Application Deadline
September 18, 2026
About The Role
The Position
The Indigenous Support Youth Worker is the key worker responsible for leading the day-to-day operations and cultural supports. This position involves providing culturally sensitive support and guidance to Indigenous youth who have complex mental health needs, including ADHD, ASD, anorexia, PTSD, and dissociative identity disorders.
The primary objective of this role is to empower and assist these young individuals in achieving their personal, emotional, spiritual, mental, physical, and educational goals while promoting their cultural identity and overall well-being in a safe, nurturing environment.
In Your Role You Will
The Indigenous Support Youth Worker will promote and celebrate Indigenous culture, traditions, and values within the home environment. You will facilitate culturally relevant activities, workshops and events that enhance identity, pride and connection to the community.
Cultural Programming & Support
- Prepare and serve traditional Indigenous meals including bannock, elk burgers, and other culturally significant foods
- Facilitate participation in cultural ceremonies, teachings, and traditional practices
- Connect youth with Elders and Knowledge Keepers
- Support youth in developing strong cultural identity and pride
Daily Youth Support
- Prepare and serve/eat meals family-style with the youth
- Help youth with daily chores, homework, and life skills development
- Transport youth to/from school, and accompany on recreational or cultural outings and to appointments as needed
- Work with individual or groups of youth to develop living/life skills and healthy routines
- Provide age-appropriate support with personal care and hygiene as needed
Specialized Mental Health Support
- Implement trauma-informed care approaches with youth experiencing complex mental health conditions
- Support youth with ADHD, ASD, eating disorders, PTSD, and dissociative identity disorders
- Recognize and respond appropriately to mental health crises and triggers
- Collaborate with mental health professionals, therapists, and medical providers
- Administer medications as prescribed and monitor youth wellness
Youth Development
- Encourage, promote and enable youth to develop age-appropriate skills, including healthy individual coping, problem-solving skills, and cultural knowledge and experience
- Model healthy relationships and communication
- Support educational goals and school engagement
- Foster independence and self-advocacy skills
What We Offer
- Opportunity to make a meaningful difference in Indigenous youth's lives
- Collaborative work environment with an experienced multidisciplinary team including nurses, speech pathologists, social workers, psychologists, and teachers
- Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
- Supportive team culture focused on trauma-informed and culturally responsive care
- Competitive compensation
- Benefits package for eligible employees
- Professional development and job-related training opportunities
Requirements
Who We're Looking For
You Are Someone Who
- Is genuinely passionate about working with children and youth with complex neurodivergent needs, including ASD
- Leads with empathy, patience, and consistency in high-support environments
- Is confident supporting children and youth through emotional dysregulation using trauma-informed strategies
- Values cultural humility and understands the importance of Indigenous identity in healing and connection
- Communicates clearly and professionally with families, caseworkers, and team members
- Thrives in a collaborative, team-based residential setting
- Is flexible, dependable, and able to commit to shifts throughout the summer term
- Advocates for each young person's full participation in their home, community, and daily life
Key Responsibilities
Day-to-Day Support
- Provide direct, trauma-informed care and supervision to children and youth at Takoda Lodge
- Support implementation of individualized support plans, behavioural strategies, and therapeutic interventions developed by the clinical team
- Assist with daily living routines including personal care, meal preparation, household tasks, and medication administration as trained
- Use de-escalation techniques to support youth during periods of emotional and behavioural dysregulation
- Model and encourage positive social skills, self-regulation, and growing independence
Recreation & Community
- Plan and deliver safe, engaging, age-appropriate summer activities both at the Lodge and in the community
- Accompany children and youth on community outings, field trips, and recreational activities
- Support each child or youth's meaningful participation in summer programming, cultural events, and community life
Documentation & Communication
- Complete accurate and timely documentation including daily logs, incident reports, and progress notes
- Participate in shift handovers, team meetings, and training sessions
- Communicate clearly and respectfully with families, caseworkers, and members of the multidisciplinary team
Cultural Connection
- Support and honour the cultural identity of Indigenous children and youth in the program
- Participate in culturally relevant activities, ceremonies, and community events as appropriate
- Engage with cultural programming developed in partnership with DFNA bands and families
Qualifications & Education
Required Education
Certificate or Diploma in a Human Services field, including (but not limited to):
- Child and Youth Care
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Educational Assistant
Students currently enrolled in a Human Services program who have completed substantial coursework may also be considered.
Required Experience
- Demonstrated experience supporting children or youth with complex neurodivergent needs, including ASD
- Experience with behaviour support strategies and de-escalation techniques
- Experience working within or alongside child welfare systems (CFS, DFNA, or equivalent) is 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 Alberta Class 5 Driver's Licence
- Clear 3-year driver's abstract
- Reliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insurance
Assets (not Required, But Valued)
- Certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI), Mandt, or equivalent
- Training in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) or other autism-specific frameworks
- Knowledge of or connection to Indigenous cultures, communities, or languages
- Experience supporting children and youth in a residential or 24-hour care setting
- Availability for ongoing casual or part-time work beyond the summer term
Supporting Documentation Required
Mandatory Requirements
All of the following must be in place before your start date. Failure to provide valid documentation will affect your ability to begin employment:
- CPR First Aid Level C
- Police Information Check (within 6 months)
- Child Intervention Record Check (within 6 months)
- Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's Licence & clear 3-year driver's abstract
- Reliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insurance
- Certificate or Diploma in a Human Services field (CYCW, Social Work, Psychology, or Educational Assistant)
Job Type
Full Time
Salary
Competitive hourly rate - discussed at interview
Ability to Commute/Relocate
Reliable personal vehicle with third-party liability insurance
Application Question(s)
What We Offer?
A meaningful summer role making a real difference in the lives of children, youth, and their families
A supportive, values-driven team culture at a CARF-accredited program that truly cares
Hands-on experience in a specialized residential setting - ideal for students and emerging Human Services professionals
Vacation pay (as required by Alberta employment standards)
Training and onboarding to set you up for success in the role
A culturally rich program environment rooted in connection and healing
Potential to be considered for ongoing casual or future permanent opportunities at BSR
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 working with children and youth with complex needs, and what draws you to a summer role at Takoda Lodge.
Applications Can Be Submitted To
[email protected]Please include "Youth Support Worker – Takoda Lodge" in your subject line.
Language
English
License/Certification
- CPR First Aid Level C
- Police Information Check (within 6 months)
- Child Intervention Record Check (within 6 months)
- Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's Licence & clear 3-year driver's abstract
- Diploma or certification in a Human Services field (CYCW, Social Work, Psychology, or Educational Assistant)
Work Location
Takoda Lodge, BrightStar Respite - St. Albert/Edmonton, Alberta
Application Deadline
September 18, 2026
Expected Start Date
September 24, 2026
Please Email Your Job Application To
[email protected] 