Temporary Full Time (July-Sept or until return of incumbent)

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Manager of Child, Youth and Family Connections and the Assistant Manager, Mischa Lelum Youth

Emergency Shelter, the Child & Youth Worker supports vulnerable and/or at-risk youth through individual and group

activities to increase life skills, social networks and safety, using the Circles of Care and harm reduction models. This

position plays a significant role in reaching out to and supporting youth in the community by encouraging connection to

school, family, community and alternate resources.

QUALIFICATIONS

- A minimum 2-year relevant diploma, or equivalent of education/experience working with children/ youth with

behavioural, attachment and other needs from a trauma-informed lens.

- Knowledge and specific training in behavioural modification, attachment-based parenting, harm reduction,

cultural safety, crisis intervention and relationship-based interventions.

- Extensive knowledge of youth services in the Cowichan Valley

- Class 5 BC drivers’ license

- First aid Level, Food Safe, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training, and a negative TB test

- An understanding of the Circle of Care© model

- Obtain and maintain screening through MCFD

POSITION DETAILS

This is a Temporary Full Time Union Position. The hours of work are Midnight to 8 am (Night shift) (7.5 hours/day excluding

meal break). Days of work are four (4) days working, two (2) days off. The rate of pay is $29.76 per hour (Pay Grid 21) plus

a shift differential of $2.50 per hour. In addition, there is a shift differential of $0.50 per hour for working on

Saturday/Sundays. The position offers attractive Benefits Package along with Municipal Pension Plan if applicable.

Successful candidate to start as soon as possible.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Please submit your resume clearly outlining your education, experience, and qualifications as they relate to this position

via email to [email protected]. Kindly specify the title of the position in your subject.

Applications will be accepted until July 16, 2026.

Please note that a successful clearance of a Criminal Record Check for vulnerable sector is a condition of

employment with CMHA Cowichan Valley Branch.

CMHA-CVB adheres to the values of diversity, cultural safety, and respect for all, as identified in its Anti-Racism

Statement, please visit our website at cmhacowichanvalley.com.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be

contacted.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Child & Youth Worker

Program Area: Child, Youth and Family Connections

Date: April 2022 (amended Nov/22)

Grid: 21

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

Providing services in the Cowichan Valley since 1992, Canadian Mental Health Association - Cowichan Valley

Branch (CMHA-CVB) is a registered charity and not-for-profit, independent society operating under a branch





division agreement with CMHA British Columbia and within the context of the nation-wide Strategic Plan of

the Canadian Mental Health Association.

As part of a national organization and an advocate of mental health for all, CMHA-CVB facilitates access to

resources people need to maintain and improve mental health and wellbeing, and to participate in community

integration, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness and/or substance use and addiction.

CMHA-CVB operates Warmland House Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing Services, Sobering and

Assessment Centre, Adult Outreach programs, Mischa Lelum Youth Emergency Shelter, a Youth Centre, Youth

Connect, BounceBack personal coaching, Family Capacity Program, Rainbows and a variety of other

counselling/therapeutic programs for children, youth, and families.

CMHA-CVB also provides community education and advocacy aimed at the promotion of positive mental health

and in support of individuals and families with mental health challenges.

CMHA-CVB adheres to the values of diversity, cultural safety, and respect for all, as identified in its Anti-Racism

Statement as attached.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Manager and Team Lead of Child, Youth and Family Connections, the Child & Youth Worker

supports vulnerable and/or at-risk youth through individual and group activities to increase life skills, social

networks and safety, using the Circles of Care and harm reduction models. This position plays a significant role

in reaching out to and supporting youth in the community by encouraging connection to school, family,

community and alternate resources.

The Child & Youth Worker will provide services in the 4 main program areas (as assigned by the Manager):

1) One-to-one work with youth at risk

2) Youth engagement and outreach

3) Community connections and education

4) Supporting youth and programming at the CMHA-CVB Youth Centre

This is a connection and engagement-based program. Child & Youth workers develop relationships based on

trust and consistency that are developed over many months. Youth workers will have strong interpersonal skills

and the ability to connect authentically with youth while supporting them to meet their goals through the 4

main service areas.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Perform Intakes for youth, working closely with the referring agency

- Document, log and record all information through case management, prepare and maintain data and

youth records as requested

- Work closely with youth and maintain youth-centered approach

- Work collaboratively with other community supports and resources in the youth’s best interest





- Support youth with varying degrees of mental health and substance use needs through a supportive

trauma-informed lens

- Drive and accompany youth to various appointments and meetings as needed

- Integrate cultural competency and anti-oppressive frameworks

- Adhere to all laws, policies, procedures and standards regarding disclosure (organizationally,

provincially and federally)

- Maintain flexible youth centered schedule, keeping track of, and reporting work hours, bi-weekly

- Communicate with other youth agencies and resources to ensure wraparound care and collaborative

approach

- Prepare and maintain all necessary reports as requested and required

- Plan, support and co-facilitate youth-inspired workshops under the direction of Manager and Team

Lead at the CMHA-CVB Youth Centre

- Participate, engage and collaborate in programming as CMHA-CVB youth programs grow to meet

changing needs of Cowichan Valley youth

- Participate in, and create a welcoming inclusive environment for youth at the Centre, being aware of

safe spaces

- Participate in Youth Outreach services as directed by the Manager i.e. Safety checks in extreme

weather

- Light cleaning to maintain Youth Centre space and all designated youth spaces

- Food preparation, sanitary procedures, and supply purchasing to serve warm meals & snacks to youth

in Centre

- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Manager or Team Lead

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

- An understanding of the Circle of Courage© model

- Good understanding and knowledge of trauma-informed practices

- Extensive knowledge of youth services in the Cowichan Valley

- Knowledge of cultural competency and anti-racist and anti-oppression practices

- Fully familiar with emergency protocols and able to direct others in time of crisis or emergency

- Cognizant of being a role model to youth and the need for professional conduct at all times

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills

- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive and collaborative working relationships

with individuals and teams

- Good conflict management and dispute resolution skills

- Good decision-making skills with the ability to motivate and direct others

- Sound judgment and excellent problem solving/crisis management skills

- Ability to deal professionally, effectively and non-judgmentally with individuals ages 12-19 including a

broad range of personalities, needs, abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds

- Ability to travel throughout the Cowichan Valley

- Motivated to work in a non-profit environment

QUALIFICATIONS:

- Diploma in Child and Youth care or relevant field or 3 years of relevant experience

- At least 1-year experience with Child & Youth services or an equivalent combination of education and

experience

- Basic First aid

- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training

- Food Safe Level 1

- WHMIS

- Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License and access to a vehicle when required

- Successful clearance of a Criminal Record Check for vulnerable sector

📌 Child and Youth Worker, Youth Emergency Shelter, Night Shift, Temporary (Canada)
🏢 Canadian Mental Health Association - Cowichan Valley Branch
📍 Canada