Child and Youth Care Counsellor

Full-Time

Positions available: 1

Youth Empowerment and Support Services (YESS) is currently seeking a qualified Full-Time Permanent Child and Youth Care Counsellor, to provide support at the Youth Support Centre(YSC).

What We Do

YESS is a not-for-profit agency working with youth facing difficult realities. Based in Edmonton, our Youth Support Centre provides immediate and low-barrier 24/7 sleep support and individualized wrap-around supports for young people aged 15 - 24.

We work collaboratively within a network of care focused on the prevention of youth homelessness by providing youth with the necessary supports to stabilize their housing, improve their wellbeing, build life skills, connect with community, and avoid re-entry into homelessness.

What You Will Do

The Child and Youth Care Counsellor (CYCC) will support the youth in developing skills for emotional and mental regulation by creating relevant, comprehensive safety plans and providing wrap-around support in a multidisciplinary team to reduce feelings of distress and improve their sense of well-being.

Shift Schedule: Mon-Fri

Hours: 11:00am-7:00pm

Location: 9310-82 Avenue, Edmonton AB

Responsibilities:

• Provide single session, one-on-one or group counseling to children and youth dealing with a variety of mental health and concurrent disorders.
• Develop and enhance developmental programming and trainings specific to youth experiencing trauma and housing instability.
• Help youth develop coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and promoting emotional and physical safety for youth
• Collaborate with families to address concerns, provide parenting support, and foster communication between parents and children.
• Conduct holistic assessments to evaluate the emotional, behavioral, and social needs of youth.
• In Conjunction with programs staff, conduct safety planning, including Suicide Risk Assessments
• Research and develop pathways for accessing community mental health resources
• Building relationships with community mental health resources for transition work for transition support
• Maintain detailed records of sessions, progress, and treatment plans within timely manner
• Communicate with medical professionals, and other service providers to coordinate care.
• Provide quarterly summaries of progress within the department and individuals, as well as participate in weekly youth planning with program staff
• Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary team in case planning and provides consultation to other staff in trauma-informed interventions.
  
• Advocate for the youths needs within the agency and community while respecting the need for confidentiality
• Ensure that young clients are aware of their rights and available resources.

Additionally, you will provide a professional level of service to donors, promote the agency in a positive manner to the outside community and share information, communicate, and collaborate with other YESS staff.

What You Bring

• A diploma or degree in Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Psychology or a related field.
• Single session counselling, group facilitation, youth development, mental health issues, and crisis intervention skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build trust with youth, and families.
• Patience, empathy, and the ability to work in high-pressure situations.
• Up to date registration with the CYCAA or eligibility to register with the CYCAA
• Minimum of 2 years directly related experience in:
  • Crisis management, de-escalation and debrief processing
  • Safety planning and risk assessment
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Trauma Informed Care
  • Working within a non-profit multi-disciplinary team
  • Utilizing a single session model for 1:1 sessions
  • Facilitating group activities
• Previous experience working with ETO is considered an asset

Prerequisites

• Training in first aid
• Training in non-violent crisis intervention
• Training in suicide intervention and harm reduction
• ASIST Training Certified
• Trauma - Informed Care Training
• Clear Police clearance (CRIM) and a Child and Youth Intervention (CYIM) checks, both obtained within the last six months
• Valid drivers license and drivers abstract
• Proof of vehicle insurance (at least $1 million third party liability)

YESS is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and safe work environment for people of all backgrounds.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.