Foster Care - Support Worker

Hi. We’re Trellis.

Trellis works with young people, adults, families, and communities to unlock their potential and support their growth. We are focused on generational change by providing a spectrum of services for people of all backgrounds, including those with complex needs. Our programs improve access to resources, develop family and community supports and build people’s capacity to deal with life’s challenges.

With our support, people from all walks of life are empowered to move beyond systemic barriers, cultivate great outcomes and reach their full potential. We’re Trellis – and we’re always growing!

Our Values

Our values not only define who we are but also support Trellis to achieve our vision of everyone reaching their full potential.

• Courage: We willingly embrace growth, and don’t see it as optional
• Empathy: We relentlessly care about the growth of others and won’t let anyone go unsupported
• Learning: We choose to grow through uncertainty, even when the status quo feels easier
• Impact: We go beyond what seems doable and prove that growth is possible.

Our Commitments

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and connectedness, where everyone is welcomed. We believe in creating a workplace that celebrates diversity of our teams, our program participants and reflects the communities we serve.

We are committed to active reconciliation in alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 calls to action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Reconciliation is a highly valued and integrated part of our culture and work. Trellis’ reconciliation journey is intentional with meaningful engagement from team members both collectively and as individuals.

What Trellis Offers

We provide people with meaningful work and are committed to offering equitable total compensation to all staff. This includes the following benefits which start from Day 1 of employment:

• Flexible Health & Wellness Benefits
• RRSP Group Savings Plan
• Free and confidential support through the Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Paid Vacation, Sick Days, Wellness Days and your Work Anniversary off
• Ability to swap statutory holidays for other days of importance to you
• Consistent Training & Development Opportunities
• Diversity and Inclusion embedded into everyday practice.

For more info on Trellis Society, visit www.growwithtrellis.ca or find us at @TrellisYYC on social media.

The Role: Foster Care Support Worker (Full Time)

The Foster Care Support Worker plays a vital role in supporting foster families and the children and youth in their care. This position provides tailored guidance, leadership, and supervision to foster parents to ensure each child and youth receives the individualized support they need to thrive. The role requires strong collaboration with Alberta Children’s Services and a commitment to trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and family-centered practices.

This position requires a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend availability as needed.

This position requires a flexible schedule with evening and weekend work as required.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide individualized support, leadership, and supervision to foster parents, ensuring care strategies are tailored to the unique needs of each child and youth.
• Collaborate closely with Alberta Children’s Services to facilitate access to necessary supports and resources.
• Coach foster parents in building connections between children/youth and their natural supports, including supporting reunification efforts with biological families.
• Engage with foster children and families using a trauma-informed, grief and loss-informed, and culturally responsive approach.
• Model and maintain respectful, professional relationships and boundaries with foster families, children and youth, colleagues, and external partners.
• Contribute to service planning, goal development, and assessments in alignment with program expectations and the unique needs of each family.
• Carry out case management responsibilities as assigned by the Program Manager.
• Complete daily documentation and write formal reports as required.
• Balance and respond to competing priorities in a timely and effective manner.
• Manage crises using strong problem-solving and de-escalation skills.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in compliance with accreditation and program standards, including timely e-filing of documents.
• Support intake, transition, and discharge processes for children and youth in care.
• Prepare and maintain foster home licensing documentation, including ongoing updates and compliance checks.
• Process monthly expense claims for individual children and youth.
• Facilitate and attend foster parent support meetings, training sessions, and special events.

Knowledge and Skills Expectations

• Degree or diploma in a Human Services field (Child & Youth Care, Social Work, Justice Studies, etc.). Equivalencies will be considered based on experience.
• 3+ years experience working with children, youth, and families in a case management role.
• Strong organizational skills, self-motivation, and ability to work with a team and independently.
• Experience working and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams of internal and external professionals.
• SAFE home assessment training and experience would be an asset.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer proficiency, including working knowledge of Excel, Word, PDF management, case management tools, and familiarity and experience with digital uploads and overall digital documentation management.
• Strong relationship-building skills and experience working with vulnerable children, youth, and families.
• In-depth knowledge of trauma, brain development, child development, mental health, addiction, and the impact of adverse experiences on families.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with $2 million liability insurance, and a current Driver’s Abstract.
• Valid Standard First Aid & CPR certification.
• Successful candidates must have a clear Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector Search, and a clear Child Intervention Record Check.

Reporting Relationship:

This position directly reports to a Trellis Program Manager.

Join Our Team

The resounding impact we have on individuals and communities is thanks to our network of passionate, open minded and dedicated staff who are committed to the work they do everyday. We’re always growing and we’re looking for passionate people who want to grow with us! People who are eager to make an impact while continuing to grow their expertise.

We appreciate your interest and thank all who apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted!