You will examine the role of the youth care worker in planning and implementing culturally and developmentally appropriate activities for youth and families at risk. In the role of the youth care worker, you will develop, implement and evaluate individual and group activities, Aboriginal cultural activities, and activities that involve the use of social media.
Building on what you learned in SOCI 184 Sociology A, you will examine the importance of a sociological understanding in human service professions. You will study social institutions, social deviance, and issues facing mainstream and marginalized people in Canada.
You will receive an introduction to First Nations and Métis Nations of Canada. You will examine historical and current issues that affect Aboriginal peoples. You will explore racism and will develop an understanding of how self-awareness impact helping relationships.
Building on YCW 187, Youth Care Practices 1, you will learn to apply the problem solving process to planning supportive interventions to client groups. You will examine needs assessment and decision making as it applies to groups services in youth and family services. You will develop program goals and objectives, identify learning activities; write lesson plans; and develop program resources. You will develop a 15 hour program for at risk youth and create a program manual to support delivery program.
You will examine historical trends and theoretical perspectives of addictive behaviours with a focus on substance, gambling and sexual addictions. You will identify drug classifications and the impact of addictions on family functioning. You will learn about current prevention, intervention, and treatment options.
You will apply knowledge and skills learned in your coursework at a program or agency that provides youth and family services to persons at risk. Under the supervision of the agency, you will develop skills needed to work as a front-line youth and family service worker in a social services, residential, educational, or community agency in Saskatchewan.
You will learn the role of the Youth Care Worker in the workplace and society. You will identify professional practices as it applies to services for youth with an emphasis on respectful interaction and confidentiality. You will reflect on professional practice and discuss the application of theory and knowledge on practice. You will develop a personal portfolio for practicum placement and will explore the expectations of agencies involved in your placement.
You will visit human service agencies and you will meet the workers from a range of programs and agencies for youth, adults and families at risk. You will prepare for advanced coursework and confirm your career choice.
You will learn strategies for crisis prevention in human services. Using the model of crisis prevention, you will explore self-awareness, triggers and response patterns in conflict situations. You will learn techniques and skills to resolve conflicts without the use of force. You will demonstrate the skills of crisis intervention through role play. You will learn the purpose and protocols of crisis debriefing.
You will be introduced to the assumptions, values, ethics and laws that provide the basis for working with youth and families. You will develop awareness of your professional role and boundaries in maintaining effective helping relationships. You will apply to problem solving process to client situations.