Family Support Worker

Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.

When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That's the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.

About the Role:

The Family Support Worker (FSW) provides client-centered, trauma-informed services to families with children aged 0–18. The role encompasses promoting child development, enhancing parenting skills, and strengthening family functioning. This role involves building trusting relationships with families, assessing needs and strengths, and delivering culturally responsive, strengths-based support through regular visits, referrals, and advocacy. The FSW carries out their duties in a professional manner and in accordance with all YMCA policies and procedures, standards of practice, health and safety standards, child protection standards, and contractual, legal, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct participant intake and assessments to determine eligibility and support needs.
• Design and facilitate workshops and services that address the social determinants of health.
• Support participants and their natural support systems to achieve positive outcomes.
• Collaborate with community agencies to enhance service delivery and resource access.
• Conduct regular home visits to assess family needs and provide tailored support and guidance.
• Educate parents and caregivers on child development, family functioning, health, nutrition, and safety practices.
• Develop and implement individualized family service plans in collaboration with families.
• Connect families with community resources and services, including healthcare, early childhood education, and social services.
• Collect and inputs data accurately and timely into designated systems.
• Work within defined program budgets.
• Maintain accurate participant files in accordance with funder and YMCA guidelines.

Qualifications:

• Post secondary degree/diploma in Social Work, Human Services, or related field.
• Intermediate (Standard First Aid), CPR-C.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Suicide Intervention Certification preferred.
• Able to obtain a Police Information Check with Vulnerable sector.
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with families and young children, preferably in a home visiting or similar role.
• Strong working knowledge of child development, parenting practices, and community resources.
• Strong working knowledge in culturally sensitive and trauma-informed practice, and strength-based approach.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed for community events or meetings.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, databases and other technology.
• Annual registration in a professional organization as required by law.
• Valid driver's license and has a reliable vehicle.

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.