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Youth Support Specialist – Job Opportunity

created: Oct 1, 2019

Youth Health Centre – Ref. No. 19071
TERM | FULL-TIME

The Alex: Changing Health. Changing Lives. The Alex Community Health Centre is a not-for-profit organization that is changing how we look at health care in Calgary. Our health, housing and food programs support our most vulnerable neighbours, tackling tough health and social issues head-on. Using a multi-disciplinary team approach, we focus care on assessment, intervention and promotion of all aspects of health. We embrace a model of health care that is accessible, responsive and participatory.
In addition to the Family Health Centre, we run a Seniors Health Centre, a Youth Centre, two Mobile Community Health Buses, one Dental Health Bus, four Housing First Programs, a Community Food Centre and Youth Law.

What we do and why we do it:

The Alex Youth Health Centre (YHC) provides comprehensive health services and support in a multidisciplinary team through a welcoming, accessible, confidential, non-judgmental and youth-friendly environment.

Working in a multidisciplinary team of professionals, the Youth Support Specialist is a core staff in the YHC social wellness space who case manages individual clients to support them through outreach in the community. The Youth Support Specialist is committed to empowering youth ages 12 to 24 that are vulnerable, at-risk, homeless or at-risk of homelessness to access health services, personal and community resources, and the basic necessities to achieve and maintain good health.

What you will do:

Case Management:

  • Working on a multidisciplinary team, work collaboratively with internal and external professionals in the process of assessment, planning, facilitation, care coordination, evaluation and advocacy to meet an individual’s comprehensive health needs.
  • Case manage individual clients supporting them with their goals, connection to community and natural supports while providing system navigation.
  • Assess and support youth with appropriate interventions as deemed necessary.
  • Provide support to youth through outreach in the community, including but not limited to: court support, connecting with them while in the corrections systems, street outreach, helping them access identification and basic needs, home visits, etc.
  • Assist youth in developing problem solving, conflict resolution, critical thinking and communication skills.
  • Provide insight and awareness to clients on various topics, such as addictions, sexual health, diversity and mental health.

Other Core Responsibilities:

  • Build good working relationships with internal and external programs and services to facilitate appropriate and timely connections to services on behalf of clients.
  • Maintain order and a safe environment for all staff and clients.
  • Preserve the Youth Health Centre space by modeling good housekeeping, removing/cleaning graffiti as soon as possible, and submitting maintenance requests.
  • Assist relief staff and practicum students by supporting them in their learning and growth.
  • Provide front line services to clients, such as referrals and basic needs.
  • Attend training sessions and staff meetings as directed by Team Lead.
  • Manage crisis situations appropriately, using problem solving and de-escalation skills.
  • Ensure that all documentation is kept current, complete and professional.
  • Promote community awareness and education regarding issues that youth face on a day to day basis.
  • Organize and redistribute donations (e.g., Food Bank, private donors, and donations from other programs).
  • Attend committee meetings and agency functions in order to network and help build a working community.
  • Maintain professional conduct and boundaries at all times.
  • Help support, organize and implement any YHC programs and groups (Queermunity, Parenting Plus, Substance Use Group, Mentorship, etc.).

What you bring:

  • A diploma or degree in a human services field (social work, psychology, child and youth care, etc.)
  • Minimum 3-5 years’ experience working with vulnerable/at-risk youth
  • Be comfortable working with youth using harm reduction, strength based, natural and logical consequences, and
  • trauma informed care techniques
  • Able to work in a fast paced environment with a very diverse clientele
  • Knowledge of the social determinants of health and how it impacts overall well-being
  • Working knowledge of resources within the Calgary community
  • Skills in assessment, support and intervention, consultation, crisis counseling and advocacy are required
  • Comfortable working in a team as well as working independently
  • A passion for advocating for at-risk youth
  • A valid Class 5 driver’s is beneficial

How to apply:

If you are as passionate as we are about making a difference in people’s lives, please email your resume to jobs@thealex.ca
and be sure to include the job title and reference number in the subject line. Deadline to apply is October 8, 2019 at 4pm.

For further information about The Alex and its programs, we encourage you to visit our website at www.thealex.ca.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

References

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Categories:
Career Opportunities

Tags:
Calgary, Community, Health & Wellness, youth

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