Develop confidence with your youth online – Internet + Media Mini-edu Session

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The CASASC education team would like to share some mini-edu lessons about Internet safety and media literacy over the coming weeks for parents and their children.

Respect is very important to our organization and learning how to be respectful in the digital world will help youth become more empowered and informed citizens. They will be better able to problem solve and safely explore what is going on online. Below is a question a parent asked us during our last Social Media Takeover.

Parent Question: How do I set rules or expectations for my youth’s Internet usage? How can I monitor what they are doing online to make sure it is appropriate?

CASASC Response:

Wow, what great questions.

Parents naturally want to be aware of what their children are interested in and what they are viewing online. Research suggests that youth do want their parents to help set expectations and guide them to know what right or wrong behaviour is. Students whose parents set up boundaries and instill values of being respectful online were more than thirty three percent less likely to be rude or mean to others online (1)

The Canadian website MediaSmarts has many resources to help parents and youth develop more confidence regarding internet usage. MediaSmarts suggests the following tips to help develop rules and expectations around Internet use:

  1. Be judgement free and have open communication

When your child knows they can talk to you about anything without judgement, they are more likely to come to you when they have a problem online. Sixty six percent of youth who came to their parent with an online issue felt better afterwards (1)

  1. Explain the reasoning behind a rule or expectation

When youth know why you are setting an expectation or rule, they feel better about following them. For example, you may say no devices in the bedroom at night, or no being online after 10 pm, because research shows youth need sleep in order to physically grow and be mentally, emotionally and academically well (2)

  1. Make Respect, or the Golden Rule, the highest expectation

When respect — treating others how you wish to be treated — is the highest expectation while being online, youth are more likely to think about what they post or say online and share what they expect of others online. This creates a safer online environment for them.

When it comes to knowing what your children are doing online, the best way to find out is to ask them. Have them show and explain the social media and websites they are using. Set aside a time to look online together. This will not only let you see what your child is doing online, but it will also help you feel more connected to your child and increase quality family time together.

 

  1. https://mediasmarts.ca/sites/default/files/guides/ywca-guide-for-trusted-adults.pdf
  2. https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/behavior-and-development/screen-time-and-digital-media

Now Hiring Self-identified Indigenous Community Outreach Specialist

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The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is seeking a self-identified Indigenous individual to join the Kinship Intervention Program (KIP) team as the Community Outreach Specialist.

About Us:

The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) is a voluntary, non-profit organization serving the Central Alberta region under the direction of a community-based Board of Directors.

We specialize in healing sexual trauma so you can talk freely about the hard stuff with no judgement. We provide a range of support services for individuals who are affected by sexual violence including counselling, play therapy, police and court support, crisis support and education.

Position: KIP Community Outreach Specialist

Accountability to: KIP Project Lead

Job Type: Full time

Location: Red Deer, Central Alberta

Anticipated Start Date: February 8, 2021

Position Summary

The KIP Community Outreach Specialist is a collaborative member of the KIP program who works in partnership with the KIP Project Lead to achieve the objective of the KIP project: the prevention of sexual assault incidents within the Indigenous juvenile population in Central Alberta. This involves evidence-based early intervention for issues including underlying childhood sexual behaviour concerns. The overall goal is to utilize a multi-system approach.

KIP Project Summary

The project address the following outcomes based on the CPAF terms and conditions:

Short term outcomes:

  • Early intervention
  • Safety/prevention planning
  • Increased life coping skills

Intermediate outcomes:

  • Improved parent-youth relationships
  • Developing self-regulation and relaxation skills in youth
  • Assisting youth identify a plan for successful management of non-reoffending

Long term outcomes:

  • Youth becoming responsible and productive citizens
  • Decrease the number of at-risk youth engaging in sexual abuse and/or delinquency
  • Increased parents’ skills and competencies to support their youth

Responsibilities:

  • Work collaboratively with the CASASC Education Team to develop educational resources and training materials for staff interacting with Indigenous youth their family and the school system on cultural sensitivity, Indigenous therapies and intercultural counselling methods.
  • Establish and enhance communication and partnerships with communities and key Elders in the communities.
  • Build relationships with Elders in surrounding communities for guidance on cultural approaches that may complement service delivery (ex: smudging, preparing the room prior to a therapy session).
  • Any other duties or tasks as assigned by the KIP Project Lead or CASASC leadership team.

