Job Description

Are you passionate about early childhood development and the power of connection during the first five years of life? Do you believe that every young parent deserves compassionate, non-judgmental support as they navigate their parenting journey? If this sounds like the kind of meaningful work you've been searching for, we'd love to hear from you.

What We Do:

The Alex is a beacon of hope for Calgary's most vulnerable citizens, offering wrap-around health care, housing, social, and wellness programs. With a patient and client-centered approach, we envision a community where every individual is valued and empowered to thrive. Our mission is to improve quality of life through accessible and integrated health, housing, and social services. With five decades of experience, we have earned a reputation for tackling tough health and social issues, guiding individuals on their journey from crisis to wellness, and from challenge to change.


The Alex Youth Health Centre is a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for young people ages 12 to 24 and their children to access health and social care without judgment. Our team of doctors, nurses, mental health clinicians, and social workers work together to support youth as they navigate life's challenges, big or small, with dignity, trust, and compassion at the core of everything we do.


Reporting to the Clinic Manager and working in a multidisciplinary team of professionals, the Family Support Specialist is committed to empowering youth under 25 and their children in accessing and navigating health services, personal and community resources, and the basic needs to achieve and maintain good health to support them in their parenting journey. Clients may be connected from community or move from pre- and post-natal specialists.


This is a permanent, full-time position.

What You Will Do:

Manage a caseload of parenting youth under 25, offering comprehensive support. Assist parenting youth with program navigation. Assist parenting youth with attending appointments and meetings, including providing transportation when necessary. Source and obtain essential resources for parenting youth, such as baby supplies, clothing, toys, furniture, diapers, formula, and health-related referrals. Connect young families with housing resources, independent living support, and shelters. Conduct home visits to support parenting skills and strategies. Facilitate interactions between young parents and Children's Services. Link young parents to counselors, social services, mental health support, and medical care. Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and immediate support. Lead and facilitate parenting groups and activities like Parenting Plus and Toddler Play Group. Offer referrals to external parenting programs, playgroups, and recreational activities. Collaborate with the team to share resources and guide navigation through available services. Work with the medical team to integrate medical and social support as appropriate. Build partnerships with agencies serving young families and participate in relevant committees. Collaborate with The Alex Community Health Centre's programs and services, including medical staff and housing programs. Maintain a safe and informed environment within the Youth Health Centre. Assist youth in developing problem-solving, conflict resolution, and communication skills. Manage crises using problem-solving and de-escalation techniques. Educate clients on topics such as addictions, sexual health, diversity, and mental health. Ensure all documentation is accurate, current, and professional. Promote community awareness and education on youth issues. Attend committee meetings and agency functions to network and foster a collaborative community. Uphold professional conduct and boundaries at all times. Support data collection and reporting as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring:

A diploma or degree in social work. An active practice permit with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) is preferred. Minimum 3-5 years' experience working with vulnerable/at-risk youth. Experience and knowledge of pregnancy and infants is an asset. A high degree of comfort working with youth using harm reduction, strength based, natural and logical consequences, and trauma informed care techniques. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a very diverse clientele. Working knowledge of resources for toddlers and preschoolers within the Calgary community. Skills in assessment, support and intervention, consultation, crisis counseling and advocacy are required A high degree of comfort working in a team as well as working independently. A passion for advocating for at-risk youth. Class 5 driver's license, personal vehicle for business use, clean 3-year drivers abstract, and $2 million liability coverage are required. At least 21 years of age with a minimum of three (3) years' driving experience to drive an Alex fleet vehicle. First Aid (Basic or Intermediate) - Level C CPR & AED within 30 days of hire date; certification must be valid for a minimum of 6 months upon hire. A satisfactory vulnerable sector criminal record clearance and child welfare intervention check are required. Demonstrated knowledge, understanding and commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action is preferred.

Work Environment and Hours:

Predominantly outreach with some in-office components at The Alex Youth Health Centre: 2840-2 Ave SE, Calgary, AB Standard hours are 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Scheduling flexibility may be required. 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours/week) Continuous extended periods of sitting, with some standing and walking (sometimes up/down stairwells). Occasional physical activity requiring the ability to bend/crouch, reach above shoulder height, kneel/crawl, and carry objects (up to 20 lbs.) throughout the shift. Frequent driving will be required as part of work duties. Frequent time outside in all weather conditions.

What We Offer:

Some of the great benefits The Alex has to offer include:

3-weeks' vacation Medical and Dental Coverage Health / Wellness Spending Accounts RRSP, Student Loan Repayment Program and/or Mortgage Repayment Accelerator Program (up to 5% match) Personal Days Floating Holiday Sick/Wellness Days Employee Family Assistance Plan (EFAP) Professional Development

Driving on Behalf of The Alex:

This position requires the use of a personal vehicle for work-related purposes and driving an Alex fleet vehicle. Candidates must show proof of a class 5 driver's license, a personal vehicle, and a clean 3-year drivers abstract. Candidates must consent to the possibility of an annual driver's abstract review to meet our insurance provider's requirements and must also agree to maintain $2 million liability insurance on their personal vehicle. Mileage will be reimbursed in alignment with the CRA guidelines. Driving a fleet vehicle at The Alex requires that staff are at least 21 years of age with a minimum of three (3) years' driving experience.

How to Apply:

If you are as passionate as we are about making a difference in people's lives, please visit our career centre: Jobs at The Alex | The Alex.


This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We will make every effort to accommodate candidate's schedules and needs in all parts of the hiring process.


The Alex is committed to embedding the principles of equity, inclusion, and diversity across the organization. We are committed to removing barriers to employment that are faced by equity-seeking groups and encourage (but not require) members of these groups to self-identify as such in their cover letters.


In accordance with our strategic priorities, we particularly encourage applications from individuals who self-identify as racializedor Indigenous (First Nation, Metis, or Inuit).
The term "racialized" is used here instead of the more outdated and inaccurate terms "racial minority, "visible minority", "person of colour", or "non-White".

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

www.thealex.ca