Job Description

Job Purpose

The Family Support Worker in an integral part of a Youth Services team, coordinating and engaging community resources to support the multi-barriered youth participating in the Real Me program. The Real Me program works with first- and second-generation newcomer youth, aged 12-24 years old and considered high-risk for criminal or gang involvement. The Family Support Worker is a specialized role that conducts needs assessments and facilitates individualized care plans to best support client families. The role is instrumental in supporting the overall wraparound process by identifying the needs of youth and families, co-designing support strategies, improving access to basic services, and delivering workshops on life skills and parenting. The Family Support Worker will also coordinate closely with community resources and partners to support positive transitions and promote prevention in the City of Calgary.

Responsibilities

Engaging family member(s) in a coaching relationship to strengthen and promote healthy communication

Providing individualized support for families who have various types of needs, including assisting with navigating systems and connecting them with community resources

Using a wraparound case management approach to deliver support, review the case plans with family member (s), monitor and document progress

Organizing life skills workshops focused on social connections and expanding family support networks, and developing parental skills to reduce recidivism

Conducting and/or participating in cross-program/sectoral outreach activities in collaboration with other service providers

Facilitating small groups, planning and organizing family events, and providing community presentations as needed

Collaborating and coordinating with youth case managers to the advancement and achievement of functional team goals

Conducting home/community visits, responding to family crises by providing practical help and emotional support

Assisting with report preparation and data generation as required by the program

Participating in community conferences, focus groups, and committees that address newcomer issues or require a newcomer youth perspective

Qualifications:

Degree or Diploma in Social Work, Human Services, or another related field
2- 5 years experience on a youth project for criminal or gang prevention

Direct experience working with children and families from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds

Understanding trauma and its impact, knowledge of trauma-informed practice

Fluent in both official languages, or a second non-official language is an asset

Strong suite of 'soft skills" including:

Coaching, negotiation, expectations management, influencing, problem-solving, and decision-making. Good communication skills, problem-solving skills and the ability to interface with a wide range of personality types.
Ability to use MS Office suite of tools at intermediate to advanced level

Alberta class 5 Driver's license, excellent driving record, and access to a personal vehicle

Level 2 certification in Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies would be an asset

Must be willing to submit to police and child intervention checks

Competencies

Self -directed with the ability to prioritize the needs of youth, families in a timely fashion Collaborative system framework thinking with the ability to address gaps in services will still promoting a coordinated response to newcomer concerns Critical thinking skills Flexible and forward thinking Culturally competency and responsiveness Compassion for newcomer issues as it relates to public policy Conflict resolution and facilitation

Working Conditions

Outreach Work hours flexible to meet youth and families; may include some weekends Access to a personal vehicle considered an asset. If using vehicle, must provide proof of insurance to carry clients up to $1 million in liability:up to $2 million to carry clients Must be willing to work evening and weekend hours

Physical Requirements

Good mental and natural supports Ability to work in a stressful and non-predictable environment

Direct Reports

No direct Reports

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Dental care Disability insurance Discounted or free food Employee assistance program Extended health care Flexible schedule Life insurance Mileage reimbursement On-site childcare On-site gym On-site parking Paid time off Vision care Wellness program
Education:

Bachelor's Degree (required)
Experience:

working with at risk youth: 2 years (required)
Language:

a second language (preferred)
Work Location: In person