Child & Youth Care Worker (CYCW)

Key Responsibilities

Day-to-Day Support

Provide direct, trauma-informed care and supervision to children and youth with complex neurodivergent needs

Implement individualized support plans & safety plans, behavioural strategies, and therapeutic interventions in collaboration with the clinical team

Support daily living activities including personal care, meal preparation, medication administration (as trained), and household routines

Use de-escalation techniques to support youth during periods of emotional and behavioural dysregulation

Model and encourage positive social skills, self-regulation, and independence

Family & Community

Build and maintain respectful, collaborative relationships with families and natural supports

Support family reunification goals by facilitating meaningful family contact and visits

Advocate for each client's participation in school, community programs, and cultural activities

Liaise with CFS and FSCD Caseworkers, DFNA representatives, school staff, and CSD agencies.

Documentation & Communication

Complete accurate and timely documentation including daily logs, monthly reports, quarterly reports incident reports, safety plans and progress notes

Participate in Professional Development Days, Family Group Conferences, Family Circle Meetings, Monthly Staff Meetings, Case Conferences, Service Team Meetings and training sessions

Communicate shift exchange information clearly and thoroughly

Understanding of CARF policies and procedures

Cultural Connection

Honour and actively support the cultural identity, heritage, and spiritual wellbeing of Indigenous children and youth at Mahikan Lodge as a foundational component of their care

Attend and facilitate participation in culturally significant events including Family Group Conferences, Family Circle Meetings, Pow Wows, Naming Ceremonies, Round Dances, Sweetgrass Picking, and other community gatherings that strengthen each youth's connection to their culture and community

Support youth in daily cultural practices including smudging, connection with Elders, and engagement with traditional teachings, creating space within the Lodge environment where cultural expression is welcomed and encouraged

Proactively research, identify, and plan culturally relevant activities in collaboration with youth, honouring their individual nations, traditions, and personal interests

Maintain meaningful working relationships with kinship support workers, band representatives, DFNA contacts, and cultural liaisons to ensure each youth remains connected to their community and identity

Encourage and support youth in advocating for themselves within their cultural communities, helping them build confidence and voice in spaces that are meaningful to them

Engage with cultural programming developed in partnership with DFNA bands and families, and contribute to the ongoing development of culturally responsive practices at the Lodge

Approach all cultural participation with humility, respect, and a genuine willingness to learn, recognizing that relationship-building with Indigenous communities is an ongoing, reciprocal process