Application Deadline:
November 27, 2026
About The Role
Key Responsibilities
Day-to-Day Support
- This is an awake shift with a youth who has severe autism, a sleep disorder, is non-verbal, and has elopement tendencies. The youth requires constant supervision and engagement activities. The youth enjoys walks and swimming, so the candidate must be physically fit. The worker will support the youth with feeding and toileting, and must be able to de-escalate high-emotional situations. The worker will also work with an interdisciplinary team that includes speech therapists, pediatricians, and behavioural analysts, and must be able to report essential details to the family and document daily in a log book.
- Provide direct, trauma-informed care and supervision to children and youth with complex neurodivergent needs
- Implement individualized support plans & safety plans, behavioural strategies, and therapeutic interventions in collaboration with the clinical team
- Support daily living activities including personal care, meal preparation, medication administration (as trained), and household routines
- Use de-escalation techniques to support youth during periods of emotional and behavioural dysregulation
- Model and encourage positive social skills, self-regulation, and independence
Family & Community
- Build and maintain respectful, collaborative relationships with families and natural supports
- Support family reunification goals by facilitating meaningful family contact and visits
- Advocate for each client's participation in school, community programs, and cultural activities
- Liaise with CFS and FSCD Caseworkers, DFNA representatives, school staff, and CSD agencies.
Documentation & Communication
- Complete accurate and timely documentation including daily logs, monthly reports, quarterly reports incident reports, safety plans and progress notes
- Participate in Professional Development Days, Family Group Conferences, Family Circle Meetings, Monthly Staff Meetings, Case Conferences, Service Team Meetings and training sessions
- Communicate shift exchange information clearly and thoroughly
- Understanding of CARF policies and procedures
Expectations
- Attend the monthly staff meeting and additional professional development training.
Requirements
Who We're Looking For
We are looking for a compassionate, skilled, and adaptable Child & Youth Care Worker to join the Airdrie, AB team. The ideal candidate brings both formal training and hands-on experience supporting children and youth with complex neurodivergent needs, including ASD, PTSD, ADHD, ADD, ODD & intergenerational trauma. You understand that behaviours are a form of communication, and you meet each child where they are - with curiosity, consistency, and care.
You Are Someone Who:
Leads with empathy and patience in high-support environments
Is confident supporting children and youth during emotional dysregulation and complex behavioural presentations
Values cultural humility and understands the importance of Indigenous identity in healing and connection
Communicates clearly and professionally with families, caseworkers, and interdisciplinary teams
Thrives in a collaborative, team-based residential setting
Is committed to client autonomy and advocates for each young person in their home, school, and community
Qualifications & Education
Required Education (one of the following):
Diploma or Degree in Child and Youth Care (CYCW)
Diploma or Degree in Social Work
Degree in Psychology (with demonstrated direct practice experience)
Required Experience:
Minimum 2 years of direct experience supporting children or youth with complex neurodivergent needs, including ASD
Demonstrated experience with behaviour support strategies and de-escalation techniques
Demonstrated knowledge of accreditation standards and experience contributing to the development, editing, and amendment of policies and procedures
Experience working within or alongside child welfare systems (CFS, DFNA, or equivalent) considered a strong asset
Required Certifications & Clearances:
CPR First Aid Level C (current)
Police Information Check (completed within the last 6 months)
Child Intervention Record Check (completed within the last 6 months)
Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence
Clear 3-year driver's abstract (dated within the last 6 months)
Reliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insurance
Assets (not Required, But Valued):
Prior experience working within a CARF-accredited organization, with a demonstrated understanding of the accreditation process - first preference will be given to candidates with this background
Certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), Mandt, or equivalent
Experience with FSCD (Family Support for Children with Disabilities) or PDD (Persons with Developmental Disabilities)
Knowledge of or connection to Indigenous cultures, communities, or languages
Training in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) or other autism-specific frameworks
Experience supporting children in a residential or 24-hour care setting
Supporting Documentation Required
Requirements
- Diploma in Child and Youth Care
- Clear Child Intervention Record Check, dated within the last 6 months
- Clear Police Record Check, dated within the last 6 months
- Clear 3-year driver’s abstract
- Vehicle with valid third-party liability insurance
- CPR and First Aid
- Mental Health First Aid
- Autism Awareness Training
- Proficiency with electronic documentation and reporting emergencies to the on-call supervisor
- Ability to follow CARF accreditation standards and AHS food preparation guidelines
Job Type
Full-Time
Salary
$24.88/hr to $27.30/hr
Ability to Commute/Relocate
Candidates must be able to travel to Airdrie without public transit.
Application Question(s)
How to Apply?
We'd Love To Learn More About You! Please Send Your Resume And a Cover Letter Telling Us a Bit About Your Passion For This Work And What Draws You To Airdrie AB. Applications Can Be Submitted To:
alaina@brightstarrespite.ca
Please include "Child & Youth Care Worker - Airdrie AB" in your subject line.
Language
English
License/Certification
Diploma in Child and Youth Care
Clear Child Intervention Record Check, dated within the last 6 months
Clear Police Record Check, dated within the last 6 months
Clear 3-year driver’s abstract
Vehicle with valid third-party liability insurance
CPR and First Aid
Mental Health First Aid
Autism Awareness Training
Work Location
Airdrie, AB
Application Deadline
November 27, 2026
Expected Start Date
December 13, 2026
Please Email Your Job Application To:
Alaina@brightstarrespite.ca
