About the RoleThe 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 DeadlineAugust 17, 2026Who We're Looking ForHas a strong background supporting youth with mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, severe anxiety, mood disorders, and complex behavioural presentationsHas experience supporting youth who struggle with addictions and engage in risky or unsafe activitiesIs skilled and confident in de-escalating high emotional and behavioural episodesHas experience working with or alongside the juvenile judicial court systemIs comfortable supporting youth to attend appointments with psychologists, pediatricians, and family visitsIs well-versed in and understands Indigenous culture, history, and traditionsCommunicates clearly and professionally with families, caseworkers, and interdisciplinary teamsThrives in a collaborative, team-based residential settingIs reliable, flexible, and available across a rotating part-time scheduleKey ResponsibilitiesDay-to-Day SupportProvide direct, trauma-informed care and supervision to youth with complex mental health, behavioural, and substance use needsImplement individualized support plans, behavioural strategies, and therapeutic interventions in collaboration with the clinical teamSupport daily living activities including personal care, meal preparation, medication administration (as trained), and household routinesRecognize early warning signs of escalation and apply trauma-informed de-escalation strategies during high emotional episodesSupport youth safely through crises related to mental health symptoms, substance use, or risky behaviourModel and encourage positive coping strategies, self-regulation, and independenceSystems Navigation & AppointmentsSupport and accompany youth to appointments with psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, and other medical or mental health providersSupport youth in attending and preparing for family visitsLiaise professionally with the juvenile judicial court system, probation officers, and legal representatives as requiredLiaise with caseworkers, DFNA representatives, school staff, and other community partnersFamily & CommunityBuild and maintain respectful,



collaborative relationships with families and natural supportsAdvocate for each youth's participation in school, community programs, and cultural activitiesSupport youth in accessing and navigating mental health and addictions servicesDocumentation & CommunicationComplete accurate and timely documentation including daily logs, incident reports, and progress notesDocument Critical Incident Reports (CIRs) in accordance with BSR policyParticipate in staff meetings, circle of care meetings, case conferences, and professional development trainingsCommunicate shift handover information clearly and thoroughlyCultural ConnectionSupport and honour the cultural identity of Indigenous youth in the programParticipate in culturally relevant activities, ceremonies, and community events as appropriateEngage with cultural programming developed in partnership with DFNA bands and familiesRequirementsQualifications & EducationRequired EducationCertificate or Diploma in Child & Youth Care, Disability Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Community Support Worker, or other Human Services post-secondary educationRequired ExperienceMinimum 2 years of experience working with youth in a group care / youth care facility settingDemonstrated experience supporting youth with mental health disorders including schizophrenia, severe anxiety, and mood disordersDemonstrated experience supporting youth who struggle with addictions and engage in risky activitiesDemonstrated experience de-escalating high emotional and behavioural episodesExperience working with or alongside the juvenile judicial court systemExperience working within or alongside child welfare systems (CFS, DFNA, or equivalent) considered a strong assetRequired KnowledgeWell-versed in and demonstrates a genuine understanding of Indigenous culture, history, and traditionsRequired Certifications & ClearancesCurrent Mental Health First AidValid, clear Police Information Check from Edmonton Police Service (EPS), completed within the last 6 monthsCurrent, clear Child Intervention Record Check completed by Alberta Children's ServicesCPR First Aid Level C (current)



[standard BSR requirement — please confirm this applies to this role]Valid Class 5 Driver's LicenceClear 3-year driver's abstractReliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insuranceAssets (not Required, But Valued)Certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), Mandt, or equivalentTraining in Trauma and Community Informed (TCI) practiceKnowledge of or connection to Indigenous cultures, communities, or languagesExperience with ShareVision or FAMCare documentation platformsSupporting Documentation RequiredCertificate or Diploma in Child & Youth Care, Disability Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Community Support Worker, or other Human Services post-secondary educationMinimum 2 years of experience working with youth in a group care / youth care facility settingCurrent Mental Health First Aid certificationValid, clear Police Information Check issued by Edmonton Police Service (EPS), completed within the last 6 monthsCurrent, transparent Child Intervention Record Check completed by Alberta Children's ServicesValid Class 5 Driver's Licence, clear 3-year driver's abstract, and reliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insuranceThis 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 TypePermanent Part-TimeSalary$23.45 – $26.77 per hourAbility to Commute/RelocateMust have valid Class 5 Driver's License, clear 3-year driver's abstract, and reliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insuranceWhat We Offer?A meaningful role supporting youth through complex and challenging chapters of their livesA supportive, values-driven team culture at a CARF-accredited program that truly caresAlberta Blue Cross Extended Health Coverage (following 90-day probationary period)Health Spending AccountPaid vacation, personal days, and sick daysMileage reimbursement for approved work-related travelOngoing training and professional development opportunitiesLicense/CertificationCertificate or Diploma in Child & Youth Care, Disability Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Community Support Worker, or other Human Services post-secondary educationCurrent Mental Health First Aid certificationValid, clear Police Information Check issued by Edmonton Police Service (EPS), completed within the last 6 monthsCurrent, clear Child Intervention Record Check completed by Alberta Children's ServicesValid Class 5 Driver's Licence, clear 3-year driver's abstract, and reliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insuranceWork LocationBearspaw Lodge — St. Albert, Alberta

📌 Youth Support Worker (St. Albert)
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