Youth Support Worker (Male)

Who We're Looking For

You are someone who:

• Is genuinely passionate about working with children and youth with complex neurodivergent needs, including ASD

• Leads with empathy, patience, and consistency in high-support environments

• Is confident supporting children and youth through emotional dysregulation using trauma-informed strategies

• Values cultural humility and understands the importance of Indigenous identity in healing and connection

• Communicates clearly and professionally with families, caseworkers, and team members

• Thrives in a collaborative, team-based residential setting

• Is flexible, dependable, and able to commit to shifts throughout the summer term

• Advocates for each young person's full participation in their home, community, and daily life

Key Responsibilities

Day-to-Day Support

• Provide direct, trauma-informed care and supervision to children and youth at Takoda Lodge

• Support implementation of individualized support plans, behavioural strategies, and therapeutic interventions developed by the clinical team

• Assist with daily living routines including personal care, meal preparation, household tasks, and medication administration as trained

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

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

Recreation & Community

• Plan and deliver safe, engaging, age-appropriate summer activities both at the Lodge and in the community

• Accompany children and youth on community outings, field trips, and recreational activities

• Support each child or youth's meaningful participation in summer programming, cultural events, and community life

Documentation & Communication

• Complete accurate and timely documentation including daily logs, incident reports, and progress notes

• Participate in shift handovers, team meetings, and training sessions

• Communicate clearly and respectfully with families, caseworkers, and members of the multidisciplinary team

Cultural Connection

• Support and honour the cultural identity of Indigenous children and youth in the program

• Participate in culturally relevant activities, ceremonies, and community events as appropriate

• Engage with cultural programming developed in partnership with DFNA bands and families

Qualifications & Education

Required Education

Certificate or Diploma in a Human Services field, including (but not limited to):

• Child and Youth Care

• Social Work

• Psychology

• Educational Assistant

Students currently enrolled in a Human Services program who have completed substantial coursework may also be considered.

Required Experience

• Demonstrated experience supporting children or youth with complex neurodivergent needs, including ASD

• Experience with behaviour support strategies and de-escalation techniques

• Experience working within or alongside child welfare systems (CFS, DFNA, or equivalent) is a strong asset

Required Certifications & Clearances

• CPR First Aid Level C (current)

• Police Information Check (completed within the last 6 months)

• Child Intervention Record Check (completed within the last 6 months)

• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's Licence

• Clear 3-year driver's abstract

• Reliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insurance

Assets (not required, but valued)

• Certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), Mandt, or equivalent

• Training in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) or other autism-specific frameworks

• Knowledge of or connection to Indigenous cultures, communities, or languages

• Experience supporting children and youth in a residential or 24-hour care setting

• Availability for ongoing casual or part-time work beyond the summer term