Child and Youth Development Specialist

The Child and Youth Development Specialist (CYDS) functions as a child development worker under the supervision of the charge nurse and unit manager. The CYDS is part of a multidisciplinary team in the inpatient tertiary care program at the Glenrose Hospital; providing ongoing observation, therapeutic support and supervision to a variety of adolescents with neuropsychiatric difficulties. The successful candidate will help develop, coordinate and implement structured and unstructured milieu treatment interventions, including ongoing support through proximity to the unit classrooms, therapeutic interventions, and the development of appropriate skill based groups and activities. The CYDS will participate as an active member of the health care team in the collaboration of care; will carry a caseload, and is responsible for writing, implementing, and updating care plans specific to each adolescent’s neurodevelopmental difficulties. The CYDS will work with families 1:1 and in group settings to facilitate the implementation of care plans in the home environment, as well as facilitating community teaching and assisting classroom behavioral assistants to allow plans to function in the school environment. The CYDS attends and schedules case conferences and discharge conferences as required by the program, as well as liaising with other disciplines and providing referrals to external agencies as appropriate. Please Note: Employee works full time and is off for 5 weeks during the summer months. Employee will be expected to provide relief at the RAH and/or special projects during unit closures occurring throughout the year.

As a Child & Youth Development Specialist (CYDS), you will provide assessment, treatment and follow-up to children and youth in the community, educational system, and/or hospital setting who are at risk of or have a disability, and/or have a significant developmental delay. Using a family-centered care approach, you will create, implement and update family service plans specific to child/youth needs, adapting interventions/activities as appropriate. As a CYDS, you will observe, identify and report child developmental or behaviour difficulties and make recommendations to the appropriate interdisciplinary team. You will liaise with and provide referrals to other disciplines and external agencies as appropriate. You will provide information and education regarding child/youth development to parents, education providers, other interprofessionals and the community. You will support family funding and education/services placement applications and maintain printed resources and equipment for child and adolescent programs.

Completion of bachelor's degree in Child & Youth Care or a related field or equivalent education and experience.

Current Basic Cardiopulmonary Life Support (BCLS). Healthcare Provider certification. 2 years of previous experience working in a children’s mental health care setting. Must have knowledge of the treatment and medications used to treat children and adolescents with neuropsychiatric illness. Must have proven communication, behavioral management, clinical observation and assessment skills. NCVI Certification. Physically able to lift 11 kg, climb 3 flights of stairs, participate in gym activities and escort children into environment restraints or use physical restraints. This position works with children and youth experiencing significant mental health and behavior issues who may demonstrate dysregulation, loud voices, anger and anxiety.

Certification with the Child & Youth Care Association of Alberta preferred. Class 5 driver's license or non GDL preferred. Child & Youth Development, mental health courses preferred. Experience with Connect Care.