Family Support Worker
Application Deadline:
About the Role
Position Summary
Reporting to the Program Manager at Mahikan Lodge, the Family Support Worker is a compassionate, culturally aware professional who provides direct support to families caring for children with significant complex needs. This position works within a strengths-based and trauma-informed framework to provide home visits, facilitate parent support groups, and connect families to community resources and funded supports including Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD), Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), and Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) programs.
The Family Support Worker plays a vital role as a trusted partner and advocate, helping families build capacity, resilience, and confidence as they support their children with complex medical, behavioural, developmental, and/or mental health diagnoses. This role requires a deep respect and genuine appreciation for Indigenous peoples, culture, and heritage, as many of the families we serve are Indigenous or Metis.
Key Responsibilities
• Conduct regular scheduled and as-needed home visits to assess family needs, provide direct guidance, and offer emotional and practical support to caregivers of children with complex needs
• Plan, coordinate, and facilitate parent support group sessions at Mahikan Lodge and within the community, fostering peer connection, skill-building, and mutual support among families
• Assist families in understanding, accessing, and navigating FSCD, AISH, and PDD funding programs, including help with applications, service agreements, and renewals
• Develop individualized support plans in partnership with families, setting realistic goals aligned with each family's strengths, needs, and cultural values
• Provide advocacy support on behalf of families with external agencies, schools, healthcare providers, and government services
• Observe and document client and family progress; maintain accurate, confidential records in accordance with organizational and legislative requirements including FOIP and HIPAA best practices
• Apply trauma-informed, brain-story, and culturally safe frameworks in all interactions with clients and families
• Collaborate closely with an interdisciplinary team including occupational therapists, social workers, behaviour consultants, and community health workers
• Maintain ongoing awareness of relevant community resources and make appropriate referrals to support holistic family wellbeing
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, professional development, and organizational training as required
• Fulfill related duties as assigned by the Program Manager
How to Apply
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and copies of all required certifications and clearance checks to:
Email: careers@brightstarrespite.ca
Subject Line: Family Support Worker – Mahikan Lodge – [Your Name]
Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
Education
• Diploma or degree in Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Human Services, Disability Studies, Indigenous Studies, or a related health or disability field is required
• An equivalent combination of relevant education, lived experience, and demonstrated competency may be considered
Experience
• A minimum of 2 years of direct work experience with children and/or families with complex needs is required — candidates with less experience will not be considered
• Demonstrated experience navigating FSCD, AISH, and/or PDD funding and support frameworks is considered a strong asset
• Previous experience facilitating group programming or parent support groups is highly valued
• Experience in home visiting or community outreach roles is preferred
• Valid professional references are mandatory and must speak directly to relevant work experience
Mandatory Certifications & Compliance — All Must Be Current at Time of Hire
• Standard First Aid with CPR Level C — valid certificate required
• Clear Police Information Check (PIC) completed within the past 6 months — no exceptions
• Clear Child Intervention Record Check (CIRC) completed within the past 6 months — mandatory and non-negotiable
• Brain Story Certification (Alberta Family Wellness Initiative) — must be completed prior to or within 30 days of hire
• Trauma-Informed Practice / Trauma-Informed Awareness Training — required
• Class 5 Alberta Driver's License — valid and in good standing
• Access to a reliable personal vehicle with a minimum of $2,000,000 third-party liability insurance — proof of insurance required
Knowledge, Skills & Attributes
• Strong, genuine knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture, heritage, history, and intergenerational trauma in the Canadian context — this is a core requirement of the role
• Demonstrated ability to engage respectfully and effectively within Indigenous and Metis communities
• Thorough understanding of trauma-informed principles and their application in family support contexts
• Working knowledge of Brain Story concepts and early childhood brain development
• Ability to read, write, understand, and communicate effectively in English — both written and verbal skills are essential
• Strong interpersonal skills with a warm, non-judgmental, and empathetic approach to building trusting relationships
• Self-motivated, highly organized, and capable of managing a varied and dynamic workload independently
• Proficiency with standard computer programs for documentation and communication
• A genuine, deep-seated passion for working with families — not just a job, but a calling
Supporting Documentation Required
Bright Star Respite is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized individuals, women, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
• This position requires travel within the Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, and surrounding Parkland County region for home visits. Mileage reimbursement is provided in accordance with organizational policy.
• Applicants must have all mandatory certifications and checks completed and current before a formal offer of employment can be made — no exceptions.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please ensure all required documentation is submitted.
• Only candidates with more than 2 years of directly relevant work experience will be contacted for an interview.
• References will be checked and must be professional in nature, speaking directly to the applicant's relevant experience and character.
• We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are made by humans.
Job Type
Permanent Part Time
Salary
$27.55 – $32.83 per hour based on experience
Ability to Commute/Relocate
With home visit travel requirements
Application Question(s)
How to Apply?
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and copies of all required certifications and clearance checks to:
Email: careers@brightstarrespite.ca
Subject Line: Family Support Worker – Mahikan Lodge – [Your Name]
In your cover letter, please speak specifically to your passion for working with families, your knowledge of Indigenous culture, and your experience with FSCD, AISH, and/or PDD programs.
Language
License/Certification
• Standard First Aid with CPR Level C — valid certificate required
• Clear Police Information Check (PIC) completed within the past 6 months — no exceptions
• Clear Child Intervention Record Check (CIRC) completed within the past 6 months — mandatory and non-negotiable
• Trauma-Informed Practice / Trauma-Informed Awareness Training — required
• Class 5 Alberta Driver's License — valid and in good standing
Work Location
Spruce Grove, Alberta
Application Deadline
Expected Start Date
Please email your job application to:
Alaina@brightstarrespite.ca