PLEA Community Services is currently seeking a Temporary Full-Time Intensive Support & Supervision Program (ISSP) Worker (Float) for our Youth Addictions programming (working with both Daughters & Sisters and Waypoint teams) located in Surrey, BC. This temporary contract is proposed to start as soon as possible and end upon the return of the incumbent. This position requires BCGEU membership.
The ISSP (Intensive Support & Supervision Program) Worker provides one-to-one services for youth who are deemed to be medium to high risk of re-offending – the program is an alternative to custody. The employee will be responsible for community supervision and support of the youth’s participation in activities and programs related to rehabilitation and healthy living. Such activities and programs will address the youth's complex needs, target their criminogenic characteristics, and support their integration into the community.
PLEA Community Services is permitted by the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal to exclusively hire women for all positions that work directly with participants in its Daughters & Sisters Program.
Hours of Work: The usual hours of work in this position are Sunday to Thursday, based on a flextime scheduling arrangement, including days, evenings, and weekends, of 35 working hours per week. Flextime scheduling arrangements allow employees to pick the start/end times of their shifts to meet client needs. Shifts must include the program's core hours of 12 to 2PM (the daily straight-time maximum is 10 hours). The employee is required to remain at work during meal periods; therefore, the employee will be paid during their 30-minute lunch break.
Education/Experience Requirements:
- A Bachelor of Arts in the social sciences or human services or a related discipline.
- One (1) year of recent experience working in programs with youth who are deemed to be high risk, and/or involved in the criminal justice system, and their families/caregivers.
Closing date for Internal Applications: The deadline for internal applications has now passed and we are welcoming applications from external candidates.
Who We Are:
PLEA is an accredited, charitable community services organization that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. We deliver community-based services and specialized supported homes to children, youth, adults and families facing significant challenges in their lives. We continually adapt our programs to suit each individual’s diverse strengths, needs and circumstances. As a result, we have a strong reputation for helping those we serve to overcome the challenges they face and lead fulfilling lives.
What You Will Do:
- Plan and implement appropriate strategies, activities and interventions for youth that are consistent with the case management objectives developed in consultation with the supervising probation officer, and will address the youth's complex needs, strengthen their protective factors and target their criminogenic characteristics.
- Provide intensive goal-focused supervision and support in the community to youth who are subject to a Youth Court Order, that will assist them to achieve their personal goals in a healthy environment, maintain their motivation to make safer choices, reduce the incidence of risk behavior, and support their integration and normative functioning in the community.
- Monitor compliance with court-ordered terms and conditions. By request, conduct random and periodic curfew checks. Assist with court ordered reparative conditions. Report all known instances of non-compliance to the supervising probation officer.
- Provide opportunities to access and reconnect to available resources in the community that will enable youth to develop the necessary educational, personal, social, and vocational skills. Include such community resources as an integral part of the youth’s case management plan. Provide transportation as necessary.
- Engage youth on a one-to-one basis in recreational and social activities in the community that will build on their strengths, develop their interpersonal skills, and support their involvement in their culture and the community. Support youth in developing positive relationships with family, peers and others.
- Teach youth the life skills and community survival skills they require. Work with the youth's families/caregivers and/or support network individually or through the facilitation of educational groups. Provide advice, assistance, mediation and crisis intervention, as required.
- Maintain on-going positive relationships with youth's family/caregivers and significant others, and participate as part of a team responsible for enhancing and rehabilitating the quality of life for youth.
- Participate in Integrated Case Management planning processes, serve as the key worker for youth on a team of professionals when required, and provide ongoing coordination of services to youth and their families/caregivers.
- Respond to emergencies; recognize potential crises, analyze these situations accurately and implements strategies to deal with them, and inform the manager when such situations arise.
- Maintain necessary program participant and program reports and statistics. Ensure that all records, reports and documentation pertaining to service delivery are accurate, complete and in compliance with PLEA’s policies and procedures.
- Establish strong connections to the community, including maintaining close working relationships with all formal and informal service providers.
- Protect and uphold confidentiality.
- Perform other related duties as required.
What You Will Bring:
- Strong interpersonal communication, facilitation, and conflict management skills, including a demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive reports.
- Demonstrated proficiency in teaching others and an ability to work collaboratively with families/caregivers and networks that provide support to youth.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others and can implement effective behavior management strategies.
- Demonstrated ability to develop supportive relationships with youth and their families/caregivers who may be reluctant to engage.
- Ability to facilitate a group and work through difficult group processes effectively.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a team with other program staff, community professionals and other collaterals; use good judgment and manage conflicts constructively.
- Strong organizational, time and general management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make sound decisions and be held accountable for results.
- Demonstrated ability to be sensitive and understanding of individuals’ social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, poverty and lifestyle.
- Demonstrated knowledge of issues and trends related to the program.
- Knowledge of theory, principles and best practices with respect to providing services to youth who are high risk and have complex care needs, and their families/caregivers.
- Knowledge of relevant Criminal Justice Legislation and policies, the role of Youth Court, Child Welfare Legislation and policies including the Child, Family and Community Service Act; and applicable government legislation, regulations and accreditation standards.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and database systems.
PLEA Benefits and Perks:
- Eligibility to enroll in health/welfare benefits on the first day of the month following the completion of the probation period, including access to the annual physical activity fund (for fitness-related items or activities) and the annual education fund (to take part in career-related courses or training events).
- Access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): counselling support services and wellness resources for employees and their immediate family members.
- Discounted gym membership at Club 16 Trevor Linden and She's Fit.
- Perkopolis membership: an exclusive discount program for a variety of products and services (clothes, furniture, dining, auto, events, etc.)
- Agency-Sponsored Social Events (i.e., summer barbecue, annual holiday party, and team days).
PLEA offers the Municipal Pension Plan to eligible employees as per the plan’s criteria.
Minimum Requirements:
- Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance.
- Must possess a valid Basic First Aid certificate (formerly OFA Level 1) or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.
- Must have access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
- Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 B.C. Driver's License, and suitable driver's abstract/claims history.
- Documentation that the applicant is legally authorized to work on an ongoing basis in Canada.
Note: PLEA conducts primary source verification of applicant's credentials including education, training, work history, and licensure.
