Introduction

The Common Spaces Life Skills Coach is responsible for engaging with youth in addictions recovery and providing support services to assist in housing placement, personal growth and discipleship. This includes door knocking, finding opportunities to build relationships with youth, helping youth carry out their personalized development plan, conduct housing searches, move into and out of housing, work on life skills, and or other appropriate support services so that the individual can remain on their recovery path, housed and grow. The Common Spaces Life Skills Coach works closely with the Common Spaces team.

Company

Westman Youth For Christ is a youth-focused, faith-based, organization that exists to help young people throughout western Manitoba attain their full life potential, showing love and care for their whole person.

Position Overview

Duties and responsibilities

Youth Mentorship

• Take part in daily door knocking and use that as an opportunity to build connection and rapport with Common Spaces participants and observe the condition of their apartment.
• Encourage and walk with youth in their spiritual journey while praying for and with,
• Develop the necessary skills to work within faith, cultural and medical components of recovery and health,
• Assertively engage with Common Spaces participants towards recovery, community, maintaining their housing and working out their personal development plan.
• This could include, but is not limited to, connecting with local peer support groups, finding housing, moving, securing income assistance if required, setting up of utilities, signing of leases, and arranging for furnishings and household items, independent living skills such as cooking, grocery shopping, cleaning, vocational guidance, appointment escorts, integrated substance use treatment, and counselling;
• Assist Common Spaces participants to manage their monies, including preparing budgets with clients, computing expenses, and shopping.
• Maintain written and computerized records on HIFIS and other Common Spaces related websites and programs;
• Educate, inform and advocate for Common Spaces participants regarding benefits and entitlements (Social Security, Public Assistance, food stamps, etc.);
• Supervise youth in casual work such as mowing lawns or cleaning apartments.
• Volunteerism & Management
• Ongoing support of and participation in Leadership and Volunteer team.
• Taking on leadership of volunteer teams as required.
• Participate in community-based fundraising events.

Administration

• Ensure that the HIFIS system is utilized daily.
• Help plan events as needed
• Ensure all reporting is complete and submitted on time.
• Attend weekly Common Spaces/YFC staff meetings as directed and monthly all staff meetings.

Fundraising

• This position is partly funded on a missionary basis requiring the gathering of a ministry partnership team.
• Communicate with ministry partners regularly (newsletters, visits & phone calls as appropriate)
• Participate in Common Spaces and Westman YFC fundraising events such as Gala of Hope and the Annual Golf Tournament.

Time Required

• This is a full-time position. Time put into youth support must be 40 hours a week.

Length of Commitment

• An initial commitment of two years is required

Qualifications and skills

• Applicants must reflect and sign the Youth for Christ's Statement of Faith and Community Covenant.
• Patience, creativity, flexibility, compassion, and sensitivity to all persons.
• Able to practice discipleship and clearly share the gospel in one to one and group settings
• Able to exercise discretion, compassion, and empathy, and maintain confidentiality.
• Desire to learn about case management, community outreach, mental health, addictions or housing programs in a front-line capacity.
• Able to work independently and utilize sound judgment to perform all assigned duties with minimal supervision.
• A confident self-starter, able to meet challenges, and to overcome obstacles.
• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal cultures and tradition and ability to work with culturally diverse people. Familiarity with First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities in Manitoba and issues and challenges facing those choosing to move to urban centers is an asset.
• Possess a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and willing to travel (within Brandon).
• Must have a clear criminal record check and child abuse registry check. 
•  Certification in First Aid/CPR, De-escalating Potentially Violent Situations, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, and Mental Health First Aid are considered assets.