Indigenous Support Youth Worker / Overnight Respite Support Aide
Application Deadline:
About the Role
The Position
The Indigenous Support Youth Worker is the key worker responsible for leading the day-to-day operations and cultural supports. This position involves providing culturally sensitive support and guidance to Indigenous youth who have complex mental health needs, including ADHD, ASD, anorexia, PTSD, and dissociative identity disorders.
The primary objective of this role is to empower and assist these young individuals in achieving their personal, emotional, spiritual, mental, physical, and educational goals while promoting their cultural identity and overall well-being in a safe, nurturing environment.
In Your Role You Will
The Indigenous Support Youth Worker will promote and celebrate Indigenous culture, traditions, and values within the home environment. You will facilitate culturally relevant activities, workshops and events that enhance identity, pride and connection to the community.
Cultural Programming & Support
Prepare and serve traditional Indigenous meals including bannock, elk burgers, and other culturally significant foods
Facilitate participation in cultural ceremonies, teachings, and traditional practices
Connect youth with Elders and Knowledge Keepers
Support youth in developing strong cultural identity and pride
Daily Youth Support
Prepare and serve/eat meals family-style with the youth
Help youth with daily chores, homework, and life skills development
Transport youth to/from school, and accompany on recreational or cultural outings and to appointments as needed
Work with individual or groups of youth to develop living/life skills and healthy routines
Provide age-appropriate support with personal care and hygiene as needed
Specialized Mental Health Support
Implement trauma-informed care approaches with youth experiencing complex mental health conditions
Support youth with ADHD, ASD, eating disorders, PTSD, and dissociative identity disorders
Recognize and respond appropriately to mental health crises and triggers
Collaborate with mental health professionals, therapists, and medical providers
Administer medications as prescribed and monitor youth wellness
Household Management
Housekeeping duties such as laundry, cleaning, dishwashing, and changing of linens as needed
Maintain a safe, clean, and culturally welcoming home environment
Ensure the home reflects Indigenous values and traditions
Youth Development
Encourage, promote and enable youth to develop age-appropriate skills, including healthy individual coping, problem-solving skills, and cultural knowledge and experience
Model healthy relationships and communication
Support educational goals and school engagement
Foster independence and self-advocacy skills
What We Offer
Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in Indigenous youth's lives
Collaborative work environment with an experienced multidisciplinary team including nurses, speech pathologists, social workers, psychologists, and teachers
Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
Supportive team culture focused on trauma-informed and culturally responsive care
Competitive compensation
Benefits package for eligible employees
Professional development and job-related training opportunities
Requirements
Required Qualifications
Cultural Competence:
Extensive knowledge and experience working with Indigenous youth, particularly within Treaty 6 and 8 communities
In-depth knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture, traditions, and history
Sensitivity to the needs and experiences of Indigenous youth who have experienced trauma
Ability to prepare traditional Indigenous meals (bannock, elk burgers, traditional stews, etc.)
Knowledge/ability to speak an Indigenous language is an asset
Education & Experience:
Certificate or Diploma in Social Work, Child and Youth Work, other human services, Education, Sociology, Psychology, or related field
Prior Youth Work experience working with children and youth in group care and/or community care setting
Experience supporting Indigenous children/youth is required
Experience working with youth with complex mental health needs including eating disorders, ADHD, ASD, PTSD, and dissociative disorders
Certifications & Clearances:
Valid Class 5 Driver's License with clean 10-year driver's abstract
Valid CPR/First Aid certification
Child intervention check completed by Alberta Child and Family Services (less than 6 months old)
Clear criminal background check (less than 6 months old)
Crisis Intervention training
Must be able to handle crisis situations
Preferred Qualifications:
Valid Medication Administration training
ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) certification
Self-Harm Awareness training
Experience working specifically with female youth
Additional mental health training or certifications
Supporting Documentation Required
Prior to Employment
Prior to confirmation of employment, all applicants must provide:
Copy of a current Criminal Record Check (less than 6 months old)
Child Intervention Check from Alberta Child and Family Services (less than 6 months old)
Valid Driver's Abstract (3 years clean)
First Aid CPR Level C
Copies of all required certifications and educational credentials
Job Type
Full-Time
Salary
$24.35/hour - $27.77/hour plus extended health benefits
Ability to Commute/Relocate
Edmonton, AB: reliably commute (required)
Application Question(s)
Do you have your supporting documents ready for employment at any time?
Language
English
License/Certification
Copy of a current Criminal Record Check (less than 6 months old)
Child Intervention Check from Alberta Child and Family Services (less than 6 months old)
Valid Driver's Abstract (3 years clean)
First Aid CPR Level C
Work Location
In-Person
Application Deadline
Expected Start Date
Please email your job application to Kaitlyn.Davydenko@Brightstarrespite.ca.