Child and Youth Worker

About Closer to Home Community Services

Established in 1995, Closer to Home Community Services (CTH) is a non-profit organization based in Alberta dedicated to serving children, youth, and families through a broad spectrum of supportive programs. Their mission is to partner with children and families on a journey of strength, hope, and healing within nurturing communities, emphasizing evidence-based practices blended with diverse cultural insights. The organization promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across all cultural, spiritual, and gender identities while fostering employee wellness and connectivity.

Position Summary

This is a permanent full-time role located in Medicine Hat, AB, working collaboratively with a professional team to support children and youth residing in a community group home. Using the Teaching Family Model, a comprehensive holistic framework, you will facilitate the success of these youth by assisting with daily activities, establishing routines, fostering skill development, safely managing crises, providing supervision, and supporting educational and household responsibilities.

Mandatory Compliance Requirements

• Possession of Alberta OHS Approved Level C First Aid Certificate
• Ownership and reliable use of a personal vehicle
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License
• Clean driver’s abstract for the past 3 years
• Proof of auto insurance coverage of $2 million liability
• Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search (issued within 6 months)
• Intervention Record Check (issued within 6 months)
• See "Qualifications" section for additional requirements

Core Responsibilities

• Assist children and youth with everyday routines, scheduled visits, and appointments
• Apply skill-building strategies and manage crises therapeutically
• Encourage family connections, academic progress, recreational activities, and social inclusion
• Support mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being to enhance a sense of belonging
• Perform routine household duties including cooking and cleaning
• Transport youth safely to school and other appointments or visits
• Follow organizational protocols concerning animals in group homes, addressing allergy risks appropriately

Required Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in a related discipline preferred, with at least one year experience working with vulnerable children or families; relevant education and experience combinations considered
• Experience in Community Group Care or other residential care environments is advantageous
• Proven ability to deliver trauma-informed, family-sensitive, and culturally responsive care
• Flexibility to work an irregular schedule involving 12-hour shifts, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Valid Alberta driver's license and reliable vehicle with current insurance, plus willingness to provide driver's abstract
• Completed police and intervention checks as outlined prior to employment
• Competent in crisis management with therapeutic and low-risk physical intervention techniques if needed
• Excellent communication skills with all age groups, combined with strong organizational and multitasking capabilities
• Committed to learning and adopting the values and methodologies of Closer to Home and the Teaching Family Model
• Empathetic, compassionate, and positively relational approach to care
• Legal eligibility to work full-time in Canada without sponsorship

Core Competencies

Successful candidates must exhibit trustworthiness, person-centered focus, effective communication, adaptability to varying situations, and accountability.

Company Benefits

• Disability, Life, and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance
• Extended health and dental coverage
• Additional health spending account
• Employee assistance program
• Wellness days
• RRSP matching
• Company events
• Opportunities for training and professional development

Workplace Acknowledgement

CTH respectfully acknowledges operating on the traditional lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy and other Indigenous Nations and honours their unique cultures, languages, and customs.

Compensation

This role offers a fixed hourly wage of CAD 23.15.

Application

Applications are accepted until a suitable candidate is found. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.