Join Our Passionate Team at The Brenda Strafford Foundation!

About Us
The Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF) is a charitable organization that currently owns and operates five Long Term Care and Assisted Living seniors care communities in Calgary, AB, and Okotoks, AB. We take pride in providing a safe, caring, and comfortable home environment that caters to the complex needs of our senior residents and families.

Putting people first is a way of life at The Brenda Stafford Foundation. It's in our values and it's central to the way we do things. We believe in a person-centered approach to our care, services, and environment. By responding to the individual needs of those we serve, we can all play an important role in optimizing well-being and enriching lives... one person at a time.

The Brenda Strafford Foundation – Heart Home Network (“HHN”) serves women and children impacted by family violence through providing a safe shelter and housing complimented by comprehensive support services for all participants. HHN offers a continuum of care designed to help families develop their potential and transition to safe and healthy lives in the community upon their departure.

Our team members not only have the right skills and knowledge for the job, they are also passionate about the mission, vision, and values of the BSF.

Our Team Members

Place people at the heart of our mission

Embrace quality and innovation with enthusiasm

Engage with respect and empathy

Act with compassion and understanding

We Uphold Our 8 BSF Commitments To

Make a meaningful impact through small acts

Deliver exceptional service

Understand and celebrate individual uniqueness

Be present and attentive

Support and respect personal aspirations

Bring joy to others

Empower and honor choices

Create a homelike atmosphere

The Role
The Child Development Specialist creates and leads intentional programming for children and youth living in Heart Home Network’s second-stage domestic violence shelter. This role supports two program streams: the Child Development Centre for ages 0–12, and Youth Programming for ages 8–18. The work centers on safety, belonging, healthy relationships,



and developmental growth.

Program Delivery

Plan and facilitate developmentally appropriate activities for ages 0–12 that support social emotional learning, regulation, fine and gross motor skills, language and literacy, imagination, exploration, and positive identity.

Support youth ages 8–18 through programming focused on social emotional skills, healthy relationships, safety, leadership, and domestic violence prevention.

Create a safe, predictable, and inclusive environment that recognizes the impact of trauma and promotes trust and autonomy.

Adapt programming for children and youth with a wide range of developmental and complex needs, including ADHD, autism, and developmental delays, while respecting each young person’s strengths, pace, and communication style.

Tailor activities to diverse cultural backgrounds, interests, and learning styles.

Care & Daily Support

Provide basic care for young children, including diapering, toileting support, and simple meals/snacks.

Monitor safety, respond to escalations using trauma-informed approaches, and offer co-regulation strategies when needed.

Build positive, respectful relationships with children, youth, and caregivers.

Assessment & Family Support

Complete developmental observations, screenings, and assessments, and share findings with caregivers and support teams in a supportive, collaborative way.

Help connect families to internal and external resources, including developmental supports, school advocacy, and community services.

Document participation, concerns, and progress clearly and promptly.

Team Collaboration

Work closely with other child development staff, counsellors, case managers, and shelter teams to maintain consistent communication and shared understanding of each child’s or youth’s needs.





Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and case consultations.

Contribute to a positive, steady team workplace, especially during crises or high-stress periods.

Why Join Us
At The Brenda Strafford Foundation, we are more than a workplace—we are a united team. We believe in fostering a culture where you can grow, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact. You'll be part of a team that values empathy, compassion, and innovation.

Who We're Looking For

Degree or diploma in Early Childhood Development, Social Work or relevant experience

One (1) years’ experience working with children in the family violence sector, children high support needs children or related experience is an asset

Current CPR and First Aid Certificate

Maintains professionalism and confidentiality in all aspects of work

Ability to work from an intersectional approach to reduce barriers for families who are experiencing high levels of crisis

Maintain positive team working relationships with all departments

Uses problem solving and critical thinking skills to support decision making

Flexible availability and willingness to adapt schedule to meet program needs

Required to pass police security clearance and child intervention check

Valid driver’s license of six (6) years with clean drivers abstract of three (3) years is an asset

Fluency in a second language is an asset

Additional Information
In accordance with Alberta's Protection for Persons in Care Act, a criminal record check is required for successful candidates.

Diversity And Inclusion
The Brenda Strafford Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating and celebrating an environment of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility for all employees.

Site: Heart Home Network

Position Title: Child & Youth Development Specialist

Requisition Number: 1932

FTE: 1.0

Position Status:Permanent Full Time

Union/Agreement: Out of Scope

Hours per Shift: 7.5

Shift Pattern: Monday to Friday - 10:30am to 6:30pm

Wage rate/Salary: 49,000.00

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📌 Child & Youth Development Specialist (Alberta)
🏢 The Brenda Strafford Foundation
📍 Alberta