Oche Samuel

I am a dedicated and compassionate Youth Support Worker with extensive experience in low-barrier, harm-reduction, and trauma-informed residential settings, supporting youth who are experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use. I demonstrate strong ability to build therapeutic relationships grounded in attachment-based care, de-escalate crises using non-violent intervention strategies, and maintain safe, structured, and culturally responsive environments. I conduct intake processes for youths, manage documentation (including incident reporting), oversee safety monitoring, and facilitate collaborative care planning within multidisciplinary teams.

Committed to Indigenous Cultural Safety, equity, and youth-centred practice, with a proven ability to support stabilisation, recovery, and long-term housing readiness through relational engagement and consistent, strengths-based support.

Youth Worker - Pacific Coast Community Resources Inc. - British Columbia, BC

(2024-01)

• Conduct one-on-one support sessions with youth to build trust, identify goals, and promote emotional well-being.
• Facilitate life-skills workshops covering budgeting, meal preparation, personal hygiene, time management, and independent living skills.
• Support youth with personal care needs, including grooming, dressing, and maintaining healthy daily routines.
• Implement individualized behaviour support plans and positive behaviour interventions.
• Utilize crisis prevention and intervention techniques to safely de-escalate challenging situations.
• Promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all youth participants.
• Assist youth in developing social, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Organize recreational, educational, and community-based activities to encourage engagement and social participation.
• Support youth in accessing community resources, healthcare services, education, employment, and housing programs.
• Encourage youth participation in decision-making and goal-setting through person-centred planning.
• Monitor and document client progress, behavioural observations, incidents, and daily activities.
• Maintain accurate case notes, reports, and confidential records in accordance with organizational policies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, families, caregivers, and external service providers to support client outcomes.
• Assist youth with medication reminders and monitoring in accordance with organizational procedures.
• Provide emotional support and mentorship to help youth build confidence, resilience, and self-esteem.

Youth Support Worker - Red Cross Society

(2018-01 - 2024-12)

• Monitor youth wellbeing and program safety through regular room checks, risk assessments, and situational awareness while responding promptly to emerging concerns.
• De-escalate crises using Non-Violent Crisis Intervention techniques, trauma-informed communication, and emotional-regulation strategies to maintain a safe and supportive environment.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including case managers, clinicians, and community partners, to support individualised care planning and stabilisation goals.
• Promote Indigenous cultural safety, equity, and inclusion by respecting individual identity, lived experiences, and cultural backgrounds while supporting access to culturally relevant services.
• Provide harm reduction, support, and housing services for residents and service users experiencing homelessness and complex social challenges.
• Respond to and assess emergency situations, including overdose response protocols, ensuring immediate safety and appropriate intervention.
• Implement crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques with residents displaying aggressive or distressed behaviour.
• Conduct safety and security measures, including regular facility rounds, bed checks, and hazard identification.
• Maintain day-to-day operational tasks, including general cleaning duties and maintenance of communal spaces and harm reduction supplies.
• Document all activities, interactions, incidents, and potential escalations in duty logs and case management systems.
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with residents using fairness, respect, and non-judgment.
• Support residents in accessing external services, including Ministry of Social Development, Legal Aid, and community resources.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and community stakeholders to address resident needs and improve service quality.
• Demonstrate cultural competency by respecting Indigenous protocols and tailoring service delivery to diverse populations.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure secure, organised documentation of resident information.
• Manage harm reduction and hygiene supply distribution while adhering to health and safety protocols.

Diploma Hons. - Mental Health Support Worker - Cambria College Victoria (2026-03)

B.Sc. Hons - Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution - National Open University of Nigeria (2020-02)