At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide a safe, supportive home for youth while fostering their emotional and social development.
- Company: Join Wood's Homes, a leader in therapeutic foster care with a community-driven approach.
- Benefits: Competitive per diem, ongoing training, and 24/7 support from a dedicated team.
- Other info: Flexible placements with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while embracing cultural continuity.
- Qualifications: Experience with youth facing challenges and a passion for learning about Indigenous cultures.
The predicted salary is between 40150 - 43800 $ per year.
Wood's Homes is currently looking for Therapeutic Foster Caregivers (Home Fire Keepers) in Grande Prairie and area.
Wood's Homes Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) is a specialized treatment model that combines therapeutic-based care and cultural continuity within a transitional, in-home foster care placement.
TFC is not intended to replace group-care placements; rather, it provides a "scaffolding" approach that supports children and youth as they transition from institutional therapeutic programming into a community-based home environment.
This model preserves key benefits of traditional foster care (a natural caregiving environment and stronger connection to home communities and culture) while providing intensive support typical of therapeutic settings.
Children and youth with significant histories of traumatic experiences; developmental, mental health, or high-risk behavioural concerns; or who have not been successful in traditional home-like placements may be a good fit for TFC after responding well to intensive therapeutic programs and interventions.
The mission of TFC is to take a wholistic, community-driven approach to enhance strengths, build connection, maintain or strengthen cultural identity, and support each child's transition home or to a less intensive environment (such as traditional foster care).
What to expect (supports provided)
Home Fire Keepers provide a safe and supportive home for young people, with support from Wood's Homes, including:
- Trauma-informed care guidance and support focused on healthy development, positive parenting, and quality caregiving.
- Access to Wood's Homes clinical team and cultural navigators.
- 24/7 on-call support through Wood's Homes staff.
- Ongoing collaboration with a team of youth specialists, cultural leads, and a clinician.
Qualifications
- Experience working with young people with behavioral and trauma-related challenges.
- Knowledge of Indigenous cultures and a willingness to learn.
- Willingness and ability to participate in training and collaborate with the TFC team.
- Ability to provide a stable, safe home environment for young people.
- Reliable transportation and a valid Class 5 driver's license.
Key responsibilities
- Provide care for young people in your home on a 24/7 basis.
- Provide a safe, stable home environment for young people aged 5–17 for a short-term placement (typically 1–3 years).
- Support daily routines, school participation, life skills development, and building healthy socialization skillsets.
- Support emotional regulation and conflict-resolution skill-building.
- Support cultural learning and engagement. Support therapeutic and recreational activities chosen by the young person.
- Transport to and attend medical appointments and school meetings, including arranging annual checkups with doctors, dentists, and optometrists.
- Complete documentation in a timely manner and maintain open communication with the TFC team.
- Provide care in a home licensed for 1–2 young people.
Compensation
- Therapeutic homes may have 1–2 young people in their home.
- Per diem, to cover additional costs to care for a young person in your home: Year 1 $110/day; Year 2 $115/day; Year 3 $120/day
- Participation in training is compensated.
- Regular respite of two days per month (included in the per diem).
Foster Caregiver – Grande Prairie employer: Wood's Homes
Wood’s Homes Foundation is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. As a Campaign Lead, you will have the opportunity to engage with passionate individuals, cultivate major donor relationships, and lead strategic fundraising initiatives, all while benefiting from professional growth opportunities and a supportive environment. Located in a vibrant community, this role not only allows you to contribute to a noble cause but also offers unique advantages such as networking with community leaders and participating in impactful events.
