Child/Youth Care Worker

(Formerly: Child Care Worker)

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

A Child/Youth Care Worker participates in a collaborative model to assist students who have moderate to severe behaviour disorders which may be coupled with learning disabilities.  In the collaborative model, the teacher has the responsibility for the student’s educational progress. Students may be enrolled in one of several rehabilitation programs such as Social Development, Secondary Alternate, etc. Some of these students live in provincial treatment homes but attend classes in the school district. Students requiring Child/Youth Care Worker assistance often have backgrounds including abuse, poor home environments, and crime.

Child/Youth Care Workers encounter student behaviours ranging from complete withdrawal and non-communication to loud, aggressive and sometimes violently disruptive acts. A Child/Youth Care Worker's responsibilities may vary from program to program, but all have the ultimate objective of helping to maintain moderate and severe behaviour disordered students in the school system as part of a team effort with teachers, counsellors and other professionals. This is achieved by providing emotional and other support while building students' self-esteem and confidence, developing their social skills and modifying unacceptable behaviour.

The work involves duties such as working collaboratively with other staff members to develop and implement behaviour plans for controlling behaviour of certain students in non-integrating classrooms, attending integrating classes with students, and having extensive contacts with principals, teachers, parents, social workers, and counsellors.

A Child/Youth Care Worker receives assignments and direction from the Head of Student Services, but reports to a school administrative officer when working in a school or classroom.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides individual care and support to students with moderate to severe behavioural problems to promote self-esteem, build social skills, modify behaviour, encourage an interest in learning. Prepares students and facilitates their partial or full integration into the school system whenever possible.

Visits students in integrating classes and attends integrating classes with individual students to provide encouragement and support, escorts students from classrooms in the event of disruptive behaviour, and facilitates students' re-entry into classes. As required, spends time with disruptive students "one-to-one" until behaviour appears sufficiently approved.

Counsels in anger management, personal hygiene, problem-solving skills, life skills and conflict resolution.

Discusses and coordinates behaviour management techniques with teachers of integrating classes. Periodically reviews the effectiveness of such techniques with teachers, suggests modifications where necessary, and monitors student behaviour until the school based team, the teacher, appropriate district counsellor, etc. are satisfied that the results allow a withdrawal of further assistance.

Intervenes in classrooms and on playgrounds when students' behaviour endangers themselves and/or others. Is available to staff for emergency and crisis situations. Restrains students as required.

Assists in the development of student Individual Education Plans  (IEP's), and other related reports.

Documents and writes reports on students, as required.

Arranges with parents for discussions about student's progress, behavioural problems, and absences or illness. Encourages parent participation in achieving desired program outcomes by discussing with them the student's non-school activities and environment. As required, attends related meetings with school and district staff and parents.

In consultation with teachers and/or counsellors, acts as liaison between the school system and various statutory/government agencies. Discusses issues such as home environment, abuse, and offences under the Young Offenders Act. Recommends interventions and strategies as circumstances warrant.

Organizes care plan meetings, field trips, skills workshops and community speakers.

Participates in school based team meetings, as required.

Performs related duties, as required. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Knowledge of behavioural problems commonly encountered by Child/Youth Care Workers, and what strategies and corrective measures are generally applicable.

Ability to work as a member of a team with a common interest.

Ability to motivate students.

Ability to maintain a positive and supportive attitude while attending to undesirable behaviours.

Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in the English language.

Ability to develop and maintain rapport and effectively work with students.

Ability to develop and maintain rapport with and effectively work with students.

Ability to restrain disruptive or violent students and to take defensive measures if attacked.

Ability to work on feet for most of working day.

Knowledge of the various acts, laws and legal obligations that protect children in the Province of British Columbia.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of grade 12, plus a Certificate as a Child and Youth Care Counsellor from a community college or similar institution recognized by the district.

Two years practical experience in work related to the care of children or youth with behavioural problems or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

LICENCES, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS

Valid B.C. Driver's Licence.