POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Manager of Child, Youth and Family Connections, and the Assistant Manager of the Youth

Emergency Shelter (YES), the Child & Youth Worker supports vulnerable and/or at-risk youth through individual

and group activities to increase life skills, social networks and safety, using the Circles of Care and harm

reduction models. This position plays a significant role in reaching out to and supporting youth in the

community by encouraging connection to school, family, community and alternate resources.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Qualifications include a minimum 2-year relevant diploma, at least one year experience with Child and

Youth services, or equivalent combination of education/experience working with children/youth with

behavioural, attachment and other needs from a trauma-informed lens

• Basic First Aid, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training, WHMIS, Food Safe Level 1, Negative TB test

• Valid Class 5 BC drivers’ license and access to a vehicle when required

POSITION DETAILS

This is a Casual Union Position. There are three different shifts. The hours of work for each shift are 12am to

8am (night shift), 8am to 4pm (day shift) or 4pm to 12am (evening shift), (7.5 hours/day excluding meal break).

The rate of pay is $27.92 per hour (Pay Grid 21). Shift differential is paid for working evenings ($0.25/hr), nights

($2.50/hr), and weekends ($0.50/hr). Successful candidate to start as soon as possible.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Please submit your resume clearly outlining your education, experience, and qualifications as they relate to

this position via email to careers.cowichan@cmhacowichan.ca. Kindly specify the title of the position in your

subject.

Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2026.

Please note that a successful clearance of a Criminal Record Check for vulnerable sector is a condition of

employment with CMHA Cowichan Valley Branch.

CMHA-CVB adheres to the values of diversity, cultural safety, and respect for all, as identified in its Anti-Racism

Statement, please visit our website at cmhacowichanvalley.com.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will

be contacted.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Child & Youth Worker - Mischa Lelum Youth Emergency Shelter

Program Area: Child, Youth and Family Connections

Date: October 2024 (amended May/25, Feb 10/26)

Grid: 21

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

Providing services in the Cowichan Valley since 1992, Canadian Mental Health Association - Cowichan Valley

Branch (CMHA-CVB) is a registered charity and not-for-profit, independent society operating under a branch

division agreement with CMHA British Columbia and within the context of the nation-wide Strategic Plan of

the Canadian Mental Health Association.

As part of a national organization and an advocate of mental health for all, CMHA-CVB facilitates access to

resources people need to maintain and improve mental health and wellbeing, and to participate in community

integration, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness and/or substance use and addiction.

CMHA-CVB operates Warmland House Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing Services, Sobering and

Assessment Centre, Adult Outreach programs, Mischa Lelum Youth Emergency Shelter, a Youth Centre, Youth

Connect, Bounce Back personal coaching, Family Capacity Program, Rainbows and a variety of other

counselling/therapeutic programs for children, youth, and families.

CMHA-CVB also provides community education and advocacy aimed at the promotion of good mental health

and in support of individuals and families with mental health challenges.

CMHA-CVB adheres to the values of diversity, cultural safety, and respect for all, as identified in its Anti-Racism

Statement as attached.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Manager of Child, Youth and Family Connections, and the Assistant Manager, Mischa Lelum

Youth Emergency Shelter, the Child and Youth Worker supports vulnerable and/or at-risk youth through

individual and group activities to increase life skills, social networks and safety, using the Circles of Care and

harm reduction models. This position plays a significant role in reaching out to and supporting youth in the

community by encouraging connection to school, family, community and alternate resources.

The Child and Youth Worker will provide services in the 4 main program areas (as assigned by the Manager):

1) One-to-one work with youth at risk

2) Youth engagement and outreach

3) Community connections and education

4) Supporting youth and programming at the CMHA-CVB Mischa Lelum Youth Emergency Shelter

This is a connection and engagement-based program. Child and Youth workers develop relationships based on

trust and consistency that are developed over many months. Youth workers will have strong interpersonal skills

and the ability to connect authentically with youth while supporting them to meet their goals through the 4

main service areas.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform Intakes for youth, working closely with the referring agency

• Document, log and record all information through case management, prepare and maintain data and

youth records as requested

• Work closely with youth and maintain youth-centered approach

• Work collaboratively with other community supports and resources in the youth’s best interest

• Support youth with varying degrees of mental health and substance use needs through a supportive

trauma-informed lens

• Drive and accompany youth to various appointments and meetings as needed

• Integrate cultural competency and anti-oppressive frameworks

• Adhere to all laws, policies, procedures and standards regarding disclosure (organizationally,

provincially and federally)

• Maintain flexible youth centered schedule, keeping track of, and reporting work hours, bi-weekly

• Communicate with other youth agencies and resources to ensure wraparound care and collaborative

approach

• Prepare and maintain all necessary reports as requested and required

• Plan, support and co-facilitate youth-inspired workshops under the direction of the Manager and the

Assistant Manager at the CMHA-CVB Mischa Lelum Youth Emergency Shelter

• Participate, engage and collaborate in programming as CMHA-CVB youth programs grow to meet the

changing needs of Cowichan Valley youth

• Participate in, and create a welcoming inclusive environment for youth at the Centre, being aware of

safe spaces

• Participate in Youth Outreach services as directed by the Manager i.e. safety checks in extreme

weather

• Light cleaning to maintain Mischa Lelum space and all designated youth spaces

• Minor food preparation and supply purchasing to serve warm meals and snacks to youth

• Monitor youth as required and attend to medical, behavioral, emotional and/or other needs

• Administer and document daily medications and maintain appropriate medication record management

• Notify Provincial Centralized Screening as required

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Manager or Assistant Manager

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Extensive knowledge of youth services in the Cowichan Valley

• Knowledge of cultural competency and anti-racist and anti-oppression practices

• Good understanding and knowledge of trauma-informed practices

• An understanding of the Circle of Care© model

• Fully familiar with emergency protocols and able to direct others in time of crisis or emergency

• Cognizant of always being a role model to youth and the need for professional conduct

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Good decision-making skills, sound judgment and excellent problem solving/crisis management skills

• Good conflict management and dispute resolution skills

• Ability to deal professionally, effectively and non-judgmentally with individuals ages 12-19 including a

broad range of personalities, needs, abilities and socioeconomic backgrounds

• Ability to build positive and collaborative working relationships with individuals and teams

• Ability to motivate and direct others

• Ability to travel throughout the Cowichan Valley

• Motivated to work in a non-profit environment

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum 2-year relevant diploma

• Specific training in behavioural modification, attachment-based parenting, harm reduction, cultural

safety, crisis intervention and relationship-based interventions

• At least one year experience with Child and Youth services, or equivalent combination of

education/experience working with children/ youth with behavioural, attachment and other needs

from a trauma-informed lens

• Basic First Aid

• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training

• WHMIS

• Food Safe Level 1

• Negative TB test

• Valid Class 5 BC drivers’ license and access to a vehicle when required

• Successful clearance of a Criminal Record Check for vulnerable sector through MCFD