Job Description

Overview

Roots Youth Care is a holistic, strength-based organization providing residential care to youth ages 12-17 across Manitoba. Our model blends clinical insight with human connection, focusing on growth, accountability, structure, and love. We believe that each youth's story can evolve toward healing when we build trust, consistency, and opportunity.

As a Behavioural Therapist with Roots Youth Care, you will be a key member of our interdisciplinary care team--working closely with House Managers, front-line staff, and clinicians to develop and implement individualized behavioural plans that support emotional regulation, social skill development, and overall wellness for youth in care.

Core Responsibilities

Assessment & Planning Conduct functional behavioural assessments (FBA) and gather input from youth, caregivers, and staff teams to identify underlying needs and triggers. Develop individualized Behavioural Support Plans (BSPs) aligned with Roots' holistic framework and provincial standards. Integrate trauma-informed, neurodevelopmental, and strength-based approaches in all planning. Review and update behavioural plans regularly in collaboration with the youth's care team.

Intervention & Implementation

1:1 therapeutic sessions to support skill-building, regulation, and coping strategies. Model and coach front-line staff in the consistent use of intervention techniques and de-escalation strategies. Facilitate group interventions focused on communication, problem-solving, mindfulness, and self-awareness. Support the development of proactive environments that reduce behavioural incidents through structure, engagement, and relational safety.

Collaboration & Training

Participate in multidisciplinary case conferences with social workers, FPS clinicians, psychologists, and educators. Deliver on-site coaching and training to residential staff on behaviour management, documentation, and therapeutic relationship building. Provide input on program development to enhance therapeutic and environmental consistency across Roots homes. Maintain accurate behavioural data, progress notes, and summaries for agency and stakeholder reporting.

Crisis Support

Assist teams in managing high-risk behaviours through calm, trauma-sensitive responses. Debrief incidents with staff and youth to identify learning opportunities and emotional recovery steps. Collaborate with the On-Call Supervisor or Program Director to ensure behavioural safety and continuity of care.

Qualifications

Education: Master's degree (preferred) or Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Behavioural Science, Social Work, or related field. Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of experience supporting children/youth in residential or treatment settings. Training: Certification or familiarity with trauma-informed care, and applied behavioural analysis principles is an asset.

Skills:

Strong assessment and analytical abilities. Excellent written communication and data tracking skills. Capacity to teach, coach, and inspire staff in strength-based interventions. Emotional intelligence and resilience in managing crisis situations. Deep understanding of relational care and the impact of trauma on development.

Organizational Fit

At Roots Youth Care, we are guided by compassion, accountability, structure, and growth. Our team believes in being proactive rather than reactive--focusing on the roots of behaviour rather than just the outcomes. We build teams that model empathy, connection, and the belief that youth are not defined by their circumstances but by their capacity for change.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $35.00-$50.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32 per week

Benefits:

Dental care Disability insurance Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off RRSP match Store discount Vision care Wellness program Work from home
Education:

Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Experience:

clinical: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person