informal services; including employer mentors.
10. Ensures that all records, reports and documentation pertaining to service delivery are accurate, complete and in compliance with PLEA’s policies and procedures.
11. Adheres to all policies and procedures established by PLEA, meets the performance expectations of the position in a manner that demonstrates compassion and respect for all persons served. Exercises the responsibilities of the position in a manner consistent with the philosophical approach and style of the program.
12. Performs other related duties as required.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

1. Excellent interpersonal communication, facilitation and conflict management skills, including demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive written reports.
2. Demonstrated proficiency in teaching others and an ability to work collaboratively with employer-mentors, families/caregivers, partners and stakeholders that provide support to youth.
3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others and enjoys the company of young people. Has the ability to present concepts to youth of a sensitive nature.
4. Demonstrated ability to support youth who may be reluctant to engage, and to be sensitive and understanding of their social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, poverty and lifestyle.
5. Ability to facilitate and work through difficult group dynamics effectively, including emotionally charged issues and conflict.
6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a team with other program staff, community professionals and other collaterals; use good judgement; have sound understanding of boundaries and disclosing reported information; manage conflicts constructively; work independently and be accountable for results.
7. Knowledge of theory, principles and best practices with respect to providing services to youth who are high risk and their families/caregivers.
8. Excellent organizational, time and general management skills.

Qualifications:

1. A Bachelor of Arts in the social sciences or human services or a related field with possible post-graduate studies in a related discipline.
2. At least one (1) year work or volunteer experience working in programs with youth who are deemed to be high risk with complex care needs, and their families/caregivers.
3. Direct program delivery experience in the community social justice services sector, with a demonstrated working knowledge of community-based programs and related provincial and community support services are preferred.
4. Demonstrated skills in working with youth who are being sexually exploited or at risk of sexual exploitation.
5. Work or volunteer experience in vocational, employment, or educational programs.
6. Proficiency in computer programs: Windows, Microsoft Office, and familiarity with database programs.
7. Demonstrated ability to develop strong collaborative relationships, work effectively as part of a team, use good judgment, manage conflicts constructively, work with a high degree of independence and be accountable for results.
8. Ability to reflect, promote, and protect the culture and integrity of the agency and the services it provides, and to manage situations with tact and diplomacy.
9. Advanced proficiency in time management.

Requirements:

1. Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
2. Satisfactory Centralized Services Hub screening by the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
3. Must possess a valid Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certificate or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.
4. Use of Personal Vehicle. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland.
5. A valid B.C. Driver's License (Class 5 or Class 7), and suitable driver's abstract. 
6. The usual hours of work in this position are based on Monday to Friday flextime scheduling arrangement, including days and evenings, of 35 working hours per week.
7. Documentation that applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.
8. As a Public Service employer and to meet our funding obligations, PLEA requires successful applicants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their start date.

Note: PLEA conducts primary source verification of applicant's credentials including education, training, work history, and licensure.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted.