Provincial Youth Outreach Worker

About this position

Provincial Youth Outreach Worker 

LOCATION: Toronto, ON 

POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Permanent

POSTING CLOSING DATE: April 3, 2023

Lumenus is strongly committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the populations we serve. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals including applicants from all cultures, racialized communities, abilities, diverse sexual and gender identities and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. 

Lumenus believes that immunization against COVID-19 is an individual and societal responsibility and that we must do everything possible to protect our clients, families, employees, students, volunteers and contractors against the spread of COVID-19. As a condition of employment, proof of full vaccination or exemption under the Ontario Human Rights Code must be submitted to Human Resources seven (7) calendar days prior to start date.

Lumenus Community Services is looking for a dynamic Provincial Youth Outreach Worker who will provide a range of outreach services exclusively to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, families and groups in the Scarborough and east Toronto area, to enhance or maintain youth functioning in the community. This position carries responsibility for prevention, early intervention, program development and community outreach services with 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and where possible their families under the auspices of the Provincial Youth Outreach Worker Program. As a team member of the Community Based Mental Health Team, the Youth Outreach Worker will report to the Manager of Community Based Mental Health.  

We prioritize the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ and Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) communities and as such candidates with/lived experiences of oppression, racism, homophobia, transphobia and/or ableism and/or personal connection to queer or trans communities of color, including newcomer and disability communities will be considered an asset for this position.

Lumenus Community Services is a dynamic and growing agency. We offer a competitive salary, ongoing training, and career development opportunities! 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Reaches out and engages youth with multiple barriers who identify on the 2SLGBTQIA+ spectrum, in accordance with the Stages of Change model while promoting assets, competencies and resiliency.
• Fosters partnerships and supportive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders while expanding referral resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
• Carries out brokerage/advocacy/resourcing functions that ensure youth have access to programs, services and opportunities needed for healthy development by:
• Engages with 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to identify issues, needs, goals, aspirations, skills, abilities and services needed as well as barriers to accessing these services.
• Provides 2SLGBTQIA+ youth with general information, contacts, referrals, services and support as needed to facilitate access to programs, services and opportunities i.e., recreation, housing, employment, education, health, including substance abuse, social abuse, social and emotional issues etc.
• Works in collaboration with the Central Toronto Youth Wellness Hub, including the Studio, and the Lumenus counselling team, to ensure holistic care of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
• Works collaboratively with 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, parents, Health Promotion officers, schools, police, and youth service providers to develop effective service delivery plans that ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ youth have access to programs, services and opportunities needed for healthy development. 
• Facilitates connections between 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and their neighborhood and promote awareness of the positive role of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in the community. 
• Implements and maintains strength based and evidence based professional standards of practice within the program, ensuring program service standards are in accordance with the Stages of Change model, a Positive Youth Development Framework and relevant legislation i.e., Child and Family Services Act. 
• Engages in regular supervision and maintains consistent communication with manager informing them of emerging issues, service gaps and matters of interest and/or concern. 
• To engage parents of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth where possible through existing parent groups, faith communities and provide education, information on issues related to parenting, support for parents, referrals to existing services, and provide information on research connecting parental support with reduced risks for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. 
• Maintains service statistics and records of all services as required. 
• Prepares program reviews as required, and ensures that documentation and service statistics on the Outreach Record (OR) are completed in a timely manner. 
• Actively participates in required monthly Youth Outreach Network meetings. 
• Complies with agency policies and procedures, paying particular attention to ensuring that client and staff confidentiality is strictly enforced. 
• Adheres to the organizational health and safety policies and practices long with the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. This includes but is not limited to ensuring safe workplace practices, protecting the health and safety of themselves and others and maintaining cleanliness in the workplace. 
• Other related duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• Community College Diploma (i.e., SSW, or CYW) or equivalent in related field  
• Lived experience / knowledge related to the communities being served 
• Minimum 2 years of directly related experience
• Experience working with youth who have intersecting identities and identify on the gender diversity and/or sexual diversity spectrum.
• Certification in First Aid and Crisis Prevention & Intervention (CPI) an asset.
• Computer and social media literacy.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE: 

• Extensive knowledge of and ability to collaborate and liaison with 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations.
• Awareness of Stages of Change Theory and Motivational Interviewing.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of outreach strategies.
• Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills in order to effectively build relations with diverse youth and liaise with a variety of community organizations, schools, and other stakeholders.
• Proven conflict resolution skills and ability to de-escalate tense situations.
• Demonstration of sound judgement and ability to work independently seeking supervision/consultation when necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to work co-operatively and negotiate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.
• Knowledge and sensitivity to the life experiences and needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and their intersecting identities.
• Previous experience in community development an asset.
• Knowledge and skills in delivering group programs and workshops.
• Experience in youth engagement and harm reduction practices.
• Knowledge of the North West Toronto communities.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Satisfactory clearance under the Vulnerable Sector Screening process.
• Flexibility to work in different locations as needed.
• Access to reliable transportation is considered an asset.

We are committed to staffing a service provider team representative of the communities we serve. Given the population this position services we will be giving priority to applicants from 2SLGBTQ+ and/or BIPOC communities and encourage folks to please self-identify in their cover letter.

TO APPLY: Interested applicants are invited to visit our website at https://lumenus.ca/careers/ and submit their cover letter and resume through our Career Centre on or before April 3, 2023.