Job Summary

Shuswap Children’s Association, originally the Shuswap Exceptional Children’s Association, was founded in 1982 by a group of parents of children with support needs who found they were unable to access services for their children. They were joined by community professionals, service providers, and others who shared the goals of the parents.

As a leader within the organization and the community, the Youth Program Assistant works in collaboration and under the direction of the Youth Program Supervisor to provide individual and group support to children, youth and families participating in the Youth program.

Job Responsibilities

Youth Program Responsibilities

- Work with children and youth with support needs to ensure success in a program that provides a variety of recreational and social activities.
- Provide individual and group support during scheduled recreational and social activities.
- In collaboration with the Youth Program Supervisor implement social and recreational activities that provide program participants the opportunity to try new activities, develop life skills, and build social relationships.
- Facilitate and encourage participant engagement to ensure success in the program.
- Create a positive, safe environment and provide individual and group support during scheduled recreational activities.
- Communicate and record changes in participant behaviour to the Youth Program Supervisor.
- Employ preventative strategies and use a strength-based approach when interacting with youth.
- Actively engage with youth and role model positive behaviours when leading activities.
- Set healthy boundaries including physical, environmental, emotional, psychological and social to ensure participants’ safety.
- Ensure a protected and comfortable group environment.




- Assist with cleaning and food preparation as required.
- Use own vehicle to transport program participants as per SCA’s policies and procedures, mileage is reimbursed.

Administrative Responsibilities

- Participate in staff debrief meetings.
- Where required, keep accurate and complete client records.
- Carry out related program administration tasks as required.
- Maintain client confidentiality and ensure the confidentiality of all client records.

Community Responsibilities

- Support families by developing and maintaining a positive relationship with their children & youth.
- Represent SCA in the community outside work hours as required.

Education, Training and Experience

- Relevant education and/or experience working with children and youth.
- Experience working with children and youth with support needs is considered an asset.
- Education and/or experience working with families and children is considered an asset.
- Education and/or experience working in child/or youth recreation is considered an asset.
- Education and/or experience in child and youth mental health is considered an asset.
- Non-violence crisis intervention or Mandt Training is considered an asset.
- Experience working with client databases is considered an asset.
- Experience in program planning, development and management is considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities





- Knowledge of and commitment to the principles and practices of family centered care.
- Ability to advocated and be sensitive to the needs of families, which change over time.
- Creative and flexible approach to supporting families.
- Possession of a non-judgmental, positive, and stereotype-free attitude toward persons with support needs and their families.
- Understand and demonstrate respect for the diverse values and cultures of the families involved with the program.
- Strong interpersonal skills that include the ability to work, communicate and collaborate effectively with other staff, supervisors, families, and program participants.
- Good communication, planning, organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Computer skills, including good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and client database software.
- Ability to manage day-to-day program operations.
- Ability to work independently, under direction and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Ability to work effectively with children and youth with developmental challenges.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of service providers and activity groups.

Requirements

- Valid Class V BC driver’s license & clean driver’s abstract
- Valid Class IV BC driver’s license is considered an asset
- Must be able to provide own transportation
- Criminal Record screening
- Current First Aid Certification, including C.P.R.

Hours of Work

- This is a part-time position, working various hours depending on the program season up to a maximum of 35 hours per week depending on the season.

Pay: $20.74-$25.00 per hour

Benefits:

- Mileage reimbursement

Work Location: In person

📌 Youth Group Program Assistant (Salmon Arm)
🏢 Shuswap Children's Association
📍 Salmon Arm