Application Deadline:
July 22, 2026
About the Role
Key Responsibilities
Day-to-Day Support
- 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
Cultural Connection
- Honour and actively support the cultural identity, heritage, and spiritual wellbeing of Indigenous children and youth at Mahikan Lodge as a foundational component of their care
- Attend and facilitate participation in culturally significant events including Family Group Conferences, Family Circle Meetings, Pow Wows, Naming Ceremonies, Round Dances, Sweetgrass Picking, and other community gatherings that strengthen each youth's connection to their culture and community
- Support youth in daily cultural practices including smudging, connection with Elders, and engagement with traditional teachings, creating space within the Lodge environment where cultural expression is welcomed and encouraged
- Proactively research, identify, and plan culturally relevant activities in collaboration with youth, honouring their individual nations, traditions, and personal interests
- Maintain meaningful working relationships with kinship support workers, band representatives, DFNA contacts, and cultural liaisons to ensure each youth remains connected to their community and identity
- Encourage and support youth in advocating for themselves within their cultural communities, helping them build confidence and voice in spaces that are meaningful to them
- Engage with cultural programming developed in partnership with DFNA bands and families, and contribute to the ongoing development of culturally responsive practices at the Lodge
- Approach all cultural participation with humility, respect, and a genuine willingness to learn, recognizing that relationship-building with Indigenous communities is an ongoing, reciprocal process
Requirements
Who We're Looking For
We are looking for a compassionate, skilled, and adaptable Child & Youth Care Worker to join the Mahikan Lodge 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), mandatory 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
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 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
- Diploma or degree in a Human Services field (CYCW, Social Work, or Psychology)
Job Type
Temporary Part-Time
Salary
$24.55/hr - $27.85/hr
Ability to Commute/Relocate
$0.88 per kilometre for approved work travel
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 Mahikan Lodge. Applications can be submitted to:
[email protected]
Please include "Child & Youth Care Worker - Mahikan Lodge" in your subject line.
Language
English
License/Certification
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 Class 5 Driver's Licence & clear 3-year driver's abstract (dated within the last 6 months)
- Diploma or degree in a Human Services field (CYCW, Social Work, or Psychology)
Work Location
Mahikan Lodge — Spruce Grove, Alberta
Application Deadline
July 22, 2026
Expected Start Date
Pay: $24.55-$27.85 per hour
Work Location: In person
