Child Support Worker - Lotus Group Awake NightsCare

Position Title: Child Support Worker
Location: Grande Prairie, Alberta
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Schedule: 4-on 4-off rotation - 12-hour shifts

Hours: Night Shift

We are currently seeking a dedicated and compassionate Youth Care Support Worker to join our team. In this role, you will act as a positive role model, providing guidance, leadership, and encouragement to vulnerable children. You'll play a key part in fostering healthy relationships, promoting positive behaviors, and creating engaging activities that support the overall well-being of those in your care. This is a meaningful opportunity to grow your skills in person-centered care, trauma-informed practices, and therapeutic programming while making a real difference in children’s lives. Accelerate your career in a purposeful role and enjoy the intrinsic rewards of helping people live their lives with dignity and authenticity.

About Mountain Plains Community Services Society of the North (MPCSSN):

Established in 1972, MPCSSN is a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering diverse community and family-focused programming tailored to the unique needs of Alberta's Northwest region. We collaborate with Child and Family Services, Recovery Alberta and Alberta Human Services to provide comprehensive support services. Our organization is accredited by CARF International and is a proud member of the ALIGN Association of Community Services and the Children’s Welfare League of Canada.

Our Commitment to You:

Core training upon hiring in Trauma-Informed Care, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, First Aid, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

Ongoing professional development opportunities, including training in person-centered care, Mental Health First Aid, and therapeutic programming

Comprehensive benefits package, up to $100 RRSP monthly matching after six months, and a $500 Wellness Spending Account after three months

Vacation entitlement of two weeks in the first year, increasing to four weeks in the second year

Educational support after two years of employment

This role’s expected schedule is either 5 days a week, Monday to Friday, with 8-hour day shifts, or a rotation of 4 days on and 4 days off with 12-hour shifts. Specific scheduling will depend on program needs and will be discussed during the hiring process

$48,124 annual salary, with annual $500 salary increments applied up to six (6) years of employment

About the Lotus Program:

The Lotus Program is dedicated to supporting children aged six to twelve who demonstrate low to moderate behavioral needs. The program focuses on helping these children build coping strategies as they navigate the challenges of entering care, including the emotional impact of change and loss. Within the program, children receive support to engage in their education, strengthen their emotional regulation skills, and foster or maintain meaningful social connections within their home communities.

Role Overview:

As a Youth Care Support Worker, you will play a pivotal role in providing a safe and nurturing environment for children experiencing instability in their lives. Your role will involve providing hands-on day-to-day care, implementing individualized support plans based on the specific needs of each child, and taking a holistic approach to caregiving. This position requires flexibility, patience, and the ability to adapt approaches for different presenting needs of each persons served. You will also be responsible for transporting clients to community activities and appointments, making reliable transportation a key component of the role.

Key Responsibilities:

Personalized Support: Assist person served with daily living activities, including personal care, meal preparation, and household management, ensuring their comfort and safety. Creating a nurturing and safe environment within the home for each child

Fostering Community Connections: Support children in participating in community activities, fostering social connections, and developing their natural support network within the community. For children in this age group, community connections and social activities are paramount to their growth and development

Nurturing and safe home-like environment: Work collaboratively with the team to create a nurturing and safe environment for the persons served accessing the program. Children in this age group are forming their attachment styles and will require safe and supportive adult relationships to foster this growth

Skill Development: Develop and implement individualized support plans focusing on developing emotional regulation, resiliency, healthy social networks, and age-appropriate life skills

Transportation: Provide reliable transportation for supported individuals to appointments, social events, extra curricular activities and community programs, ensuring punctuality and safety

Advocacy: Advocate for individuals’ rights and needs within the community and support them in accessing necessary services and resources

Documentation: Maintain accurate records of individuals’ progress, incidents, and any changes in their needs or preferences

Team Collaboration: Work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including healthcare professionals, service coordinators, funders, and family members to deliver cohesive and comprehensive support

Applied Skills:

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to develop, adjust, and implement individualized support plans tailored to the needs of supported individuals

Patience, empathy, and ability to form supportive relationships with children and youth

Proficiency in problem-solving and adapting to diverse situations

Ability to exercise critical thinking and to adjust following periods of tension

Ability to collaborate with family members and funders while supporting children and advocating on their behalf

Hiring Requirements:

Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License with a clean driving record

Clear Criminal Records Check and Children’s Services Intervention Record Check

Vehicle insurance with $2 million liability and reliable access to transportation

Education: 2+ Year post-secondary diploma or degree; educational background in Child care, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field an asset

Experience: Preferred previous experience in supporting vulnerable children and youth