POSITION TITLE: Parenting Program Coordinator, Child and Youth Program

REPORTS TO: Team Leader, Child and Youth

POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Temporary; 1-year contract

LOCATION: Calgary, Alberta

What We Do:

Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society provides a continuum of care and integrated wrap-around services to women and their children fleeing domestic violence. We facilitate transitional housing and offer longer-term, safe places for women and children to call home while they begin to rebuild their lives. Discovery House is about hope and healing using trauma-informed care practices.

What Our Employees Love:

• Three weeks of vacation to start.
• Eligible positions can work from home up to 3 days per week with our Flexible Work Policy.
• Additional time off including Wellness Days, Professional Development Days, and Sick Days.
• Benefits Package and Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• A dog friendly workplace.
• We observe all Statutory Holidays (including the optional ones), and employees may substitute religious holidays for celebrations that are relevant to their cultural identity.
• Committees including Health & Safety, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Indigenous; and Social.
• A 2SLGBTQ+ welcoming environment.
• Potlucks, celebrations, work-life balance, and plenty of fun.
• Being a part of a reputable not-for-profit organization (6-time winner of Top 100 Rated Charities in Canada!)

We are building towards an inclusive and equitable workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we live in, creating the opportunity for every employee to reach their potential.  We welcome applications from people in all underrepresented groups, believing we are at our best when everyone has a seat at the table. If you some but not all the qualifications for the position, but are willing to learn, we invite you to apply. Accommodations are available upon request throughout every stage of our recruitment process.

Join our team and be part of a transformative organization committed to ending domestic violence. As advocates of Empowerment, we believe in unlocking the potential in every individual, fostering resilience, and empowering positive change. Our Tenacious spirit drives us to get things done and make a lasting impact, while our commitment to Inclusion ensures that everyone belongs and is welcomed in our community. Embracing Curiosity, we continually learn, innovate, and adapt to break the cycle of domestic violence. Through Collaboration, we build strong connections and work collectively to create a safer, more equitable world for all. If you're passionate about making a difference, join us in our mission to empower, thrive, and create positive change together.

What You’ll Do:

Reporting to the Child and Youth Team Lead, the Parenting Program Coordinator provides education, guidance, and support to clients who have experienced domestic violence. The role focuses on helping clients develop effective, practical parenting strategies within a trauma-informed, safe, and nurturing environment. The Parenting Program Coordinator plays a key role in building clients’ confidence in parenting, strengthening family relationships, and addressing the unique challenges of parenting after violence.

This is a temporary position expected to end in July/August 2026. Key Responsibilities including but not limited to:

• Deliver individual and group parenting education using trauma-informed, anti-oppressive approaches tailored to the needs of survivors of domestic violence.
• Assess clients’ parenting concerns using observation and discussion; recommend strategies, provide tools, set and review goals, and offer ongoing guidance and support.
• Educate clients on topics such as child development, emotional regulation, attachment, and discipline using a strengths-based, person-centered approach.
• Help clients understand the impact of domestic violence on their children and provide tools to support their healing.
• Develop and/or facilitate parenting workshops, support groups, and information sessions to foster positive parenting and attachment (e.g., Nurturing Parenting, New Beginnings, Moms’ Empowerment, and Kids’ Club).
• In collaboration with the Child and Youth Team Lead, contribute to the development of a parenting framework for Discovery House programs.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records in accordance with agency policies.
• Stay current on best practices in parenting after trauma, child development, and domestic violence recovery.
• Provide referrals to internal and external programs for long-term support and counselling.
• Work closely with client care teams to develop and implement coordinated care plans aligned with each client’s goals.
• Consult with the Team Lead when a report to Child and Family Services is required.
• Support the Child Development Centre by engaging with children (ages 0–5) as needed.
• Collaborate with the Child and Youth Team to plan and implement age-appropriate, healing-centered activities and events for children and families.
• Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, and ongoing training related to domestic violence, trauma, and child development.
• Support family transitions, including move-ins and exits, and help parents prepare children for changes in living environment.
• Occasionally supervise or mentor interns, volunteers, or student placements working with children and families.
• Work with program and operations staff to ensure a safe, supportive environment for families, including participation in safety planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This role primarily operates during morning and afternoon hours. However, occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support our programs and events. We value flexibility and collaboration to ensure our services meet community needs.

This position earns vacation time off equivalent to 3 weeks (or 6%) per year. Since this is a 1-year contract, we’re looking for someone who can commit to the full term and is available for the majority of the contract period without extended time off. Any unused vacation time will be paid out at the end of the contract, in accordance with Alberta employment standards.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Child Studies, Psychology, or Social Work
• Minimum two years’ experience working with children, parents, and families in case management or outreach
• Registration with Alberta College Of Social Workers (ACSW) or College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP), or equivalent, is an asset, and is required for those who are eligible
• Strong understanding of child and youth care practices, crisis management, supportive counselling, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approaches, and the impact of trauma on brain development and child behaviour
• Knowledge of how domestic violence affects parenting and children’s development, and familiarity with the Housing First model and the non-profit shelter system
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds, and both the ability and comfort to facilitate group sessions, workshops, and educational programs online and in-person
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team, and manage high-stress situations while responding effectively to crises
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required, accompanied by a minimum of $2 million liability insurance coverage and business insurance (or documented provision from the insurer that allows for the occasional transportation of clients).

The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check and an Intervention Record Check.

We thank all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work, and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Iyarhe Nakoda Nations (Bearspaw, Chiniki, Goodstoney), the Métis Nation of Alberta, District 5 & 6, and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: From $54,803.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision care
• Wellness program
• Work from home

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Application question(s):

• Do you have experience facilitating group workshops or educational sessions for families who have experienced domestic violence? If so, please summarize your approach and the types of sessions you have led.
• Can you briefly describe your experience using trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approaches when working with parents and children? (Please provide a specific example if possible.)

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• case management/outreach: 2 years (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Calgary, AB T2A 0P9

Expected start date: 2025-07-07