About the Role
The Youth Support Worker at Bearspaw Lodge provides direct, trauma-informed residential support to justice-involved male youth managing complex mental health presentations — including schizophrenia, severe anxiety and mood disorders, and complex behavioural needs — alongside substance use and high-risk behaviours. This role requires steady, skilled de-escalation, close coordination with the youth justice and child intervention systems, and a genuine commitment to helping each young person build stability, safety, and accountability.

Application Deadline
August 17, 2026

Who We're Looking For

Has a strong background supporting youth with mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, severe anxiety, mood disorders, and complex behavioural presentations

Has experience supporting youth who struggle with addictions and engage in risky or unsafe activities

Is skilled and confident in de-escalating high emotional and behavioural episodes

Has experience working with or alongside the juvenile judicial court system

Is comfortable supporting youth to attend appointments with psychologists, pediatricians, and family visits

Is well-versed in and understands Indigenous culture, history, and traditions

Communicates clearly and professionally with families, caseworkers, and interdisciplinary teams

Thrives in a collaborative, team-based residential setting

Is reliable, flexible, and available across a rotating part-time schedule

Key Responsibilities
Day-to-Day Support

Provide direct, trauma-informed care and supervision to youth with complex mental health, behavioural, and substance use needs

Implement individualized support plans, behavioural strategies, and therapeutic interventions in collaboration with the clinical team

Support daily living activities including personal care, meal preparation, medication administration (as trained), and household routines

Recognize early warning signs of escalation and apply trauma-informed de-escalation strategies during high emotional episodes

Support youth safely through crises related to mental health symptoms, substance use, or risky behaviour

Model and encourage positive coping strategies, self-regulation, and independence

Systems Navigation & Appointments

Support and accompany youth to appointments with psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, and other medical or mental health providers

Support youth in attending and preparing for family visits

Liaise professionally with the juvenile judicial court system, probation officers, and legal representatives as required

Liaise with caseworkers, DFNA representatives, school staff, and other community partners

Family & Community

Build and maintain respectful,



collaborative relationships with families and natural supports

Advocate for each youth's participation in school, community programs, and cultural activities

Support youth in accessing and navigating mental health and addictions services

Documentation & Communication

Complete accurate and timely documentation including daily logs, incident reports, and progress notes

Document Critical Incident Reports (CIRs) in accordance with BSR policy

Participate in staff meetings, circle of care meetings, case conferences, and career development trainings

Communicate shift handover information clearly and thoroughly

Cultural Connection

Support and honour the cultural identity of Indigenous youth in the program

Participate in culturally relevant activities, ceremonies, and community events as appropriate

Engage with cultural programming developed in partnership with DFNA bands and families

Requirements
Qualifications & Education
Required Education

Certificate or Diploma in Child & Youth Care, Disability Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Community Support Worker, or other Human Services post-secondary education

Required Experience

Minimum 2 years of experience working with youth in a group care / youth care facility setting

Demonstrated experience supporting youth with mental health disorders including schizophrenia, severe anxiety, and mood disorders

Demonstrated experience supporting youth who struggle with addictions and engage in risky activities

Demonstrated experience de-escalating high emotional and behavioural episodes

Experience working with or alongside the juvenile judicial court system

Experience working within or alongside child welfare systems (CFS, DFNA, or equivalent) considered a strong asset

Required Knowledge

Well-versed in and demonstrates a genuine understanding of Indigenous culture, history, and traditions

Required Certifications & Clearances

Current Mental Health First Aid

Valid, clear Police Information Check from Edmonton Police Service (EPS), completed within the last 6 months

Current, clear Child Intervention Record Check completed by Alberta Children's Services

CPR First Aid Level C (current) [standard BSR requirement — please confirm this applies to this role]

Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence

Clear 3-year driver's abstract





Reliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insurance

Assets (not Required, But Valued)

Certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), Mandt, or equivalent

Training in Trauma and Community Informed (TCI) practice

Knowledge of or connection to Indigenous cultures, communities, or languages

Experience with ShareVision or FAMCare documentation platforms

Supporting Documentation Required

Certificate or Diploma in Child & Youth Care, Disability Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Community Support Worker, or other Human Services post-secondary education

Minimum 2 years of experience working with youth in a group care / youth care facility setting

Current Mental Health First Aid certification

Valid, clear Police Information Check issued by Edmonton Police Service (EPS), completed within the last 6 months

Current, clear Child Intervention Record Check completed by Alberta Children's Services

Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence, clear 3-year driver's abstract, and reliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insurance

This position carries a bona fide occupational requirement (BFOR) under the Alberta Human Rights Act for a male incumbent, based on the safety and therapeutic supervision needs of the justice-involved male youth population served at Bearspaw Lodge.

Job Type
Permanent Part-Time

Salary
$23.45 – $26.77 per hour

Ability to Commute/Relocate
Must have valid Class 5 Driver's License, clear 3-year driver's abstract, and reliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insurance

What We Offer?

A meaningful role supporting youth through complex and challenging chapters of their lives

A supportive, values-driven team culture at a CARF-accredited program that truly cares

Alberta Blue Cross Extended Health Coverage (following 90-day probationary period)

Health Spending Account

Paid vacation, personal days, and sick days

Mileage reimbursement for approved work-related travel

Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

License/Certification

Certificate or Diploma in Child & Youth Care, Disability Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Community Support Worker, or other Human Services post-secondary education

Current Mental Health First Aid certification

Valid, clear Police Information Check issued by Edmonton Police Service (EPS), completed within the last 6 months

Current, clear Child Intervention Record Check completed by Alberta Children's Services

Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence, clear 3-year driver's abstract, and reliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insurance

Work Location
Bearspaw Lodge — St. Albert, Alberta

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📌 Youth Support Worker (Alberta)
🏢 Bright Star Respite
📍 Alberta