Youth Outreach Worker

Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) requires an experienced youth outreach worker for the Youth Outreach and Empowerment Support Services (YOESS) program, which operates as part of the Surrey Youth Resource Centre. This program provides support to youth across the South Fraser Service Delivery Area (SDA), including Surrey, Langley, Delta, and White Rock.

The YOESS team works with some of the most vulnerable and complex youth within the SDA who are between the ages of 13 and 18 years old and in the care of, or on a Youth Agreement with the Ministry. These youth are at great risk for a range of negative outcomes and are struggling with various difficult and interrelated circumstances, issues, and factors. They are typically disconnected from positive supports, culture, and family, and require specialized and intensive aid to connect with and access a range of supports addressing addictions, homelessness, violence, mental health, isolation, sexual exploitation, and/or gang involvement.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate experience in meeting youth where they are at, recognition of the ongoing influence of trauma and disconnection on the youth served, and building on youth's strengths and passions to create meaning and bolster resilience. A multi-dimensional approach to permanency planning will include relationship-based services, outreach services, and direct support to youth through transitions, as well as an integrated understanding of the Four Dimensions of Permanency.

Hours will typically include afternoons and evenings, with some weekends. There may be a need for earlier or later hours depending upon circumstances, including morning meetings and evening youth events, offering support at key times, and coordinating others to assist when not available.

Responsibilities:

• Provide culturally safe and diverse outreach support services to vulnerable youth in the South Fraser SDA.
• Establish relationships with youth to ensure they are supported to make connections with family and others, housing supports, health service referrals, addictions services, mental health supports, transitions planning, life skills support, and sports & recreation.
• Work collaboratively with various stakeholders, such as government, families, related organizations, community organizations, and service providers.
• Meet with youth to identify their specific needs, goals, care planning, and passions, as well as support their emotional wellness, physical health, and a strong sense of identity and belonging.

Qualifications:

• B.A. in a related field plus one year of related outreach experience, or a Child and Youth Care Diploma plus two years’ experience, OR a combination of education and related experience working with vulnerable youth.
• Criminal record check including the vulnerable sector.
• Valid BC driver’s license with Business insurance use and use of own vehicle; Driver’s abstract must be submitted.
• Additional assets: Training in Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Counselling, Addictions Counselling Training, Mental Health Training, Sexual Abuse Training, Depression/Suicide/Co-occurring Disorder Training.

Pacific Community Resources Society (PCRS) is a large not-for-profit agency that serves some of the most vulnerable people in our communities from Vancouver to Hope. We work with youth and vulnerable adults in the areas of education, employment, housing, substance use and mental health, and youth and family support services. We are CARF Accredited and a Certified Living Wage Employer.

We offer equitable base pay, generous paid vacation time, personal time, sick time, additional paid time off for life events, extended health, prescription, dental & vision care plan, disability and life insurance coverage, employee & family assistance program, membership in the Municipal Pension Plan, flexible schedules, and opportunities for professional development.