Youth Support Worker

Application Deadline August 17, 2026 About The Role 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. 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 professional 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 Mandatory Requirements All of the following must be in place before your start date. Candidates without all required documentation will not be contacted for an interview: 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 Application Question(s) 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 How to Apply? We'd love to learn more about you! Please send your resume and a cover letter telling us about your experience supporting youth through mental health, behavioural, and substance use challenges, and what draws you to a role at Bearspaw Lodge. Applications Can Be Submitted To [email protected] Please include "Youth Support Worker – Bearspaw Lodge" in your subject line. Language English 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 Application Deadline August 17, 2026 Expected Start Date August 25, 2026 Please Email Your Job Application To [email protected]

Provide direct, trauma-informed residential support and supervision to justice-involved male youth with complex mental health and substance use needs. Coordinate with judicial systems, medical providers, and families to ensure stability, safety, and accountability for the youth.

Requires a post-secondary certificate or diploma in Human Services and at least 2 years of experience in a group care facility. Must possess a valid driver's license, clear police and child intervention checks, and Mental Health First Aid certification.

• Alberta Blue Cross Extended Health Coverage • Health Spending Account • Paid vacation • Personal days • Sick days • Mileage reimbursement • Ongoing training and professional development

• Clinical carePreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Trauma-Informed Care
• Crisis De-escalation
• Mental Health Support
• Substance Use Intervention
• Case Management
• Indigenous Cultural Competency
• Behavioral Strategy Implementation
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Patient Advocacy
• Clinical Documentation
• Youth Supervision
• First Aid/CPR
• Systems Navigation
• Professional Communication
• Risk Assessment
• Patient Care

• Social Services
• Healthcare
• Education
• Government & Public Sector
• Security & Safety

Minimum education

Professional degree

Minimum experience

2+ years

Apply by

Sep 4, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Seniority

Entry level