Staff Spotlight
Innovating trauma-informed youth care through social work
Meet Delyth. She is a social worker with Vancouver Coastal Health’s Youth Day Treatment Program. This program is based at the Robert and Lily Lee Family Community Health Centre.
Alongside a concurrent youth counselor, she supports youth aged 15 to 24 as they work toward their health goals through a voluntary outpatient day treatment program.
The program provides a holistic, trauma-informed space where young people can understand their relationship with substances and build tools to navigate life’s challenges.
Evolving care through innovation and learning
In her role, Delyth also designs curriculum, facilitates psychoeducational and expressive art therapy groups and coordinates nature-based and community activities. She thrives on creating and tailoring curriculum that connects with youth. “I see so many strengths in our clients and I’ve learned a lot from them. Their energy and joy make my job anything but stagnant,” she shares.
Delyth and team, in collaboration with Indigenous cultural worker Dovette and Elders, are reshaping the day treatment program with the goal of decolonizing its structure. Partnering with alumni and a VCH peer practice lead, the team gathered feedback and during a recent two-week pause, they redesigned elements to offer a more inclusive, culturally relevant experience for future youth participants.
“I feel like I learn something every day,” she says. "I want to support any client who walks through these doors, if they are willing. I’ll always strive to do my best for them."
Team culture focused on growth, collaboration and connection
Delyth attributes much of her fulfillment to her supportive team, saying "My manager and supervisor give me opportunities to grow and challenge myself." With a balance of autonomy and collaboration, she works alongside an interdisciplinary team to provide holistic support to clients, leveraging each member’s expertise.
Leadership at VCH enhances this rewarding environment by prioritizing self-care and team connection. "They encourage us to take breaks, to turn off our phones when we are not working, and utilize vacation and sick time as needed," she says. Team-building is key, with in-person days, summer events, and winter gatherings. A yearly highlight is the December youth celebration, where current and former clients come together for a joyful event.
Making a meaningful impact for youth
Spanning 16 weeks with a minimum of three days’ engagement per week, the program fosters strong, trusting relationships, allowing staff to truly connect with participants. “Given the time we have, we really get to know them. A lot of our clients want to join the program as they are seeking to connect with other young people in recovery,” explains Delyth, adding, “This connection is invaluable, and seeing them build friendships with each other is so meaningful.”
Through group sessions, shared meals, walks, art therapy and outings, Delyth’s holistic approach nurtures these bonds. “I love connecting with my clients,” she shares. “Seeing them blossom from their first day to the change in their demeanor after the program is a privilege.”
Delyth also offers one-on-one sessions and case management, supporting youth to navigate systems, access primary care, get assessments and connect with residential treatment and income assistance. With five years in the program, she values its long-term impact especially through the monthly alumni group, which provides a space for former clients to reconnect and support each other. “It’s incredibly rewarding working with youth,” she says. “It’s fantastic to see them around and for them to stay connected with peers.”
Join our team
For Delyth, the combination of a supportive team, the chance to grow in her role and meaningful client connections, makes her work deeply rewarding. “I’ve found my passion,” she says. "I feel very fortunate to say I really love my job".
