Youth Support Worker

Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people! At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.

When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.

About the Role:

This position provides vulnerable youth, leading up to and at critical academic transition points, with the community supports and life skill development they need for educational attainment and future success. The Youth Support Worker (YSW) will be assigned in the Settlement Workers in Schools Program (SWIS).Program delivery includes, but is not limited to, the development of youth-centered plans, facilitation of workshops, supportive counseling, and the coordination of peer mentorship. The YSW uses an outreach model to meet youth within the community, at schools, local YMCA facilities or another appropriate site. The YSW is responsible for the effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of program services. The YSW carries out their duties in a professional manner and in accordance with all YMCA policies and procedures, standards of practice, health and safety standards, child protection standards and contractual, legal, and regulatory requirements.

This position is a full time temporary role to March 2027, with the possibility of extension.

Responsibilities:

• Build strong, trusting relationships with youth using a strengths-based, youth-centered approach.
• Provide one-to-one support to youth, including goal setting, problem-solving, and emotional regulation support.
• Plan and facilitate group-based workshops and activities focused on resilience, coping skills, relationships, and decision-making.
• Support youth to identify personal goals and track progress over time through regular check-ins and coaching.
• Complete intake and ongoing assessment using youth-friendly, strengths-based approaches to understand needs and readiness for support.
• Provide warm referrals and connect youth to additional supports, including FRN services and community resources.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services, participation, and outcomes.
• Monitor youth well-being and respond to emerging risks by following safety protocols and escalating concerns when needed.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and training to support continuous learning and program quality.

Qualifications:

• Post secondary degree/diploma in Child and Youth Care, Counselling, Education, Social Work, Recreation Management, or related field.
• 2 years of experience working directly with vulnerable youth.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle. Clear driver’s abstract and proof of liability insurance is needed upon hire. Travel in Fort McMurray and rural communities within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.
• Excellent organizational, time management skills, communication, interpersonal, and team skills.
• Flexible to work evenings and occasional weekends.

Working knowledge in a variety of social work areas, including:

• Issues/practices related to the social determents of health, youth development, individual assessment, case management, group work, group facilitation, program planning and outcome evaluation.
• Culturally sensitive and trauma-informed practice, and strength-based approach.
• Computer skills (Windows, Microsoft Teams, Office and Outlook).

Certifications:

• Annual registration in a professional organization as required by law
• Standard First Aid and CPR-C, Police Intervention Check with Vulnerable Sector Search, and Child Intervention Check
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, Suicide Intervention Certification preferred.

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.