PLEA Community Services is currently seeking a Temporary Full-Time Youth Development Worker for our Onyx team. The proposed start date for this position is as soon as possible and it will end upon return of the incumbent. This position requires BCGEU membership. 

Onyx program provides voluntary support services to youth who identify themselves, or are identified by others as being sexually exploited and in dangerous situations. The Youth Development Worker is responsible for providing immediate support to the youth, and assist them to access the practical assistance and concrete resources they need – these may include a safe place to live, health services, detox or treatment for substance misuse, and one-to-one support on an outreach basis in the community. All services are intensive, time limited, tailored to meet individual needs and circumstances, and are focused on providing safety, stabilization and the resources that will support the young person’s exit from the sex trade or sexually exploitive relationships.

Please submit a resume and cover letter referencing the competition number 2023047YDW1. Closing date for Internal Applications: Friday, May 12, 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 strengths, needs, achieve their personal goals, and increase their protective factors.
2. Plans and implements interventions that address the immediate safety needs of the youth referred, and the issues they present in the five domains (individual, family, peers, school/employment and community) of their lives using a positive youth development approach.
3. Develops collaborative relationships with youths' families/caregivers, significant others and informal support systems to maintain and strengthen these connections.
4. 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.
5. Develops, implements, and coordinates service plans and resources designed to ensure that youth’s individual needs are met. Participates in case planning and management for each young person and provides ongoing consultation as required.
6. Facilitates access to community resources and specialized services when required by youth and their families/caregivers to ensure they receive services that are integrated, timely and meet their identified needs. Includes formal and informal support systems as an integral part of all work with youth and their families.
7. Participates in Integrated Case Management planning processes, functions as the key worker for youth on a team of professionals when required, and provides ongoing coordination of services to youth and their families/caregivers. Works closely with Ministry personnel to ensure the safety and well being of youth served, and that case management objectives are met.
8. Assists youth to meet the goals identified in their Youth Agreements. These may include, but are not limited to: locating and maintaining safe and stable housing, accessing financial, educational, vocational, and recreational opportunities, developing adult competencies and strengthening their connections to the community and its resources.
9. Teaches youth the life skills they require to make their transition to living independently as successful as possible. Works with youth individually, and in groups when appropriate to develop effective communication, problem solving, conflict management, personal care, and money management skills. Provides emotional support and encouragement to youth re making safer choices, and using their strengths and abilities to manage difficult situations.
10. Supports youths' families/caregivers individually or through facilitation of educational groups. Provides advice, assistance, mediation and crisis intervention services to families/caregivers when required.
11. Responds to critical incidents and implements crisis intervention strategies that address the specific health and safety issues of those involved, and informs the manager when such situations arise.
12. Establishes strong connections to the community, including maintaining close working relationships with all formal and informal service providers
13. Ensures that all records, reports and documentation pertaining to service delivery are accurate, complete and in compliance with PLEA’s policies and procedures.
14. Adheres to all policies and procedures established by PLEA, and 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 mandate of the program.
15. Performs other related duties as required.

Job Skills and Abilities:

1. Excellent interpersonal communication, facilitation, and conflict management skills, including the demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive written reports.
2. Demonstrated ability to develop supportive relationships with youth and their families/caregivers 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.
3. Demonstrated ability to develop effective relationships based on mutual respect and trust with a range of different individuals and groups in the community.
4. Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a team with other program staff, community professionals and other collaterals; use good judgment; manage conflicts constructively; work independently and be accountable for results.
5. Ability to facilitate a group and work through group processes, including highly charged emotional issues and conflict.
6. Knowledge of theory, principles and best practices with respect to providing services to youth who may be at risk, or are being sexually exploited and their families.
7. Good understanding of relevant Criminal Justice Legislation and policies, the role of Youth Court, Child Welfare Legislation and policies including the Child, Family and Community Service Act; and applicable government legislation, regulations and accreditation standards.
8. Excellent organizational, time and general management skills.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience:

1. A Bachelor of Arts in the social sciences or human services or a related discipline.
2. At least one (1) year recent 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. Must have demonstrated skills in working with youth who are being sexually exploited.
5. Demonstrated ability to organize and lead groups designed to provide mutual support and teach participants personal, interpersonal, and life skills.
6. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, and familiarity with database programs.

Requirements:

1. Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
2. Must possess a valid Occupational First Aid Level 1 Certificate or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.
3. Use of Personal Vehicle. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley.
4. A valid B.C. Driver's License (Class 5 or Class 7), and suitable driver's abstract. 
5. 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.
6. Documentation that applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.
7. Our funding contracts require that successful applicants are 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.