As we serve vulnerable youth, all employees working for Covenant House Vancouver must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status will be required prior to your start date.

About Covenant House Vancouver

Since 1997, Covenant House Vancouver has provided relentless support for youth experiencing, or at-risk of experiencing, homelessness. We provide support to young people age 16 to 24 who have experienced a wide range of early life and ongoing, complex trauma; including physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect. Our purpose is to serve all youth, with absolute respect and unconditional love, to help youth experiencing homelessness, and provide a safe and supportive environment for all youth in need.

Working at Covenant House will be one of the most meaningful things that you’ll do in your life. However, you will be confronted with significant issues in this work and frankly, this work is not for everyone. In the course of doing your work, particularly for those doing frontline work, you will be exposed to the trauma of others. The youth we serve may also experience overdose, physical harm perpetuated by self or others and even death. Because we provide a relational model of care, the harms our youth experience can impact us in varying degrees.

While we provide training for youth workers on avoiding what we call vicarious trauma (namely, the trauma you can experience or take on by hearing other’s traumatic stories), and a generous allowance for counselling, it is still difficult work that can and does take its toll on many employees. Self‑awareness and self‑care are key. Some candidates and employees decide during the recruiting and probationary periods that this work isn’t for them, and that is totally fair.





We will provide more information on vicarious trauma during recruiting and on‑boarding, to help you decide if Covenant House is the place for you.

The Impact You’ll Make as a Sanctuary Youth Worker

As a Youth Worker, you’ll help create a safe, low‑barrier space for youth 16–24 years old actively engaging in complex substance use and navigating mental health difficulties. Through your consistent support, youth can experience stability and safety for the first time, with progress and success recognized in ways that are meaningful for everyone in the program.

By using harm reduction approaches, you’ll reduce risks related to substance use, homelessness, and street involvement, while supporting youth to make their own choices when ready. You’ll also respond confidently to complex overdoses, follow safety protocols, and engage in ongoing training to ensure a safe environment for all.

How You Will Contribute

- Welcome youth to the program and respond to their needs with respect, care, and practical support (e.g., food, clothing, transportation).
- Build trusting relationships by engaging with youth on their terms, honoring their choices and autonomy.
- Orient new youth to the program and services without expectation of change.
- Be present daily with youth, offering support around substance use, mental health,



and life challenges, prioritizing safety, harm reduction, and connection.
- Respond confidently to drug poisoning and medical emergencies, including atypical or complex cases.
- Maintain ongoing overdose response training and engage in reflective learning, including post‑incident debriefs, to improve safety and team response.
- Document interactions and maintain records while respecting youth privacy.
- Maintain appropriate expectations, celebrating small milestones‑such as a youth choosing to engage with staff‑as meaningful progress.
- Coordinate with adult community services to plan and support smooth transitions for youth aging out of the program.
- Contribute to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and low‑barrier setting for youth and staff.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking compassionate, patient, and curious individuals committed to a trauma‑informed, harm reduction approach. The ideal candidate values building trusting, non‑judgmental relationships with youth, meets them where they are at, and supports their autonomy without expectation of change. You understand that your role is to be present, offer care and connection, and reduce risks associated with substance use and street involvement. You are able to maintain the resilience, professionalism, and self‑awareness needed to stay grounded when youth are at their most challenging or disengaged. You can respond to youth when they ask for support while maintaining your own mental health and boundaries.

You take initiative in maintaining your overdose response training and remain calm during complex medical or safety events. You prioritize safety, belonging,

📌 Youth Worker (Canada)
🏢 Covenant House Vancouver - Vancouver, BC
📍 Canada