Youth Care Practitioner (Independent Living with Supports- North) - Full-Time

The Link is hiring! Come grow with Us, walk along side people in our community as we grow strong & resilient together. We are seeking candidates with strong character that share our vision for a brighter future; people of action who can support the resilience and potential in people. We honor and strive to model through our actions the traditional Seven Teachings of the Anishinaabe: Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Wisdom, Humility & Truth.

SUMMARY: The Link is looking for an experienced Youth Care Practitioner (YCP) in Thompson, MB for a full-time role to provide mentorship to multiple young persons living independently. The YCP is expected to provide ongoing, culturally sensitive care while adhering to organizational policies and procedures. A major focus of the work with young people is to be a positive role-model at all times and to assist the young person in a manner that encourages them to reach their agreed upon goals.

Duties are varied, following established service plan, procedures and policies with some judgement required to determine the most appropriate of a limited number of alternatives. Non-routine or unusual situations are referred to the supervisor. Actions could result in inadequate services that could have a negative impact on The Link, to employees, customers, youth and communities. Misconduct could result in major loss of time or resources, could cause embarrassment within the organization and have a negative impact on the organization, to customers, communities and/or its public image.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibilities of the YCP include, but are not limited to:

• Participate in on-going professional development to increase knowledge in the field and increase skill level to continue meeting developing employment needs
  
• Participate in meetings as required and promote positive teamwork and exhibit a high degree of positive role modelling for young people
• Support the program to reflect The Link treatment philosophy, organizational and Human Resource policies and program protocols; including representing the program and the organization in a professional manner
• Demonstrate a good understanding of the Child and Family Services system in Manitoba, particularly in the context of Indigenous communities and the impacts of inter-generational and historical trauma
• Knowledge, awareness and respect of Indigenous cultures, languages, traditions, and practices
  
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills; Ability to adapt to changing circumstances or conditions with flexibility and compassion
• Ability to reflect or seek guidance to ensure support given is representative of the organization’s mission and values
• Transport youth to and from appointments (medical & other), to pay bills, to and from the grocery store.
• Provide direction, support and participation in daily chores.
• Helping young people develop and implement household routines
• Record keeping and report writing as required, including monthly reports
• Ensuring that all receipts for items purchased with company funds are forwarded to the program supervisor
• Provide first aid interventions as required
• Works as part of a team to ensure consistency in the youth’s experiences with The Link
• Spend one-on-one time with the youth
• Identify and assist with life skills development
• Active involvement with the youth in family and community
• Encourage and participate in cultural activities
• Assist in developing and implementing plans for special occasions such as birthdays, holidays or discharge.
• Helping youth with meal planning, grocery shopping and cooking
• Adhere to and encourage safe food handling, cooking and clean up
• Teach the youth budgeting and shopping techniques
• Assist with the maintenance and cleanliness of the office space and the vehicles
• Report damage or concerns with the building and vehicles to the program supervisor
• Assist with all procedures and routines related to health and safety of staff and youth

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of high school or equivalent program and a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the Youth Care field
• Demonstrated understanding and appreciation for issues and concerns of Indigenous peoples within a child welfare environment
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 and the ability to operate in a networked environment; which may include writing incident reports, develop and edit documents and correspond with emails
• Ability to handle sensitive situations and confidential information in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Must have knowledge, experience and understanding of Indigenous culture and traditions
• Must provide services through an Indigenous lens that is holistic and focuses on the strengths and experiences of Indigenous children, youth, families and communities
• Knowledge of history and impact of intergenerational barriers and oppression faced by Indigenous people
• Knowledge of systems for children in care, school, family functioning and child welfare preferred
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license
• Willingness to obtain or complete training as per The Link Policy and/or organizational required training
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search, a clear Child Abuse Registry check with acceptable Prior Contact checks and a clear Adult Abuse Registry check, all done within the last 3 (three) months

Preferred:

• Ability to speak an Indigenous language is a definite asset
• ASSIST certificate (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training and De-escalation training
• Mental Health First Aid
• The Link Commit 2 Kids Training

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities upon request. If you are contacted by The Link regarding a job opportunity, please know that you are welcome to request an accommodation at any point in the process. All information received regarding accommodations will be kept confidential.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 22, 2023

WORK LOCATION: Thompson, Manitoba

WORK HOURS: Full-Time - 40 hours per week

SALARY: $18.00 per hour with a northern allowance, equal to an additional 5% of the salary;

The Link is an equal opportunity employer, Indigenous people, women, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The Link is committed to developing and retaining a diverse workforce. We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. For further information about our other employment and volunteer opportunities please visit https://thelinkmb.easyapply.co/

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.