| Job Description | POSITION SUMMARY:
The Child and Caregiver Support Worker supports children and youth in out-of-home care, primarily in foster care or transitioning into foster care from other care settings. The position is focused on promoting stability of placements, strengthening caregiver capacity, supporting the development of coping and daily living skills, and enhancing relationships between children, youth, and their caregivers. The role involves direct service delivery, consultation, and collaboration with internal and external service providers to support individualized care planning and successful transitions within alternative care arrangements.
DUTIES PERFORMED BY A CHILD AND CAREGIVER SUPPORT WORKER :
• Provide consultation and crisis support to children, youth, and caregivers, including de-escalation support and assisting caregivers in implementing appropriate behavioural interventions.
• Participate in planning and supporting transitions between care settings, including home, foster care, kin care, and other alternative placements, in collaboration with service teams.
• Support the development and strengthening of attachment relationships between children, youth, and their caregivers through coaching, modelling, and direct intervention.
• Provide direct care and supervision to children and youth in the home and community to support skill development and provide respite to caregivers.
• Assist children and caregivers in implementing recommendations from medical professionals, therapists, psychologists, and educational teams in consultation with Child Protection Workers and Child and Youth Services Workers/Kin Service Workers.
• Provide transportation and supervision to appointments, school related activities, and recreational programming where aligned with care plans.
• Support children and youth during challenging transitions (for example school to home, home to activities, and daily routines) by implementing and modelling effective coping strategies.
• Assist children and youth in developing age-appropriate daily living skills, including personal care, social skills, and independent functioning.
• Deliver education and training to caregivers and community partners related to the needs of children in care, including trauma, attachment, and behavioural responses.
• Participate in Plan of Care meetings and support the implementation of identified goals and interventions.
SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship building skills
• Ability to respond effectively to crisis situations and apply de-escalation techniques
• Demonstrated ability to coach, model, and teach caregiving and behavioural strategies
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgment
• Commitment to strength based, trauma informed, and attachment focused practice
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic service environment
• Ability to travel as required and access to reliable transportation.
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
• Post-secondary diploma in Child and Youth Care, Early Childhood Education, Social Service Worker, or a related social services field. A background in psychology, behavioural sciences, or child development is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of trauma informed care principles and attachment theory
• Experience implementing behavioural support plans and behaviour management approaches
• Understanding of psychological assessments and neurodevelopmental or mental health diagnoses
• Training in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention or equivalent de-escalation approaches
• Experience working with children and youth with complex needs, particularly within out-of-home care settings, is preferred
• Bilingualism (English/French) is considered an asset.
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Work is performed in a variety of settings including client homes, community locations, and office environments.
• The position requires flexibility in scheduling, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends
• The work involves managing complex situations, including exposure to crisis, behavioural challenges, and emotionally demanding circumstances
• The nature of the role requires ongoing adaptability to meet the individual needs of children, youth, and caregivers
• Regular travel within the county is required, with access to reliable transportation. Out-of-county travel may also be required.
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