Youth Supervisor
Youth Supervisors maintain custody, safety, and supervision of residents in youth custody centres throughout the province of British Columbia. They strive to effect positive change in the residents of the centre through direct, consistent, and positive contact.
This introductory program offers broad, first-hand knowledge for individuals entering the youth justice field, specifically within youth custody services. The program equips students who have successfully completed the hiring process with the necessary skills to effectively work with youth involved with the justice system who have been placed in one of the three youth custody facilities in the province.
You will gain basic knowledge regarding safety, supervision and security practices and learn essential crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques. You will also learn about the unique challenges and needs of youth in custody. Physical intervention techniques are also delivered to support safety requirements. Finally, you will understand your role as a peace officer and the duties, conduct and expectations associated with your role.
Who Should Take this Program
This mandatory program is designed for those who have successfully completed the hiring process to gain employment as a Youth Supervisor, a youth custody employee providing front line daily interactions, role modelling and supervision of young people, ages 12 -17 years and, at times, up to 20 years, at one of the three youth custody centres in British Columbia.
Learning Objectives
To provide students with the basic knowledge, skills and competencies to effectively provide for daily safety and supervision of youth in custody.
Learning Format
The Youth Supervisor Basic Training Program consists of online and face to face training delivery. Prior to commencing onsite paid training, successful applicants will be required to complete identified online training courses.
Onsite training is delivered over the first month of employment and is comprised of approximately 140 hours of both classroom, role play and practical experience working on the living units. Additional enhanced learning is delivered subsequent to the first 30 days and is generally completed within six months of hire.
Cost
Access to online training courses and on-site courses is provided post hire at no cost to successful applicants. There are fees associated with the hiring process.
Books and Supplies
Necessary books and materials are provided at no cost to successful applicants.
Hiring Process in British Columbia
Minimum requirements for application for employment include:
- Valid BC Class 5 driver’s license
- Current basic first aid certification (OFA level one)
- Combination of education and experience:
- High school graduation/equivalent and five years' work experience, working with challenging, populations preferably youth; or
- Two years of college and three years work experience, working with challenging populations, preferably youth; or
- University degree and one year work experience, working with challenging populations, preferably youth.
- Successful completion of the Correctional Officer Physical Abilities Test (COPAT)
-
Criminal records check screening
All hiring is done by Youth Custody Services, Ministry of Children and Family Development.
Our Mission:
“Youth Custody Services contributes to public safety by providing a safe, healthy and supportive environment with a range of integrated, evidence-based programs which address the individual risk and needs of residents, thereby promoting positive outcomes for youth, families and the community”
Our Goals:
- To carry out orders of the court
- To protect society by providing appropriate supervision and interventions in a safe and supportive environment
- To facilitate rehabilitation by providing youth with optimal opportunities for healthy growth and pro-social development through:
- effective programs that respond to the individual and cultural needs of youth;
- a youth focused integrated case management process that provides for comprehensive and dynamic case plans; and,
- implementing strategies that promote successful re-integration to the community
How to Apply
All employment opportunities are listed on the BC government employment website at http://www.employment.gov.bc.ca/
Information Sessions
Information sessions are scheduled at individual centres to coincide with employment postings however we welcome public queries at any time. Contact information is found below under More Information.
Careers
Once hired, Youth Supervisors have the opportunity to rotate into a variety of positions within the centre (e.g. programs, case management, control centre, etc.) and outside of the centre (Intensive Supervision and Support Program, a community based program working with youth).
Additionally, our employees often develop skills and competencies which support careers in community youth justice (youth probation officer/probation interviewer), law enforcement or other related work. Employment with Youth Custody Services offers you an opportunity to effect positive change with young people, support rehabilitation and reintegration efforts, while supporting public safety.
We offer the following:
- Competitive salary
- Benefit and pension packages accrued with seniority
- Student loan forgiveness and scholarships available to public service employees
- Opportunity to make a difference in the lives of youth, their families and communities
Read more details on a career as a Youth Supervisor.
More Information
Please contact the hiring manager at a local centre to query scheduled dates for information sessions and to learn more about a career with Youth Custody Services:
- Burnaby Youth Custody Services - 778.452.2050
- Prince George Youth Custody Services - 250.562.5393
- Victoria Youth Custody Services - 250.708.2200
Last updated March 4, 2011
