We're a not-for-profit mental health centre based in Calgary, with locations across Alberta. Our mission is to build good mental health and well-being so everyone can thrive in their community.
Wood’s Homes is looking for four (4) full-time/part-time compassionate and dedicated Youth & Family Counsellors to join our team in Strathmore, Alberta. If you are passionate about supporting youth development and want to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, youth, and families, we'd love to hear from you.
About our Program
Located in the community of Strathmore, Alberta, the Wheatland program operates using a house-parented, group-care model for young people experiencing diverse psychological, social, and emotional challenges who would benefit from a home-like environment. The program supports children and youth who require more intensive care than a family setting alone can provide, but less support than campus-based care offers. At any given time, up to nine youth ages 6–17 live within the two Wheatland Program homes. Grounded in the Small Family Home Model, the Wheatland Program ensures youth and their families have access to 24/7 therapeutic and clinical support as they work through times of emotional crisis and conflict.
Role Summary
Reporting to the Management of Wood's Homes as determined by each program, the Youth & Family Counsellor is the primary worker with children, youth and families, normally on rotating shifts that provide coverage twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, and is a contributing member of a team providing service to children, youth and families within a structured setting.
Why Join Woods?
- Competitive hourly rates
- 3 weeks’ paid vacation, sick leave and entitlements
- Excellent health package and 4% employer matching pension program
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- Supportive and collaborative team environment
- $3.00/hour overnight shift premium
Responsibilities
- Lead therapeutic interventions and case management for children and families, including attending meetings and consultations.
- Create and maintain a structured environment that supports therapeutic engagement and increased functioning.
- Teach daily life skills, including chores, routines, and personal hygiene.
- Develop and revise individual care plans and goals in collaboration with other team members.
- Provide cultural and spiritual engagement opportunities, connecting youth with Elders and spiritual leaders.
- Manage crisis situations using non-abusive restraint techniques aligned with Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI).
- Perform tasks related to program functioning, such as meal preparation, cleaning, and transportation.
- Ensure program compliance with Children and Family Services Licensing, COR Certification, and Accreditation Standards
- Executes other responsibilities as may be assigned.
Qualifications
- Current CPR and First Aid Certification.
- Class 5 driver’s license and own transportation
- Certificate/Diploma/Degree in Social Sciences, Child and Youth Care, Addictions and Mental Health, Peer Support, Social Work, Nursing, or a related field, with a minimum of two to four years of related experience.
- Experience working with vulnerable populations within various systems including the child welfare, homeless serving, criminal justice, developmental disabilities is preferred!
At Wood’s Homes, we embrace each other’s differences and strive to learn and grow from them. If you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process, feel free to let us know and we'll be more than happy to assist you.
Why choose us. We are committed to a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We empower and are advocates for our employees by welcoming, respecting and valuing their unique perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. At Wood’s Homes we embrace each other’s differences and strive to learn and grow from them. We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those moving forward in the selection process will be contacted.
