Youth Care Worker – THUNDERBIRD LANDING
Help Youth Heal, Grow, and Build Strong Futures
At Nightwind Treatment Centre, we believe every young person can succeed when given the right support, structure, and relationships. Many of the youth we support have experienced trauma, loss, or instability. Our role is to provide a safe environment where they can heal, develop life skills, and build confidence for the future. Youth Care Workers are central to this work. They help create the daily structure and relationships that allow youth to grow and move forward.
Thunderbird Landing is an assessment and stabilization program designed for youth who are experiencing significant behavioural, emotional, and mental health challenges. Many youth arrive during periods of crisis or transition and need a structured, supportive environment to help them regain stability. The program focuses on safety, emotional regulation, assessment of needs, and developing plans that support the youth’s next steps in care. Youth Care Workers play a key role in helping youth settle into the program, understand expectations, and begin building the skills and confidence needed to move forward.
What You’ll Do
Youth Care Workers support youth living in our residential treatment programs by:
- Building respectful, supportive relationships with youth
- Supporting youth who may be experiencing emotional escalation, crisis, or significant behavioural challenges
- Helping youth develop skills in emotional regulation, communication, and problem-solving
- Supporting daily routines including school, recreation, life skills, and healthy sleep
- Helping youth manage emotions and resolve conflict
- Participating in cultural, therapeutic, and recreational activities
- Supporting meal preparation, program routines, and household responsibilities
- Maintaining a safe and structured living environment
- Communicating with team members and completing documentation that supports assessment and care planning
Work Environment
This role takes place in a residential treatment / group care setting and requires active engagement with youth throughout the shift. The work can be fast-paced and requires the ability to remain calm, supportive, and professional during challenging situations. Shifts may include days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.
Program location is: THUNDERBIRD LANDING – Range Road 262 and Township Road 594, Westlock County, AB T7P 2G1
Who Thrives in This Role
Successful Youth Care Workers are patient, calm under pressure, team-oriented, and able to maintain professional boundaries while supporting youth through difficult moments. They are able to stay steady and supportive when youth are struggling and understand that behaviour is often a form of communication. You also have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with some truly great young people and bring creativity to your role through activities, problem-solving, and everyday interactions that help youth grow and succeed.
Qualifications
Preferred qualifications include:
- Experience supporting youth with complex behavioural, emotional, or mental health challenges
- Experience working with Indigenous children and youth
- Knowledge of Indigenous culture and communities
- Diploma or Degree in Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Psychology, or Human Services
- 2+ years experience working with youth or children in care
If you believe that one consistent relationship can change the course of a young person’s life, we encourage you to join our team.
