Job Title: Youth & Family Support Worker
Job Type: : Full-time 35 hrs./week
PayScale: $25.00- $28.00 per hour
Benefits: 3 weeks’ vacation, extended health benefits and Group RRSP
Reports to: Community Services & Operations Director
Department: Community Development
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Job Summary:
The Youth & Family Support Worker plays a key role in advancing community safety, early intervention and family wellbeing within the Britannia Woods catchment area. Grounded in a family centered and strength-based approach, this role provides culturally responsive outreach, youth mentorship, system navigation, and early non-crisis intervention support.
The position centers youth voices while strengthening families through culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive practices, while actively addressing barriers related to poverty, systemic discrimination and social exclusion.
Working directly with children and youth ages 6-18 and their families, The Youth and Family Support Worker deliver mentorship advocacy, group facilitation, advocacy and coordinated support that reduce risk factors and build protective factors to promote long term community wellbeing and resilience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Direct Youth & Family Support
- Build trusting relationships with children, youth and families in community-based settings (schools, programs, community spaces and homes as appropriate).
- Conduct strength-based assessments to identify needs and emerging risks.
- Develop collaborative support plans with youth and families.
- Provide early and non-crisis intervention support and coordinate referrals.
- Support families in navigating education, health, and social services.
- Offer mentorship, advocacy and wraparound support to address barriers related to education, mental health, housing stability and social inclusion.
- Provide internal referrals and coordinate external referrals to appropriate resources.
2. Group Facilitation and Youth Engagement
- Plan and facilitate structured age-appropriate programming for youth ages 6-18
- Lead and support youth groups including Youth Connect (Junior and Senior), Beyond the Bell, Sister2Sister and Brilliant Voices
- Facilitate parent engagement and learning spaces
- Integrate social emotional learning, leadership development and skills building into programming
- Promote youth voices and community participation
3. Systems Navigation & Collaboration
- Support families in navigating education, health, mental health, and social service systems.
- Liaise and collaborate with schools, community agencies, and City partners.
- Participate in cross-sector meetings and networks as required.
- Represent BWCS in community tables, initiatives and outreach events.
4. Program Operations & Administration
- Develop and implement structured weekly and monthly program plans
- Ensure programs operate safely, consistently and align with best practices in youth development and follow municipal and provincial health and safety standards
- Maintain a safe, inclusive, and culturally affirming program environment.
- Support and provide guidance to program coordinators and assistants.
- Manage program supplies and purchases
- Maintain accurate documentation and program data
- Assist with outreach, registration processes, attendance tracking and reporting requirements
- Ability to organize, coordinate, and liaise effectively in the planning and execution of structured sports programs, leagues, and tournaments. (i.e. basketball, soccer, etc.)
- Coordinate operational logistics, including equipment inventory management, uniform distribution, and facility reservations for practices, games, and special events
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE ABILITIES
- Knowledge and experience working with racialized children and adolescents who experience issues of poverty, discrimination, issues in the education system and face other societal barriers.
- Excellent interpersonal communication, de-escalation skills and documentation skills
- Ability to balance direct service, group facilitation, and administrative responsibilities.
- Strong organizational and time management skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of community, social service agencies, and mental health services in Ottawa.
- Experience with developing and facilitating groups in a community-based setting
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Work flexible hours including a minimum of 3 evenings per week and occasional weekends.
Education/Qualifications
- Bachelor or Diploma of Social Services, Social Work, Child, and Youth Practitioner or in related areas of study.
- Minimum 2-3 years’ experience working with disadvantaged, vulnerable or at-risk clients in a community setting.
- Experience working with individuals experiencing behavioral, emotional, or mental health challenges is an asset.
- Knowledge of, or lived experience within Black, Indigenous, and other racialized communities in Ottawa.
- Bilingualism (English and French) required. Additional languages such as Arabic, Lingala, Creole, or other languages commonly spoken among Black communities in Ottawa are considered assets.
- Knowledge of Principals of Healthy Child Development Principles and best practices in After -school programming – HIGH FIVE
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and virtual platforms.
- Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification
WHAT WE OFFER
BWCS is a vibrant workplace offering opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive environment. As part of our team, you will make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families, helping them access vital resources and achieve positive outcomes. If you are committed to equity, innovation, and culturally responsive care, we invite you to join our mission to create healthier, more resilient communities.
APPLICATION PROCESS
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage all interested candidates to submit a detailed resume and cover letter by email to careers@britanniawoods.com. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
If you require accessibility accommodation during this process, please email careers@britanniawoods.com and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met.