Family Support Worker (Contract)
YMCA of Northern Alberta actively seeks a Family Support Worker to engage with families within the Family Connect Family Supports program, providing orientation and education to support families. The successful candidate will support parents and caregivers who have children ages 7-18. You will work with participants in the homes, to provide support for child and youth development and their well-being, increase caregiver capacity, social connections, and support. This will be accomplished through in person, virtual and community-based visits. You will also provide in-home support to caregivers through supportive counseling, resources, referrals and increasing parent knowledge. You will be expected to engage in networking and support event planning within the team dynamics while provided with opportunities to work with diverse populations and work to understand and help them overcome their own unique set of challenges. With support from your leaders, you will further develop your interpersonal and communications skills as we strive to approach our work with a high degree of professionalism.
This position requires regular use of a vehicle. You must be able to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings, and occasional weekends as we meet families where they are at. This is a full time (37.5 hrs weekly) contract position until August 25, 2025 with the possibility to extend.
Essential Functions
- Recruit, and screen families for participation in Family Supports program. Provide individual supportive counseling and advocacy, facilitate appropriate community placements, provide feedback to participants, and communicate progress of the participants within the team as appropriate.
- Work with families to provide information and support that helps them improve their parenting skills and provide a safe, nurturing environment for their children.
- Plan and implement programs within YMCA guidelines and contracted performance measures.
- Research, develop and/or acquire relevant program materials, manuals and tools to meet group and individual learning needs.
- Advocate for families in crisis, assist with problem solving and goal planning to increase their confidence in meeting the needs of their children and family.
- Maintain appropriate program administration systems in relation to programs.
- Establish effective community relations relevant to the program.
- Market and promote programs to achieve programmatic and financial targets.
What You'll Need
- University Degree in a Human Services field or equivalent
- 2 years of experience working directly with vulnerable families
- Previous experience working with cultural groups, high needs, and marginalized populations.
- Standard First Aid and CPR
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Suicide Intervention Certification preferred.
- Valid driver’s license, clear driver’s abstract, and access to a reliable vehicle
- Ability to obtain a Police Information Check and Vulnerable sector and Child Intervention/Enhanced Security check.
What the Y Brings to You
- A meaningful career with opportunities to grow while building your community.
- A culture of honesty, respect, and pride in what we do.
- Colleagues who bring diverse perspectives and talents to the workplace.
- Membership to our health, fitness & aquatics facilities and reduced fees in YMCA programs.
Disclaimer
We appreciate your interest in YMCA of Northern Alberta. However, only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. YMCA of Northern Alberta is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing employment opportunities to all individuals. Only candidates legally permitted to work in Canada are eligible for this position.
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