Youth Support Shelter (Safety & Stabilization) Worker

Safety & Stabilization Worker (6-month contract)

What We Do

YESS is a not-for-profit agency working with youth facing difficult realities. Based in Edmonton, our Youth Support Centre provides immediate and low-barrier 24/7 sleep support and individualized wrap-around supports for young people aged 15 -24.

We work collaboratively within a network of care, focused on the prevention of youth homelessness by providing youth with the necessary supports to stabilize their housing, improve their wellbeing, build life skills, connect with community, and avoid re-entry into homelessness.

We are committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to cultivating an environment where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. YESS is an equal opportunity employer and always strives to ensure all employment decisions are grounded in equity, fairness, and merit.

What You Will Do

The Safety & Stabilization Worker provides frontline, relationship-based support to youth accessing shelter services, ensuring safety, stability, and a structured environment.

This role focuses on direct youth interaction, safety monitoring, intake completion, data collection, and maintaining a clean and organized environment. Workers are responsible for delivering consistent, trauma-informed care while supporting youth in meeting their immediate needs and engaging in daily routines.

The Safety & Stabilization Worker plays a critical role in stabilization by ensuring safety, structure, and accurate documentation, forming the foundation for youth to transition into wellness and longer-term supports.

Location: 9310-82 Avenue, Edmonton AB

Key Responsibilities:

Youth Support & Engagement

• Build respectful, trusting, and professional relationships with youth
• Interact with youth in a trauma-informed, non-judgmental manner
• Provide emotional support, encouragement, and guidance
• Maintain appropriate boundaries, structure, and expectations
• Support youth in daily routines, responsibilities, and program participation
• Promote youth dignity, self-esteem, and positive behavior
  

Intake & Documentation

• Complete intake processes, including:
  • Intake forms and documentation
  • Intake tours and explanation of program expectations
• Ensure all intake information is:
  • Accurate
  • Complete
  • Submitted in a timely manner
• Document all youth interactions, including:
  • Case notes
  • Shift logs
  • Incident reports
• Enter data into systems accurately and consistently
• Ensure documentation meets organizational standards and timelines

Safety Monitoring & Crisis Response

• Maintain a safe environment for youth, staff, and visitors
• Monitor youth behavior and respond appropriately to risks or concerns
• Support crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed
• Follow all safety procedures, including emergency protocols
• Report safety concerns and incidents to the Team Lead immediately

Safety Rounds & Building Checks

• Conduct scheduled safety rounds and building checks as assigned
• Ensure rounds are completed:
  • On time
  • Thoroughly
  • Properly documented
• Monitor and report any risks, hazards, or concerns
• Follow up on issues to ensure resolution or escalation

Environment, Cleanliness & Basic Needs

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment throughout the shift
• Ensure common areas, dorms, and workspaces are kept clean and functional
• Support youth in participating in cleaning and upkeep of shared spaces
• Provide basic needs support, including:
  • Food and meals
  • Clothing and hygiene supplies
• Ensure spaces remain welcoming, respectful, and safe

Program Structure & Expectations

• Implement program rules, routines, and expectations consistently
• Support youth in understanding and following program guidelines
• Apply appropriate interventions based on youth needs and development
• Reinforce structure, predictability, and accountability

Communication & Team Collaboration

• Communicate clearly with Team Leads and staff regarding:
  • Youth concerns
  • Incidents
  • Updates and risks
• Participate in shift handovers and team communication
• Review and stay up to date with internal communications, such as emails and shift updates
• Collaborate with team members to ensure continuity of care

Key Outcomes

• Youth experience a safe, stable, and structured environment
• Accurate and timely intake and documentation
• Consistent safety monitoring and incident response
• Clean, organized, and respectful environment
• Positive youth engagement and relationship-building
• Reduced incidents and improved safety

Core Competencies & Expectations

These core competencies outline the key behaviors, values, and expectations that guide how employees contribute to the YESS’s mission and work effectively with others.

• Demonstrate integrity by acting with honesty, fairness, respect, and maintaining confidentiality in all interactions.
• Communicate effectively through active listening, clear messaging, and respectful, transparent dialogue with team members and stakeholders.
• Deliver results by meeting performance expectations, taking initiative to solve problems, and supporting team success.
• Provide service excellence by responding professionally and compassionately to the needs of youth, partners, and colleagues.
• Apply strong problem-solving and judgment to assess situations, identify solutions, and seek support when needed.
• Foster teamwork by collaborating effectively, contributing positively to team culture, and valuing diverse perspectives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or certificate in Child and Youth Care, Social Work, or related field or equivalent experience is an asset.
• Experience working with:
  • Homelessness, trauma, mental health, or addictions
• Experience in:
  • Crisis intervention and de-escalation
  • Shelter or residential settings is an asset.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and youth development
• Experience with documentation systems

What You Bring

• Valid First Aid Certificate completed within the last twelve months.
• Suicide intervention, harm reduction, trauma-informed practice, and crisis intervention training are considered an asset.
• Clear police clearance (PIC) and a Child Intervention (CIRC) check, both obtained within the last six months.

YESS is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and safe work environment for people of all backgrounds.

Employment Type: Full-Time, 6 month contract
One available position, Monday - Friday 8am–4:30pm

This position is onsite 40 hours per week.

YESS is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and safe work environment for people of all backgrounds.