Child Care Worker Jobs in Penticton, British Columbia, Canada
Create alert for “Child Care Worker”
Penticton, British Columbia, Canada
Child & Youth Care Worker (CYCW)
About the role
Application Deadline
July 22, 2026
About The Role
Key Responsibilities
Day-to-Day Support
Provide direct, trauma-informed care and supervision to children and youth with complex neurodivergent needs
Implement individualized support plans & safety 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
Use de-escalation techniques to support youth during periods of emotional and behavioural dysregulation
Model and encourage positive social skills, self-regulation, and independence
Family & Community
Build and maintain respectful, collaborative relationships with families and natural supports
Support family reunification goals by facilitating meaningful family contact and visits
Advocate for each client's participation in school, community programs, and cultural activities
Liaise with CFS and FSCD Caseworkers, DFNA representatives, school staff, and CSD agencies.
Documentation & Communication
Complete accurate and timely documentation including daily logs, monthly reports, quarterly reports incident reports, safety plans and progress notes
Participate in Professional Development Days, Family Group Conferences, Family Circle Meetings, Monthly Staff Meetings, Case Conferences, Service Team Meetings and training sessions
Communicate shift exchange information clearly and thoroughly
Understanding of CARF policies and procedures
Cultural Connection
Honour and actively support the cultural identity, heritage, and spiritual wellbeing of Indigenous children and youth at Mahikan Lodge as a foundational component of their care
Attend and facilitate participation in culturally significant events including Family Group Conferences, Family Circle Meetings, Pow Wows, Naming Ceremonies, Round Dances, Sweetgrass Picking, and other community gatherings that strengthen each youth's connection to their culture and community
Support youth in daily cultural practices including smudging, connection with Elders, and engagement with traditional teachings, creating space within the Lodge environment where cultural expression is welcomed and encouraged
Proactively research, identify, and plan culturally relevant activities in collaboration with youth, honouring their individual nations, traditions, and personal interests
Maintain meaningful working relationships with kinship support workers, band representatives, DFNA contacts, and cultural liaisons to ensure each youth remains connected to their community and identity
Encourage and support youth in advocating for themselves within their cultural communities, helping them build confidence and voice in spaces that are meaningful to them
Engage with cultural programming developed in partnership with DFNA bands and families, and contribute to the ongoing development of culturally responsive practices at the Lodge
Approach all cultural participation with humility, respect, and a genuine willingness to learn, recognizing that relationship-building with Indigenous communities is an ongoing, reciprocal process
Requirements
Who We're Looking For
We are looking for a compassionate, skilled, and adaptable Child & Youth Care Worker to join the Mahikan Lodge team. The ideal candidate brings both formal training and hands-on experience supporting children and youth with complex neurodivergent needs, including ASD, PTSD, ADHD, ADD, ODD & intergenerational trauma. You understand that behaviours are a form of communication, and you meet each child where they are — with curiosity, consistency, and care.
You Are Someone Who
Leads with empathy and patience in high-support environments
Is confident supporting children and youth during emotional dysregulation and complex behavioural presentations
Values cultural humility and understands the importance of Indigenous identity in healing and connection
Communicates clearly and professionally with families, caseworkers, and interdisciplinary teams
Thrives in a collaborative, team-based residential setting
Is committed to client autonomy and advocates for each young person in their home, school, and community
Qualifications & Education
Required Education (one of the following):
Diploma or Degree in Child and Youth Care (CYCW)
Diploma or Degree in Social Work
Degree in Psychology (with demonstrated direct practice experience)
Required Experience
Minimum 2 years of direct experience supporting children or youth with complex neurodivergent needs, including ASD
Demonstrated experience with behaviour support strategies and de-escalation techniques
Demonstrated knowledge of accreditation standards and experience contributing to the development, editing, and amendment of policies and procedures
Experience working within or alongside child welfare systems (CFS, DFNA, or equivalent) considered a strong asset
Required Certifications & Clearances
CPR First Aid Level C (current)
Police Information Check (completed within the last 6 months)
Child Intervention Record Check (completed within the last 6 months)
Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence
Clear 3-year driver's abstract (dated within the last 6 months)
Reliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insurance
Assets (not Required, But Valued)
Prior experience working within a CARF-accredited organization, with a demonstrated understanding of the accreditation process — first preference will be given to candidates with this background
Certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), Mandt, or equivalent
Experience with FSCD (Family Support for Children with Disabilities) or PDD (Persons with Developmental Disabilities)
Knowledge of or connection to Indigenous cultures, communities, or languages
Training in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) or other autism-specific frameworks
Experience supporting children in a residential or 24-hour care setting
Supporting Documentation Required
Mandatory Requirements
All of the following must be in place before your start date. Failure to provide valid documentation will affect your ability to begin employment:
CPR First Aid Level C Police Information Check (within 6 months) Child Intervention Record Check (within 6 months) Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence & clear 3-year driver's abstract (dated within the last 6 months) Reliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insurance Diploma or degree in a Human Services field (CYCW, Social Work, or Psychology)
Job Type
Temporary Part-Time
Salary
$24.55/hr - $27.85/hr
Ability to Commute/Relocate
$0.88 per kilometre for approved work travel
Application Question(s)
How to Apply?
About
We'd love to learn more about you! Please send your resume and a cover letter telling us a bit about your passion for this work and what draws you to Mahikan Lodge. Applications can be submitted to:
Please include "Child & Youth Care Worker - Mahikan Lodge" in your subject line.
Language
English
License/Certification
All Of The Following Must Be In Place Before Your Start Date. Failure To Provide Valid Documentation Will Affect Your Ability To Begin Employment
CPR First Aid Level C Police Information Check (within 6 months) Child Intervention Record Check (within 6 months) Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence & clear 3-year driver's abstract (dated within the last 6 months) Diploma or degree in a Human Services field (CYCW, Social Work, or Psychology)
Work Location
Mahikan Lodge — Spruce Grove, Alberta
Application Deadline
July 22, 2026
Expected Start Date
August 3, 2026
Please Email Your Job Application To
Not the right fit? Search for Child & Youth Care Worker jobs in Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada
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Inclusive, Compassionate Respite Care and Behavioural Therapy in St. Albert, Edmonton, & Fort McMurray
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