Qualifications:

  • 2 years completed Post-secondary education OR
  • 2-5 years working experience in a related field.
  • Experience working with survivors of sexual abuse, sexual violence, domestic violence, and/or mental health will be considered an asset.

The KIP Community Outreach Specialist role is designated for a candidate who self-identifies as Indigenous, with a preference given to an Indigenous individual who has experience in Indigenous-based community needs and cultural practices.

How to Apply:

Email resume & cover letters to hr@casasc.ca. Please ensure your name and job title are included in the subject line. Attachments must be in either PDF or Word (.doc/.docx) format.

We thank all applications for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application deadline: February 1, 2021 at 12:00 pm.

Rotary Club of Red Deer supports help line

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The Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre (CASASC) recently received funding from the Rotary Club of Red Deer.

CASASC Executive Director Patricia Arango accepted the $5,000 grant funding from Rotary Club members during their virtual monthly meeting on January 11.

The grant awarded to CASASC supports the ongoing operation of the 24 Sexual Violence Text, Webchat and Phone Help Line.

The help line is a community-driven support line available to anyone within the community, anytime of the day, who is affected by sexual violence. Anonymous, confidential support, information and referrals are provided through this volunteer-driven help line. Whether you’ve recently experienced sexual violence, you are a friend of someone who has in the past, or you are a support person who has a question, trained volunteers are there to listen and support. They are here to connect with you where you are and empower you to your next steps towards healing. This line is available to anyone in need across Alberta.

The 24 help line provides around the clock support in real-time, assisting with immediate issues of stress, distress or triggers. During the pandemic the help line saw a substantial increase: in July 2020 the help line saw a 234% increase in demand for service compared to July 2019. A 90.3% increase for service was recorded from June 2020 to July 2020.

The funds from the Rotary Club were generated from the Annual Christmas Donation campaign. Four other community organizations in Red Deer also recieved funds.

 

Now Hiring Human Resources Specialist

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Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the leadership team, as the HR Specialist you will manage the day-to-day operations of the human resource department, as well as the administration of the human resources policies, procedures, and programs. The HR Specialist is responsible for employee relations, training and development, benefits, compensation, organizational development, and hiring/recruitment.

Responsibilities will include:

  • Recruiting and staffing logistics
  • Organizational and space planning
  • Performance management and improvement systems
  • Organization development
  • Regulatory compliance and reporting
  • Employee orientation, development, and training
  • Policy development and documentation
  • Employee relationship management
  • Management-employee relations
  • Compensation and benefits administration
  • Employee safety, welfare, and wellness education

The ideal candidate would possess the following qualifications, however some equivalencies may be considered:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, human resources, or a relevant field
  • A minimum of 3 years’ proven experience in a similar role
  • CPHR designation or Candidate status working towards designation
  • Understanding of general human resources policies and procedures
  • Strong knowledge of the Alberta Employment Standards Code and Canadian labour laws and legislation
  • Outstanding knowledge of MS Office
  • Experience with HRIS systems (e.g. PeopleSoft)
  • Excellent interpersonal and people skills
  • Aptitude in problem-solving and conflict management
  • Good understanding of the full recruitment process
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong knowledge of labour legislation and payroll processes
  • Knowledge and experience with the world of non-governmental organizations would be an asset to consider.
  • Candidates will also have to undergo a Criminal Record Check, must have a valid driver’s license with valid and satisfactory driver’s abstract as well as standard first aid with CPR “C” and AED.

Qualified applicants should apply by sending resume and cover letter to parango@casasc.ca

CASASC is an equal opportunity employer, that values diversity of people and communities, and are committed to excellence and inclusion in our organization and as such we welcome applications from all qualified individuals.

*Only those applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. CASASC is committed to providing barrier-free environment and accommodation in accordance with the Accessibility of Alberta with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process.

*This competition may be used to fill future vacancies.

Application deadline: Wednesday August 17, 2022 @ 4 p.m.