Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people! At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.
When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.
About the Role:
The Youth Support Worker provides front-line support to youth ages 12–24 to help them build confidence, develop practical life skills, and navigate challenges. Working within the Family Resource Network (FRN)-Youth Transition Program, this role supports youth through a mix of one-to-one coaching and group-based programming focused on resilience, emotional regulation, decision-making, and healthy relationships. Youth Support Workers build trusting relationships, create safe and inclusive spaces, and connect youth to additional supports when needed. The role is flexible and may include in-person, community-based, and virtual service delivery to ensure youth can access support in ways that work best for them.
Responsibilities:
- Build strong, trusting relationships with youth using a strengths-based, youth-centred approach. (https://naymca-my.sharepoint.com/personal/amanda_thorpe_northernalberta_ymca_ca/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7BC28D835E-27B7-49A5-9DDE-B6A8BC74F086%7D&file=YMCA_WoodBuffaloFortMcMurray%26AreaFRN_PartC_YD%26R.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true)
- Provide one-to-one support to youth, including goal setting, problem-solving, and emotional regulation support. (https://naymca-my.sharepoint.com/personal/amanda_thorpe_northernalberta_ymca_ca/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7BC28D835E-27B7-49A5-9DDE-B6A8BC74F086%7D&file=YMCA_WoodBuffaloFortMcMurray%26AreaFRN_PartC_YD%26R.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true)
- Plan and facilitate group-based workshops and activities focused on resilience, coping skills, relationships, and decision-making. (https://naymca-my.sharepoint.com/personal/amanda_thorpe_northernalberta_ymca_ca/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7BC28D835E-27B7-49A5-9DDE-B6A8BC74F086%7D&file=YMCA_WoodBuffaloFortMcMurray%26AreaFRN_PartC_YD%26R.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true)
- Support youth to identify personal goals and track progress over time through regular check-ins and coaching. (https://naymca-my.sharepoint.com/personal/amanda_thorpe_northernalberta_ymca_ca/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7BC28D835E-27B7-49A5-9DDE-B6A8BC74F086%7D&file=YMCA_WoodBuffaloFortMcMurray%26AreaFRN_PartC_YD%26R.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true)
- Complete intake and ongoing assessment using youth-friendly, strengths-based approaches to understand needs and readiness for support. (https://naymca-my.sharepoint.com/personal/amanda_thorpe_northernalberta_ymca_ca/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7BC28D835E-27B7-49A5-9DDE-B6A8BC74F086%7D&file=YMCA_WoodBuffaloFortMcMurray%26AreaFRN_PartC_YD%26R.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true)
- Provide warm referrals and connect youth to additional supports, including FRN services and community resources. (https://naymca-my.sharepoint.com/personal/amanda_thorpe_northernalberta_ymca_ca/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7BC28D835E-27B7-49A5-9DDE-B6A8BC74F086%7D&file=YMCA_WoodBuffaloFortMcMurray%26AreaFRN_PartC_YD%26R.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true)
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services, participation, and outcomes. (https://naymca-my.sharepoint.com/personal/amanda_thorpe_northernalberta_ymca_ca/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7BC28D835E-27B7-49A5-9DDE-B6A8BC74F086%7D&file=YMCA_WoodBuffaloFortMcMurray%26AreaFRN_PartC_YD%26R.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true)
- Monitor youth well-being and respond to emerging risks by following safety protocols and escalating concerns when needed. (https://naymca-my.sharepoint.com/personal/amanda_thorpe_northernalberta_ymca_ca/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7BC28D835E-27B7-49A5-9DDE-B6A8BC74F086%7D&file=YMCA_WoodBuffaloFortMcMurray%26AreaFRN_PartC_YD%26R.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true)
- Participate in team meetings, supervision, and training to support continuous learning and program quality.
Qualifications:
- Post secondary degree/diploma in Child and Youth Care Counselling, Education, Social Work, Recreation Management, or related field.
- 2 years of experience working directly with vulnerable youth
- Standard First Aid & CPR-C and able to obtain a Police Information Check and Vulnerable sector
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, Suicide Intervention Certification preferred
- Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is highly recommended.
- Working knowledge of issues/practices related to the social determents of health, youth development, individual assessment, case management, group work, group facilitation, program planning and outcome evaluation
- Working knowledge in culturally sensitive and trauma-informed practice, and strength-based approach
- Excellent organizational, time management skills, communication, interpersonal, and team skills
- Working knowledge computer skills (Windows, Microsoft Teams, Office and Outlook)
- Availability to work evenings and occasional weekends
- Possess a valid driver's license and regular use of a personal vehicle for travel in Fort McMurray and rural communities within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Why work for the YMCA?
The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.
Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.
If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.
In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.
The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.
