Position Summary:
STC Well-being Services Emergency receiving home is committed to provide child/youth care rooted in indigenous culture and values, controlled and managed to provide care, support and protection services. The Child/Youth Support Worker is responsible to provide care to children and youth aged 0-12 yrs. who are no longer in the care of their primary caregivers and are involved with Saskatoon Tribal Council, Well-being Services (STC WBS). The Child/Youth Support Worker will ensure the physical, emotional, psychological, cultural and daily essential needs are met. In addition, demonstrating warmth, empathy, compassion, and displaying genuine passion for working with children and youth. The Child/Youth Support Worker will work collaboratively with the WBS Home Supervisor and STC WBS to provide planning, advocacy and resources to children and youth that may require supports in areas of trauma, health, mental health, growth and development.
The Child/Youth Support Worker is under the direct supervision of and will report directly to the Well-being Services Home Supervisor and overseen by the Well-being Services Director. The Child/Youth Support Worker will follow the Saskatoon Tribal Council Personnel and Financial Policies and the STC Homes Operations and Program Guidelines Manual.
Responsibilities:
Direct Services
- Ensure the best interests of children and youth is foremost in all duties and actions.
- Assist Well-being Services Home Supervisor in assessing and implementing the mental, emotional, physical and cultural well being of children and youth.
- Provide a positive, safe and compassionate environment of care and shelter.
- Respond to and provide advocacy, support and resources to children and youth that may require extra attention with regard to trauma, health, mental health, growth and development.
- Demonstrate professionalism, effective communication and interpersonal skills in your practice.
- Maintain professional and ethical boundaries.
- Follow a strict code of confidentiality at all times.
- Represent STC in a positive manner at all times.
- Ensure safety for child care is maintained.
- Report any suspected abuse to supervisor as per Duty to Report policy and processes.
Daily Tasks
- Assist the Well-being Services Home Supervisor to complete and adhere to the documentation and reporting as required in performing duties as per the STC Personnel and Financial Policy along with the Operation and Program Guidelines Manuals;
- Ensure the children and youth basic needs are met for shelter, food, clothing and emotional support;
- Will be responsible for the daily functions and daily organization of the home operations pertaining to child care and home requirements including but not limited to; meal preparations, household/yard management, transportation to school, appointments, recreation activities;
- Responsible to listen, support, validate and document all interaction with each child on a daily basis;
- Plan and deliver daily programming and activities for the children and youth with a focus on growth and development, cultural inclusion and as outlined by the case plan.
- Ensure the STC emergency receiving home and vehicles are maintained as outlined in Operation and Program Guidelines Manuals and as directed by the Supervisor.
Working Environment:
- The STC Emergency Receiving Home operate on a 24 hour, 7 days a week basis.
- Child/Youth Support Workers are scheduled to work unconventional hours and rotational shifts and flexibility in shift coverage in all STC Home as directed by Well-being Services Home Supervisor and or designate of authority.
- Positions in the child care field can be both mentally and emotionally challenging. The nature of the positions may expose incumbents to high levels of tension when dealing with issues. The tension includes a level of stress that is usually moderate with high levels occurring on occasions.
- Work in an environment which offers emergency care to children and youth with various physical, emotional and psychological care and crisis management.
- Given the traditional practices of the Dakota, Cree, Dene and Saulteaux cultures, from time to time there can be exposure to wood smoke and the burning of sacred medicines, including tobacco, sweet grass, sage or cedar, may occur within the work setting.
- Possible exposure to communicable diseases and infections including but not limited to; impetigo, bed bugs, Covid-19, common colds.
- Readily available to provide essential care to residents under various conditions.
Physical Demands:
- Freedom of movement physically fit individual who are able to get down on the floor to play with and ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Lifting & transport of materials required for program delivery
Health and Safety:
Rights: All Saskatoon Tribal Council employees have the right to information on potential hazards in the workplace, the right to participate in Occupational Health and Safety decisions, use personal protective equipment and clothing as directed by the employer and the right to refuse dangerous work.
Responsibilities: All employees must co-operate with the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Committee; remain alert to changes or events that might affect client or employee safety; report safety issues, accidents or injuries immediately; follow safe work practices, including the use of PPE; and use their training and knowledge to help other employees work safely as well.
Education and Experience
- Certificate/ Diploma or Degree in Early Childhood Education or
- Other education in a related Human Services Field with child/youth care experience.
- First Aid and CPR certification.
- ASSIST – Suicide Prevention Training – Considered an asset
- Mental Health First Aide and/or other types of Therapeutic Crisis intervention and/or Behaviour management training is recommended.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of traditional First Nations holistic model of health and wellness.
- Ability to build healthy relationships with children, youth and staff.
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership, administrative and problem-solving skills.
- Must have excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Knowledge of child development milestones;
- Ability to teach Children/Youth Life Skills is also considered an asset
- Ability to communicate with children and having an understanding of children in care with knowledge of First Nations children in care.
- Possess an understanding of Inherent and Treaty Rights, traditions, culture, language and history and ability to provide service from a holistic family systems framework of practice that honors and respects First Nations governance, authority and aspirations;
- Knowledge of community services, urban services and resources;
- Knowledge of the Saskatchewan Child and Family Services Act;
- Has an understanding and/or knowledge of the Youth Justice System – Youth probation knowledge and Court proceedings in an asset.
- Flexible and adaptable to fast pace and changing environment.
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge of basic computer programs and administrative computer skills;
- Work independently and in a team atmosphere;
Other
- Must possess a valid Saskatchewan driver’s license (class 5) and meet STC’s insurance requirements.
- Must provide a current, original, Canadian Criminal Record Check (CPIC) with vulnerable sector search as a condition of employment.
