Employment - Social Worker
Position Title: Employment – Social Worker
Reports To: Employment Centre Manager
Pay Grid: Level 3 - $26-$31/hr
Department: Employment Services
Hours: Full-Time - 37.5hrs/week
Our Culture:
YMCA of Southeastern Alberta strives to integrate our commitment to diversity and social inclusion in all that we do. We believe that strong leadership is created through the sharing of diverse experiences and perspectives. We actively seek candidates who embody these principles and who reflect the many dimensions of the communities we serve. We are a charitable organization that provides health and fitness opportunities, employment services, licensed childcare, and various community programs in Medicine Hat, Redcliff, and Brooks. When you work at the YMCA, you’ll play an important part in building strong, thriving communities while positively impacting people’s lives. Join our team at the Y, a place where everyone belongs — including you!
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day, demonstrating our values in action.
We do the right thing.
We are caring, respectful, honest, and responsible in all that we do.
We put people first.
We believe in each other – honouring our strengths, diversity, perspectives, and passions.
We keep our promises.
We do what we say we will do.
We lead by example.
We are courageous, speaking with conviction and always willing to listen and collaborate.
What qualifications are we looking for?
At the YMCA of Southeastern Alberta, we strive to ensure our employees are a good fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals.
The successful candidate will have the following:
Education/Certifications/Credentials/Professional Registration
• Degree/Diploma in Social Work
• Registration (or eligibility for registration) with regulatory body in good standing
• Standard First Aid, CPR-Level C
• Evidence of a clear Police Information Check (with Vulnerable Sector Search if applicable), within the last six months
• Must have a valid driver’s license with a class 07 automobile insurance coverage business use (or pleasure with occasional business use) and a minimum of $2,000,000 in liability coverage
• Specialized training in trauma-informed care, mental health, crisis intervention, or mediation is an asset
Knowledge & Skills
• Proficient computer skills, MS Office Suite an asset
• Ability to utilize strength-based approaches to support youth and adults in their success in our employment and community programs
• Experience working with diverse, vulnerable or marginalized populations
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal/written communication, organization, and time management skills
• Ability to act professionally in all situations, representing the YMCA according to our core values
• Self-motivated with the ability to direct personal performance to achieve desired results without constant direct supervision
• Strong assessment, counselling, and case management skills
• Ability to support clients with complex or multi barriered needs
• Knowledge of community resources, legislation, and social service systems
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and ethical practice
• Cover letter and resume
What does this role look like at the YMCA of Southeastern Alberta?
Reporting to the Employment Centre Manager, the Social Worker is responsible for providing client-centered support, assessment, and intervention services to individuals accessing our employment and community programs and who are experiencing social, emotional, mental, financial, or environmental challenges. This role focuses on promoting client well being, enhancing coping strategies, and connecting clients with appropriate resources and supports within the community. The Social Worker maintains professional practice standards and collaborates with all staff to deliver high quality services.
The responsibilities and duties of this role will include but is not limited to:
Customer Service
• Be committed to providing exceptional customer service and community engagement
• Develop and maintain positive relationships and increase involvement of community members and partners. Develop and implement plans to service and engage community members through discussion, participation, and involvement in community groups, committees and partnerships as directed by the Manager
• Represents the YMCA in a professional manner in internal and external forums
• Advocate for clients to ensure access to services and equitable support
• Transporting clients to and from interventions/supports
YMCA Values
• Demonstrate and promote a personal understanding of and appreciation for the mission, vision, and values of the YMCA and its programs and services
• Demonstrates appropriate behaviors in line with our Mission, Vision and Values as reflected in our YMCA competencies; takes a member-focused approach to increase their understanding of programs offered across the Association.
• Contribute to a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.
Teamwork
• Work effectively within the Employment Centre team, contributing to its overall success by:
• Promoting the YMCA’s annual Y Connect Campaign
• Promoting and/or attending YMCA events
• Contributing to a positive and healthy workplace culture
• Other duties to assist the team, as assigned
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and integrated service planning.
Standards that Shine
• Achieve all quality standards and targets established under YMCA best practices and the YMCA’s Standards that Shine
• General cleaning as required around the facility
• Ensuring all staff are aware of Standards that Shine, and work with them to create a culture of excellence in adherence to guidelines and expectations outlined by the Standards that Shine.
Interpersonal/Communication Skills
• Communicate effectively with coworkers, supervisors, managers, and the senior leadership team
• Ensure workplace conflicts are resolved quickly, following YMCA policies and procedures
• Deliver trauma informed, culturally responsive counselling and support
• Facilitate individual, family, or group sessions as appropriate to the program
Quality of Work
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify client needs, strengths, risks, and barriers
• Develop individualized service plans in collaboration with clients
• Provide short- and long-term case management, crisis intervention, and ongoing monitoring of client progress
• Implement interventions based on best practices in social work and mental health support
• Provide immediate crisis stabilization and safety planning when required
• Connect clients with external services such as housing, mental health supports, addiction support programs, financial assistance, legal supports, and community resources
• Build collaborative relationships with partner agencies, government services, and community organizations
• Maintain accurate, confidential client records and case notes in accordance with policies and applicable legislation
• Prepare reports, assessments, and required documentation for internal tracking, funders, or multidisciplinary teams
• Ensure compliance with privacy and professional standards
• Support program development, evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Provide outreach and community engagement as required by the program
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned
Compliance with Legislation and YMCA Policies and Procedure
• Adherence to the following at all times:
• YMCA Child Safeguarding and Operational Policies and Procedures
• Public health and safety regulations
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Registration (or eligibility for registration) with the provincial social work regulatory body (e.g., ACSW).
• Compliance with funding contracts, including meeting outcomes, reporting, confidentiality, etc.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
• Office located on main floor
• Combination of office-based, outreach, and community work
• Sitting at a desk and using a computer for several hours per day
• From time to time, you may need to lift boxes up to 20 pounds
• May be exposed to all weather conditions when walking outside to/from vehicle and when using a vehicle for business purposes (such as transporting clients)
• May be exposed to verbal/physical altercations from external/internal clients
The Benefits to Joining our Team:
• Paid wellness days and benefits package after 3-month probationary period
• Paid Birthday and Employment Anniversary Date
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free Health Plus Membership with 15% discount for family members
• 2 weeks paid vacation after 3 months prorated based on start date
• 1 week of PTO after 3 months prorated based on start date
Please Apply:
With a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references (email addresses and phone numbers) who can attest to your character and previous work and/or volunteer performance.
Please send application packages to:
Krista Varner, Medicine Hat Employment Manager
YMCA of Southeastern Alberta
525 2nd St SE