Guest blog by Charlotte McCrimmon, human resources generalist at Ranch Ehrlo.
While we try to keep our content fresh and engaging all over our website, it’s no secret that the jobs page of our website gets the most traffic.
Our most common job openings are for youth care workers (YCW) or personal support workers (PSW). These are staff positions that can be found in every one of our residential programs, which makes up about 80 per cent of the programming we offer here at Ranch Ehrlo.
But what are we looking for in a YCW or PSW? Is there a secret formula that makes someone the perfect fit? Besides the relevant education or experience, are we looking for a particular type of person when we fill these roles?
Long story short – nope. Each house in our program is geared toward clientele with a different issue, so every unit manager and director is looking for someone a little different.
But there are some things that can put you ahead of the game.
- Patience: We work with some really challenging clients. You need to be able to exercise patience!
- Be assertive: At the same time, you’ll need to be confident in yourself and your decisions.
- Be adaptable: No two days are alike here at the Ranch. We work with children, youth, and families who need help working through a variety of complex issues. Expect the unexpected!
- Be open-minded: You’ll need to lose any pre-conceived notion you have about children, youth, or families in care. Every client is different!
- Lead by example: As a YCW or PSW, you are someone that our clients will spend a lot of time with, and as such they will be looking at you to model their behaviour. Model a healthy lifestyle – eat well, be active, and take care of yourself. Be kind to yourself and to others!
- Share your passions: If you have a hobby that you’re particularly passionate about – tell us! We want you to share these passions with our clients.
Do you think you have what it takes? Check out our current job openings here!
