Job Description

Hi. We're Trellis.

Trellis works with young people, adults, families, and communities to unlock their potential and support their growth. We are focused on generational change by providing a spectrum of services for people of all backgrounds, including those with complex needs. Our programs improve access to resources, develop family and community supports and build people's capacity to deal with life's challenges.


With our support, people from all walks of life are empowered to move beyond systemic barriers, cultivate great outcomes and reach their full potential. We're Trellis - and we're always growing!

Our Values

Our values not only define who we are but also support Trellis to achieve our vision of everyone reaching their full potential.

Courage:

We willingly embrace growth, and don't see it as optional

Empathy:

We relentlessly care about the growth of others and won't let anyone go unsupported

Learning:

We choose to grow through uncertainty, even when the status quo feels easier

Impact:

We go beyond what seems doable and prove that growth is possible.

Our Commitments

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and connectedness, where everyone is welcomed. We believe in creating a workplace that celebrates diversity of our teams, our program participants and reflects the communities we serve.


We are committed to active reconciliation in alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 calls to action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Reconciliation is a highly valued and integrated part of our culture and work. Trellis' reconciliation journey is intentional with meaningful engagement from team members both collectively and as individuals.

What Trellis Offers

We provide people with meaningful work and are committed to offering equitable total compensation to all staff. This includes the following benefits:

Flexible Health & Wellness Benefits RRSP Group Savings Plan Free and confidential support through the Employee & Family Assistance Program Paid Vacation, Sick Days, Wellness Days and your Work Anniversary off Ability to swap statutory holidays for other days of importance to you Consistent Training & Development Opportunities Diversity and Inclusion embedded into everyday practice.
For more info on Trellis Society, visit www.growwithtrellis.ca or find us at @TrellisYYC on social media.

The Role: Recovery & Wellness Worker

The Recovery and Wellness Worker is responsible for the design, coordination, and delivery of dynamic, youth-focused programming that supports recovery, wellness, and meaningful connection for youth aged 17-25 years experiencing varying levels of mental wellness, substance use, and/or complex life circumstances. This role emphasizes strength-based, trauma-informed, and person-centered approaches to promote hope, healing, self-determination, and progress toward wellness and self-sufficiency.


This includes creating and facilitating peer informed, inclusive group and individual opportunities that promote identity, coping strategies, emotional regulation, community engagement, life skills, and recovery capital.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Client Engagement & Support

Build authentic, trusting relationships with youth through active listening, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. Engage youth from a place of dignity and hope, honouring their lived experiences and self-identified recovery goals. Meet youth where they are at emotionally, developmentally, culturally offering flexible, low-barrier support options. Model healthy coping strategies, emotional regulation, and recovery behaviors. Respond to youth in moments of distress or crisis using trauma-informed de-escalation strategies, and document/report as required. Maintain appropriate boundaries and support a safe and inclusive group culture. Advocate for youth access to appropriate wraparound supports (e.g., mental health, housing, employment, education). Work collaboratively with other staff to support youth's individualized care pathways and goal-setting.

Program Planning, Implementation & Measurement

Design and deliver recovery-oriented programming, grounded in recovery-oriented practice, cultural humility, and strength-based frameworks. Facilitate individual and group sessions focused on wellness topics such as: + Emotional resilience
+ Coping skills and self-regulation
+ Identity development
+ Peer connection and social skills
+ Creative expression
+ Navigating systems (housing, health, justice, etc.)
+ Substance use harm reduction and recovery pathways
+ Daily living skills and wellness routines
Use client feedback and real-time group dynamics to adapt programming responsively. Co-create individual wellness plans with youth, supporting goal-setting and tracking progress toward recovery outcomes. Collect program data, surveys, and outcomes aligned with funder and agency logic models. Maintain up-to-date documentation including attendance, incident reports, and goal tracking notes. Ensure physical and emotional safety in programming spaces, including clean-up, setup, and accessibility needs.

Culture, Growth & Professional Development

Commit to ongoing professional development and learning related to recovery, youth engagement, and trauma-informed care. Attend regular supervision, reflective practice, and team debriefs. Participate in all required agency trainings, certifications, and performance review processes. Promote and model equity, inclusion, and anti-oppressive practice. Support a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the Recovery & Wellness team and broader agency. Stay informed about community resources and contribute to a well-connected service delivery network.

Qualifications & Skills

Lived or living experience with recovery, mental health, substance use, or related systems is considered a strong asset. Priority for candidates that are certified Recovery Coaches Post-secondary education or equivalent experience in social work, psychology, addictions, community health, or related fields. Strong facilitation and group dynamics management skills, particularly in diverse and high-acuity settings. Understanding of trauma-informed, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented practices. Ability to adapt programming and support to meet a wide range of emotional, cultural, and developmental needs. Strong documentation, time management, and interpersonal skills. Current First Aid/CPR, NVCI, and suicide intervention training are assets.

Additional Information

This position requires flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends. A valid driver's license and access to a vehicle may be required. A current Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search and Child Intervention Record Check will be required upon hire.

Reporting Relationship:

This position directly reports to a Trellis Program Manager.

Join Our Team

The resounding impact we have on individuals and communities is thanks to our network of passionate, open minded and dedicated staff who are committed to the work they do everyday. We're always growing and we're looking for passionate people who want to grow with us! People who are eager to make an impact while continuing to grow their expertise.

We appreciate your interest and thank all who apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted!

Acknowledgement

At Trellis, our programs improve access to resources, develop family and community support, and build people's capacity to deal with life's challenges. We want to acknowledge the importance of your work and the commitment you bring to supporting youth in meaningful, practical, and culturally supportive ways.


We know you could choose to work anywhere--and we are honoured that you choose to work with Trellis. Thank you for your dedication, and we look forward to supporting your growth and success.

Please acknowledge and understand that this job description is not a comprehensive list, and other duties may be assigned as required.