Wynne Pruden

A dynamic youth worker with extensive experience is adept in case management and behavioural adaptation strategies. A proven track record of fostering supportive relationships with Indigenous, non-Indigenous youth, 2SLGBTQIA youth and facilitating successful transitions to independence. Strong communication and organizational skills enhance program execution and client engagement. Fully vaccinated and committed to cultural connection.

Overnight Youth Housing Transition Worker - Pacific Community Resource Society - Vancouver, Canada (2017-09 - Present) Delivered individualized housing support to vulnerable Indigenous and non-Indigenous 2SLGBTQIA youth facing homelessness in the Vancouver area.

• Facilitated housing searches, landlord advocacy, and collaboration with social workers for secure placements.
• Collaborated with young people to identify and address needs and objectives on an ongoing basis.
• Fostered supportive relationships with both Indigenous & non-Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA youth, creating individualized service plans collaboratively.
• Assisted Indigenous and non-Indigenous 2SLGBTQIA youth in meeting program expectations, including attendance at meetings and maintaining cleanliness.
• Monitor both Indigenous & non-Indigenous 2SLGBTQIA youth's progress through accurate case notes documenting engagement in the program.
• Provide support with packing and moving, including rent collection and administrative tasks.
• Collaborate with partner agency staff and oversee daily program needs.
• Participated in professional development and team initiatives to improve service delivery quality.
• Keep emergency supplies available and encourage youth to be familiar with how to reverse opioid overdoses with naloxone kits.
• Encourage youth to keep a trusted friend or peer informed of your plans and whereabouts.
• Somatic therapy techniques: use grounding exercises or deep breathing to break impulsive behavioral patterns.

Relief Overnight

Attendant & Youth Counsellor - Pacific Youth & Family Services Society - Vancouver, Canada (2006-05 - 2024-07) - Implemented behaviour strategies and counselling to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth in managing challenges.

• Planned and co-facilitated culturally appropriate workshops, educational activities, group outings, and recreational programming.
• Implement therapeutic techniques in a group or individual setting.
• Facilitated life skills training for participants in various settings.
• Consulted with youth counsellors, therapists, and parents to develop transition activities that facilitated youth reintegration into their homes.
• Supported youth recovering from drug and alcohol addictions and developmental disabilities through tailored interventions. Youth to Adult Transition Program - Pacific Community Resource Society - Vancouver, Canada (2019-02 - 2021-08) - Work with Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth to identify goals, strengths, issues, and youth concerns while supporting participation in tutoring, school, work, and community activities.
• Developed collaborative plans with youth and relevant adults to effectively address individual needs and achieve goals.
• Supported youth-led initiatives to promote self-advocacy through workshops and discussions.
• Maintained regular biweekly contact with each youth, establishing specific days, places, and times to ensure consistent support.
• Contact social workers and community supports (by phone, email, or in person) to inform them of youth progress and areas in need of support.
• Consulted with social workers and professionals to coordinate mental health support and address academic performance needs.
• Maintain and develop diverse resources, programming, and practices.
• Prepare recommendations for program improvements per program processes. Pathways to Education Program - Pacific Community Resource Society - Vancouver, Canada (2015-02 - 2017-07) - Develop a plan in collaboration with the Indigenous and non-Indigenous student and appropriate adults (i.e., parents, teachers and other school staff, community, and agency staff) to address needs/goals.
• Support (when appropriate) student-directed initiatives for self-advocacy.
• Maintained regular biweekly contact with each youth, establishing specific schedules to foster consistent support.
• Monitor and support the student and family as they follow through with the referral.
• Maintained accurate case files, daily logs, statistical records, reports, and confidential documentation.
• Informed parents or guardians of youth progress and areas needing support through phone, email, or in-person communication.
• Consult teachers and other school staff when appropriate regarding academic performance and needs.
• Review individual educational plans when appropriate (for identified youth and those presenting multiple issues impacting their academic success) to determine necessary support.
• Maintain and develop diverse resources, programming, and practices.
• Prepared recommendations for program improvements based on analysis of program processes and participant feedback.

Bachelor of Social Work Degree - Indigenous Perspectives on Social Policy - Nicola Valley Institute of Technology

Associates Degree of General Arts - First Nations Studies - Nicola Valley Institute of Technology

Family and Community Counselling Diploma - Family and Community Counselling - Native Education Centre

Family and Community Counselling Certificate - Family and Community Counselling - Native Education Centre