PLEA Community Services is currently seeking a Regular Full-Time Youth Care Worker for our Lighthouse team located in Maple Ridge. The proposed start date for this position is as soon as possible. This position requires BCGEU membership.

Hours of Work: The usual hours of work in this position are Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00AM to 8:00AM, based on 40 working hours per week.

Closing date for Internal Applications: Monday, July 15, 2024, at 4:30PM.

Education/Experience Requirements: A Diploma (6o credits/two years) in a related human/social services field, and over six (6) months of recent related experience.

Who we are:

PLEA is an accredited, charitable community services organization that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. We deliver community-based services and specialized supported homes to children, youth, adults and families facing significant challenges in their lives. We continually adapt our programs to suit each individual's diverse strengths, needs and circumstances. As a result, we have a strong reputation for helping those we serve to overcome the challenges they face and lead fulfilling lives.

What You Will Do:

• Monitor youth in residential settings and ensure their safety and well-being. Recognize, analyse, and deal with potential emergency situations such as aggressive behaviour to ensure no harm comes to the youth and/or the public. Identify and reports critical incidents to their manager. Comply with youth safety plans.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination between the Family Caregiver, internal staff, and the youth. Liaise with external stakeholders such as the school, family, and the community, where appropriate.
• Provide feedback to the youth on their behaviour, teach coping techniques and adaptive behaviour strategies, and provide guidance and support to youth on a one-to-one and/or group basis.
• Teach youth to relate in a socially appropriate manner through the use of daily routines and activities. Provide life skills training such as meal preparation, housekeeping, personal care skills and personal finance as required by their service plans.
• Participate in various youth-focused activities in accordance with the youth's service plan.
• Participate in the assessment, goal setting and program planning (service plan) for youth living in a staffed resource home. Document, implement and provide input into the evaluation of the youth's progress.
• Provide crisis intervention and emotional support to youth in accordance with established policy.
• Coordinate, schedule and accompany youth to appointments and community outings.
• Perform residence/program maintenance and housekeeping duties such as laundry, sweeping, mopping floors, mowing lawns, inventory, shopping, cleaning equipment and meal preparation.
• Maintain reports such as statistics, logbooks, and case notes on daily activities with youth.
• Assist the youth in self-administering medication in accordance with established policy.
• Protect and uphold confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as required.

What You Will Bring:

• Effective interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to build trusting and effective relationships with youth, Family Caregivers, internal staff, professionals and families.
• Effective de-escalation, crisis management and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative, make sound decisions and follow service and safety plans in high pressure situations.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to be sensitive and understanding of individuals' social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, poverty and lifestyle.
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues and trends related to the program.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and database systems.

PLEA Benefits and Perks:

• Eligibility to enroll in health/welfare benefits on the first day of the month following the completion of the probation period.
• An education and training fund*
• A physical activity fund*
• Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): confidential and voluntary counselling support services and wellness resources.
• Discounted Membership Fees for Club 16 Trevor Linden and She's Fit.
• Agency-Sponsored Social Events (i.e., summer barbecue, annual holiday party, and team days).
• Perkopolis Membership - exclusive managed discount, reward, and benefits programs.

*these benefits are available to employees who are eligible for PLEA's health and welfare benefits.

Minimum Requirements:

• Satisfactory Consolidated Criminal Record Clearance (CCRC) through the Ministry of Children and Family Development's Centralized Services HUB.
• Must possess a valid Basic First Aid certificate (formerly OFA Level 1) or be willing to obtain one prior to hire
• Willingness to complete a Tuberculosis Screening Test prior to the start of employment.
• A valid Class 5 or Class 7N B.C. Driver's License, and suitable driver's abstract/claims history.
• Documentation that the applicant is legally approved to work in Canada.

Note: PLEA conducts primary source verification of applicant's credentials including education, training, work history, and licensure.