PLEA Community Services is currently seeking a Temporary Full-Time Intensive Support & Supervision Program (ISSP) Worker for our Addictions Services. This temporary term-contract is proposed to start as soon as possible and is estimated to be 6 months in duration. This position requires BCGEU membership.

The ISSP is a community-based one-to-one service for youth who are deemed to be medium to high risk of re-offending – it is an alternative to custody. The ISSP worker is responsible for providing these youth with intensive supervision, and to support their participation in activities and programs in the community that will facilitate their rehabilitation and integration – which are complemented by the case management and supervision provided by the probation officer; also monitors compliance with the terms and conditions of court orders.

Please submit a resume and cover letter referencing the competition number 2023049ISSP1. Closing date for Internal Applicants: Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 4:30 PM. If the position is not filled internally, it will remain open until filled. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

1. Plans and implements appropriate strategies, activities and interventions for youth that are consistent with the case management objectives developed in consultation with the supervising probation officer, and will address the youth's complex needs, strengthen their protective factors and target their criminogenic characteristics.
2. Provides intensive goal-focused supervision and support in the community to youth who are subject to a Youth Court Order, that will assist them to achieve their personal goals in a healthy environment, maintain their motivation to make safer choices, reduce the incidence of risk behavior, and support their integration and normative functioning in the community.
3. Monitors compliance with court-ordered terms and conditions. By request, conducts random and periodic curfew checks. Assists with court ordered reparative conditions. Reports all known instances of non-compliance to the supervising probation officer.
4. Provides opportunities to access and reconnect to available resources in the community that will enable youth to develop the necessary educational, personal, social, and vocational skills. Includes such community resources as an integral part of the youth’s case management plan. Provides transportation as necessary.
5. Engages youth on a one-to-one basis in recreational and social activities in the community that will build on their strengths, develop their interpersonal skills, and support their involvement in their culture and the community. Supports youth in developing positive relationships with family, peers and others.
6. Teaches youth the life skills and community survival skills they require. Works with the youth's families/caregivers and/or support network individually or through the facilitation of educational groups. Provides advice, assistance, mediation and crisis intervention, as required.
7. Maintains on-going positive relationships with youth's family/caregivers and significant others, and participates as part of a team responsible for enhancing and rehabilitating the quality of life for youth.
8. Participates in Integrated Case Management planning processes, serves 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.
9. Responds to emergencies; recognizes potential crises, analyzes these situations accurately and implements strategies to deal with them, and informs the manager when such situations arise. Provides on call and duty coverage for the program.
10. Maintains necessary program participant and program reports and statistics. Ensures that all records, reports and documentation pertaining to service delivery are accurate, complete and in compliance with PLEA’s policies and procedures.
11. Establishes strong connections to the community, including maintaining close working relationships with all formal and informal service providers.
12. 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.
13. Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications: 

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, and/or involved in the criminal justice system, 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 is preferred.
4. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office, and familiarity with database programs.

Job Sills and Abilities: 

1. Excellent interpersonal communication, counselling, facilitation, and conflict management skills, including a demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive reports.
2. Demonstrated proficiency in teaching others and an ability to work collaboratively with families/caregivers and networks that provide support to youth.
3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others, enjoys the company of young people and can implement effective behavior management strategies.
4. 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.
5. Ability to facilitate a group and work through difficult group processes effectively.
6. 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.
7. Knowledge of theory, principles and best practices with respect to providing services to youth with who are high risk and have complex care needs, and their families/caregivers.
8. 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.
9. Excellent organizational, time and general management skills.

Requirements:

1. Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
2. Satisfactory Centralized Services Hub Clearance 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 and the Fraser Valley.
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 a Tuesday to Saturday flextime scheduling arrangement including days, evenings and weekends, of 35 working hours per week.
7. Documentation that applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.
8. 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.