The Program
Spirit of Our Youth is a division of Taproot Community Support Services. At Taproot, we’re a 100 percent employee-owned organization through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). Every employee is an owner from their first day, with a voice in shaping Taproot’s future and the opportunity to share in employee ownership dividends.
Spirit of Our Youth provides culturally based programming, support, and safe home-based accommodations to First Nations, Metis or Inuit children and youth, ages 3 through 18. Our trauma-informed services empower those we serve and help foster community connections with honesty, compassion and respect.
Our well-maintained homes are in safe, established neighborhoods. Close to schools, playgrounds and easy access to transportation, our homes are part of the community and create a welcoming environment. We provide healthy routines, a monthly clothing allowance, recreational opportunities and transportation.
Traditional teachings can empower youth to make strong connections with family and community. Each youth has access to culturally knowledgeable staff who can provide individual support and connection to cultural opportunities including sweats, weekly sharing circles, smudging, pipe ceremonies, feasts, dances, traditional healing, languages and access to community Elders and Cultural Helpers.
In Your Role You Will
- Assist and support youth with developing and achieving personal goals.
- Teach and encourage age-appropriate life skills such as: communication, emotional well being, problem solving, cooking, cleaning, budgeting, being a positive role model, etc.
- Supervise and participate in programming and activities that promote social/emotional /physical development to build competence and self-worth and achieve personal goals.
- Ensure individuals basic needs are met (personal care, life skills and social/occupational skills)
- Daily household tasks at the residence/program facility (May include cleaning, laundry or assisting the youth in care with the completion of these tasks, etc.)
- Drive children/youth to and from school, medical appointments, recreational activities, community resources and support networks.
- Plan, support and/or deliver culturally appropriate programs, services, workshops, and outings; encouraging youth to learn and participate in their culture.
- Contribute toward design, implementation and evaluation of individual service plans, program specific policies and procedures.
The Position
We are currently hiring for Youth Workers, in a casual / on-call capacity, with the opportunity to apply for part-time and full-time positions, as they become available.
Shifts are on rotation and include weekends:
- Overnight Awake 2300-0800
- Days 0800-1600
- Afternoon/Evening 1500-2300
For youth, reconnecting to their indigenous culture can be a powerful way to heal from past traumas and to envision a stronger, healthier future. In a safe, nurturing environment, our trained Youth Workers build individualized programs that teach basic skills and help youth set and achieve personal goals. With positive role-modeling and a trauma-informed approach to care, we help youth plan for their future, create healthy relationships with their families and communities and focus on the personal empowerment found through a connection with their culture.
Mandatory Pre-Employment Screenings and Checks
***Prior to confirmation of employment, all applicants must provide a copy of a current Criminal Record Check and/or Government Screening Letter. These checks vary depending on province and sector and will be communicated by the Program Hiring Team.
As An Ideal Candidate You Possess
- Certificate in the Human Services field or equivalent experience
- 1-3 years experience in group homes and/or supported independent living
- Current and valid National Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check presented prior to confirmation of employment
- Children’s Services Intervention Record Check presented prior to confirmation of employment
- Intermediate First Aid and CPR Level C
- Current Suicide Intervention, Self-Harm Intervention, Trauma Informed Care and Medication Administration training
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training
- Indigenous Awareness and Cultural Diversity training
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license with a minimum of 3 years driving experience
- Current Alberta Driver's Abstract
- Personal vehicle insurance (2 million in third party liability)
- Must be able to deal with any crisis situations, to ensure safety for youth in the program.
- Able to work and follow Spirit of Our Youth policies and procedures and adhere to Alberta Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act.
- Knowledge of the Canadian Accreditation Council of Human Services
- Ability to lift 50lbs
What Taproot Community Support Services Does
In 2013, Spirit of our Youth became part of Taproot Community Support Services, the largest privately-owned national social services company in Canada. While operating autonomously, Spirit has full access to the extensive Taproot Community Support Services resources. Each day over 800 dedicated Taproot employees provide a wide range of proven and innovative services to more than 1300 people in three provinces. Taproot serves many First Nation and Métis communities in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, emphasizing cultural diversity and respect.
As a Certified B Corporation, we harness business for good. Since 1983 we’ve grown steadily, now delivering support across Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario through more than 90 contracts.
Our 800-plus employee-owners live by five shared values: we are stronger together, we lead with optimism, we embrace challenges, we respect every voice, and we go above and beyond. Guided by these principles, we deliver more than 125 community-based services each year. We walk alongside about 1,600 children, youth, families, and people with diverse abilities, with revenues exceeding $70 million.
Spirit of Our Youth was started in 2000 out of a passion for helping Indigenous youth. From one home in Central Edmonton we have grown to operate five Group Homes as well as a Drive and Supervised Visits program.
Our Employees Enjoy
- Employee ownership from day one through our EOT, with opportunity for profit-sharing dividends
- Work/life balance
- Learning and career development opportunities
- Fair and competitive wages
- Paid vacation and benefits for eligible employees
- Matching RRSP plan for eligible employees within Alberta
- Professional development opportunities and job-related training
- Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Long Service Milestone rewards
- Employee referral bonus program
- A values-driven workplace — as a Certified B Corp, we're committed to using business as a force for good
Website reference
For more information on Spirit of Our Youth and Taproot Community Support Services or to apply for this position, visit our website at www.spirityouth.ca.
Closing Statement
No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you! Please apply.
Equal-Opportunity Employer
Our commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment is unwavering. We believe that varied backgrounds and experiences fuel innovation and success. As an equal-opportunity employer, we prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion across all operations. We're seeking candidates passionate about contributing to our multicultural teams and enriching our workplace with their unique insights and cultural sensitivity.
We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply and join us in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
No telephone calls please. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified.
