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, 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 The Youth Worker, Mat Program Can Make:

The Community Support Services Mat Program is a 12-bed temporary shelter for youth aged 19-24. In this role you will build trust and support professional relationships with youth. As a Youth Worker on shift, you will demonstrate absolute respect to youth that will support them to know their worth. The Mat Program is a safe and non-judgmental environment where youth are supported against the outdoor elements. You will provide services from a harm reduction, culturally relevant, trauma-informed model of care while addressing any youths’ immediate needs. You will have the opportunity to build transformative relationships with youth and reduce the risks of street homelessness and substance use. Through relentless engagement, the CHV continuum of care connects with youth where they are at because we feel it should be “one size fits one” when it comes to supporting young people.

How you will contribute:

• Greet and welcome youth accessing CHV services, assess and respond to their immediate needs, and provide them with practical resources including food, clothing, transportation
• Initiate, develop and maintain relationships with at risk youth 19-24 years of age
• Upon entry to the Program, introduce the services provided, orient new youth, complete program intake/admission
• Greet and welcome youth accessing CSS Mat services, assess and respond to their immediate needs, and provide them with practical resources including food, clothing.
• Initiate, develop and maintain professional relationships with youth 19-24 years of age
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and positive environment for staff and youth alike
• Maintain professional boundaries
• Upon entry to the Program, introduce the services provided, orient new youth, and complete program intake/admission
• Center the principles of Harm Reduction and Trauma-Informed Practice
• Support youth with addictions and mental health challenges and refer to our drop-in centre for additional supports & referrals
• Provide crisis intervention, including responding to overdoes/administering first aid and Naloxone that may happen within CHV premises, ongoing training will also be provided
• Document client Laundry as needed
• Front Desk and reception duties as required
• Other duties as required

This position is offered as a fixed-term contract, ending on September 30, 2026.

Who are we looking for?

Education and Experience:

• Diploma or degree related to social service
• Experience in a similar role is preferred but not required
• First Aid & Non-Violent Crisis Intervention is required

Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Familiar with at risk youth and youth homelessness
• Familiarity with substance misuse and mental health concerns
• Familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety
• Ability to work with youth experiencing complex mental health challenges
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with the Youth
• Basic computer skills
• Working knowledge of Trauma Informed Practice
• Able to lift up to 25 lbs, and kneel and squat as needed

###Compensation

The successful candidate can expect a starting hourly rate of between $23.92 and $29.90 depending on factors such as internal equity, experience, competencies, and education. Once hired, the hourly rates are reviewed annually following the annual performance review and successful employees have the opportunity for their hourly rate to increase, over time, up to the maximum of the pay band, currently $35.88.

###Total Rewards

Beginning immediately, this position has extended health and dental benefits for you, your spouse, and your children, including generous counselling benefits. If you’d like more information on what we offer, please ask!

In 2024, we were recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers

###Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Covenant House Vancouver is a secular organization that welcomes and serves young people from all backgrounds. While the international federation to which we belong was founded in the 1970s by members of the Catholic Church, we are not aligned with any specific faith traditions.

CHV is committed to upholding diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including, but not limited to:

• Persons from groups marginalized due to race, ancestry, colour, religion/spiritual beliefs, or place of origin;
• Persons with visible (physical) and/or invisible (mental) disabilities;
• Persons who identify as women;
• Persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions; and
• Indigenous persons.

We recognize that many of these identities intersect and that therefore, diversity, equity, and inclusion can be complex. We value the contributions that each person brings and are committed to ensuring full and equal participation for all at Covenant House Vancouver.

We love what we do and try to make a difference every day. Covenant House Vancouver offers a competitive salary with a great benefits package and excellent opportunity for training and career advancement. If you are looking to join a place where we have a purpose and aim to achieve positive outcomes, please join us by applying.

If our recruitment process does not work for you, let us know. Let’s see how we can work together to get to know you and see what might be a great fit!