Part-time Youth Worker

Old Strathcona Youth Society is an equal-opportunity employer. We value the diversity of the communities we serve and are committed to engaging and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. OSYS welcomes applications from First Nation, Inuit, Métis, New Canadian, differently abled, and LGBTQ2S communities.

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW:

The Old Strathcona Youth Society is a non-profit low-barrier drop-in center that supports unhoused and vulnerable youth between the ages of 14 and 24. For the past 25 years, OSYS has supported Edmonton youth by providing non-judgmental, trauma-informed access to basic needs items, services, and referrals. Taking a relationship-based approach to providing care, the OSYS team believes that healthy communities start with healthy, meaningful connections. With this in mind, OSYS is committed to ensuring that the center is a place where youth feel safe and supported.

ROLE: The Part-Time Youth Worker is responsible for providing front-line and outreach services to the youth at the OSYS as required.

CLOSING DATE: October 13, 2026

START DATE: Immediately

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Build trusting, supportive relationships with the youth at OSYS based on a strength-based and client-centred model.

Supervision of daily drop-in activities

Provide support to youth at OSYS through program delivery and advocacy.

Utilize a harm reduction philosophy in all youth interactions.

Assess youths’ needs in order to provide assistance, support, and advocacy.

Maintain a working knowledge of relevant community resources and maintain strong and positive relationships with referral sources.

Actively create network connections within the community to build partnerships that bring clients closer to needed resources.

Refer youth to outside service providers to ensure a social continuity of care.

Aid youth in creating an appropriate service team to help meet their needs.

Research and implement best practices developed by other agencies in delivering outreach services, drug awareness, and health and wellness programs.

Maintain accurate and comprehensive documentation regarding all interactions with clients.

Serve as a strong advocate on behalf of OSYS and its youth.

Participate in all fundraising activities as a representative and advocate of OSYS.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Ability to demonstrate professionalism in the conduct of all activities.

Demonstrates ability to develop positive, effective, professional rapport and relationship with youth

Comfortable providing supportive feedback and having difficult conversations with youth

Skilled in de-escalation and crisis intervention

Demonstrates knowledge of local issues that pertain to youth, including trauma, poverty, homelessness, and addiction, and the unique systemic barriers Indigenous youth face

Demonstrates ability to work collaboratively with community agencies

Strong advocacy skills

Collaborative team member

Concise and effective communication, both verbally and in writing

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, excellent time management and organizational skills

Resiliency and creative problem-solving

Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings as required.

Proficiency using Microsoft Suite and Teams.

Knowledge and experience in Canva, Adobe Acrobat, and Monday.com is an asset

WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER YOU

The opportunity to work with a non-profit youth-empowering organization

Helping to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable youth

Personal development

Competitive compensation

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Requires a clear Criminal & Vulnerable Sector Record Check and Child Intervention Checks (results will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis)

Must have legal authorization to work in Canada on a full-time basis for anyone other than a current employer

Must have a minimum of 18 available working hours per week. Our available hours are Tuesday to Saturday between 9:30 am and 6:00 pm.

Must be able to provide three references, with one of the references coming from a past supervisor