Integrated Youth Services Youth Support Worker
Job Description
Job Description
Reporting to the IYS Site Supervisor and working under the clinical direction of the site Mental Health and Addictions Clinician, the Youth Support Worker provides individual support, mentoring, and advocacy for youth (ages 12-25) who are experiencing challenges related to mental health and addictions.
The Youth Support Worker employs a relational, empowering, developmental, trauma-informed, and equity-focused approach to practice. The Youth Support Worker works collaboratively with youth, their caregivers, members of the Integrated Youth Services team, and others, helping youth meet established goals and objectives, and supporting changes to care plans as needed.
Duties and Responsibilities
Embrace a wholistic approach to youth well-being, informed by the Pan-Canadian Guiding Principles of IYS, the social determinants of health, and the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, accessibility, and anti-racism (EDIRA-AR).
Under the clinical supervision of the site MHA clinician, provide direct service to assigned youth, ages 12 to 25:
- Actively support youth to understand, improve, and maintain their mental and physical well-being.
- Facilitate referrals to services and programs, proactively support youth to create and maintain meaningful connections with service providers within and beyond IYS and facilitate the coordinated transfer and secure attachment of young people to adult services.
- Collaborate with youth and colleagues to establish, implement, and revise care plans and goals; support youth in achieving their goals.
- Assist with case management and crisis intervention.
- Collaborate with IYS colleagues and others to coordinate and integrate service delivery at all levels.
Where required, assist youth in entering data (identified in the minimum data set) into the IYS-NS data platform.
Under the direction of the MHA Clinician, make use of data to guide care conversations and interventions.
Plan and (co-)facilitate group programs for youth, in order to foster social relationships and belonging, and to increase participants’ knowledge and abilities regarding mental health/addiction issues, cultural heritage & identity, life skills, and well-being (defined wholistically).
In collaboration with the provincial Youth and Caregiver Engagement Coordinator, organize and support the site- based Youth Advisory Committee.
Assist in developing and implementing youth peer support initiatives within the IYS site.
Actively nurture and support formal and informal opportunities for youth engagement, personal development, peer support, and leadership.
In accordance with an established site outreach plan, proactively engage with youth and young adults in the community who may benefit from IYS, in order to develop a rapport and introduce them to IYS.
On an ongoing basis, work with site management and coworkers, IYS coalition member organizations, Youth and Caregiver Advisory Committees, Collaborating Service Providers, and the IYS-NS Provincial Leadership Team, to ensure that the Pan-Canadian Principles of IYS guide all aspects of site operations.
Maintain timely and accurate electronic case documentation.
Participate in internal team meetings as required
Look for potential improvements and help implement solutions
Maintain quality, safety and the confidentiality of employees, clients, and volunteers
Maintain professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity so as to portray New Dawn and IYS in a positive manner, consistent with its values and vision
Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, engaging in professional networks, and participating in professional organizations
Respond to the needs of others with effective communication, mutual respect, and consistent follow through to build trust and workplace relationships
Promote the mission and values of New Dawn both internally and externally
Other duties as assigned by the Director, Properties and Development
Qualifications
- Diploma in Child and Youth Care from an accredited college or university, specialization in mental health/addiction services is preferred
- Minimum one (1) year experience working with youth and/or adolescents (age 25 and younger), preferably in mental health/addictions services
- Current and up-to-date CPR and First Aid Training
- Current and up-to-date Naloxone Training
- Current and up-to-date Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training
- Current and up-to-date Brain Story Certification
- Current and up-to-date Mental Health First Aid Training
- Valid Nova Scotia Drivers License, access to reliable transportation, and appropriate licensure and insurance to transport clients is required
- Compassion and empathy
- Experience working with and advocating for vulnerable populations
- Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and with guidance from others
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work effectively with others; to work together towards a shared goal
- Highly organized and ability to work well under pressure
- Proficiency with Microsoft suite of programs and applications
- High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability
- Understands servant leadership and community-focus as central to the work
Work Conditions
- Travel may be required
- Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals
- Overtime may be required; working evenings/weekends as needed
- Interacts with employees, management, and the public at large
- Environment can be busy and/or noisy at times