SACY Youth Prevention and Engagement Worker - Substance Use Prevention

THE VANCOUVER SCHOOL BOARD WELCOMES APPLICATIONS FOR THE POSITION OF:SACY YOUTH PREVENTION & ENGAGEMENT WORKER - SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION(SCHOOL & STUDENT SUPPORT B) Department : Learning Services Salary: $38.05/hour plus extensive benefits and municipal pension Hours : 7 hours per day, Monday-Friday Working Months: September to June each year This position is 100% in-person and will be onsite in district and school locationsTHE ORGANIZATION: VANCOUVER SCHOOL BOARD (SCHOOL DISTRICT 39) With deep gratitude and respect, we are honoured to be learning and unlearning on the ancestral and unceded lands of the x ʷ məθk ʷ əy ̓ əm (Musqueam), S ḵ wxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) & səlilwəta ɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). At the VSB, we are proud to provide exceptional learning experiences for students. As a large, urban school district, the VSB is one of Canadas most diverse school systems and equity and inclusivity are at the forefront of our approach to education. Throughout the District, more than 7,700 staff work to create learning environments where every student thrives by prioritizing students needs, applying evidence-informed practices, and building relationships. The VSBs culture reflects the diversity of our city. Students enrolled in VSB come from varied backgrounds and lived experiences and are encouraged to explore and share their unique selves and gifts. Our commitment to students goes beyond academics with students overall well-being and sense of belonging being equally important. As an organization, we strive to build a school system where every student can be their authentic self and succeed throughout their learning journey. In doing this work, we champion equity and accountability by making evidence-based decisions. As a learning organization, humility is our guidepost as we work to continually improve student outcomes in service to them, their families, and the broader community. For more information about our school district, visit https://www.vsb.bc.ca/ . THE OPPORTUNITY: SACY YOUTH PREVENTION & ENGAGEMENT WORKER - SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION (SCHOOL & STUDENT SUPPORT B) The SACY (Supporting and Connecting Youth) Substance Use Prevention Program is a joint initiative of the Vancouver Board of Education and Vancouver Coastal Health. SACY has three inter-related streams of activity: youth engagement, parent engagement and school environment/teacher support. The job of the SACY Youth Engagement Worker is school-based and duties include being a resource and support - primarily to students regarding substance use related issues, and raising awareness, knowledge and skills of youth regarding substance use health promotion and early intervention. Responsibilities: In this position, you will:

• Assess and enhance current school-based activities regarding substance use prevention/intervention.
• Identify emerging issues and service gaps with respect to substance use prevention in the school communities.
• Plan and provide a range of student engagement activities such as classroom activities, drug education, student support actions and brief intervention techniques to assist students who are at risk of displaying substance use related problems
• Apply progressive and age-appropriate approaches to substance use prevention/health promotion in school aged youth
• Foster leadership potential within youth.
• Engage youth to establish school-based youth action teams who will then implement school-based prevention activities in consultation with school staff and program stakeholders.
• Support and encourage youth to voice their perspectives regarding substance use issues through activities such as parent and student workshops.
• Work collaboratively with youth, parents, Prevention Specialists, school staff, police and a variety of youth service providers.
• Facilitate dialogue with and provide education to youth and teachers, and the wider community on youth substance use related issues.
• Expedite and encourage partnerships with community agencies, business and community groups.
• Assist students who require developmental, behavioural and/or multicultural support.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of charts, records and reports.
• Perform other work within the job band as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Completion of grade 12 plus 2 years of full time equivalent post-secondary education and/or a diploma in any of the following areas: Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Child and Youth Care, Immigration/Migration studies, Ethnic/Cultural/Indigenous studies, Human Development and Family studies, Applied Behaviour Science or Education.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience conducting substance use education and prevention.
• Experience in an educational setting an asset.
• Sound knowledge of developmental psychology and the ability to assess the behavior and needs of school students with substance use, behavioural and/or personality issues.
• Ability to effectively intervene in crisis situations relating to students, especially regarding substance use and to advise and support students both individually and in groups.
• Must possess the ability to provide expert addiction advice as a resource person to teachers and other school-based staff and to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team with minimal direct supervision.
• Knowledge and experience in delivering information on substance use prevention/ intervention activities and strategies required.
• Ability to develop and implement strength-based client centered prevention programs.
• Must be willing to travel throughout the district.

Your application MUST include:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Three (3) Professional References-names, email addresses and phone numbers of your last direct supervisors/managers (contacted only with your prior approval)
• A copy of your Work Permit (if you are not a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident)

Compensation The salary for this position is $38.05/hour plus a comprehensive benefits package, including Municipal Pension Plan, Vancouver Employee Savings Plan, Extended Health, Dental, Group Life, Long Term Disability, Vacation, & Gratuity Days. TO APPLY: To be considered for this position, apply via MAKE A FUTURE. Include a cover letter, resume, and references.

• Create a profile on Make a Future .
• Click "Apply Now" under support positions.
• Upload all supporting documents.
• Answer all job posting questions.
• Once your application has been submitted you will receive a confirmation email.

This posting is ongoing until filled. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Only applicants who are fully qualified will be considered for this position. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.Additional Information: As a public body, the personal information provided in this application is collected and used by the Vancouver School Board (VSB) in accordance with section 26(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), RSBC 1996, c.165, as amended. This information will be used by VSB staff for the purpose of evaluating your qualifications, experience, and suitability for this position. It may also be used to verify the information provided, conduct reference checks, and/or contact you about next steps in the job competition. Pursuant to section 30 of FIPPA, the VSB takes reasonable security measures to protect the personal information within its custody and control, including what has been provided in this application. Should you have any questions about the collection and use of your personal information, please email recruitment@vsb.bc.ca . The VSB has been given approval from the Human Rights Tribunal for a Special Program under s. 42(3) of the Human Rights Code. Under this special program, the VSB seeks to preferentially hire Aboriginal persons to a variety of teaching positions. Therefore, each applicant may wish to provide, on a voluntary basis, information whether they self-identify as an Aboriginal person.