Shelter Youth Worker

DATE:

January 27, 2020

POSITION:

Shelter Youth Worker – Evening Position

Youth Transitional Housing and Shelter Program

Permanent, Full-time

Bargaining Unit Position

LOCATION:

747 Warden Avenue,

Scarborough, ON M1L 4A8

REPORTS TO:

Manager, Youth Transitional Housing and Shelter Program

DESCRIPTION:

DESCRIPTION:

The Youth Worker is responsible for providing direct, quality care and supervision to residents of the Youth Transitional Housing and Shelter Program (YTHSP) as well as the day to day operations. Youth workers will be expected to model a collaborative, cooperative approach focused on the personal, social, cultural and educational development of the residents.  Staff will be expected to practice within a framework that is a strengths-based relationship-based philosophy of care and a belief in the resilience of youth.

Key Responsibilities:

·         Ensure warm welcome of residents, conduct intake interview of potential residents, orient new residents and redirect admissions, when appropriate. Assess and address the immediate needs of the resident, orientation to housing program rules and expectations. Ensure that all administrative duties are completed and entered into the database at time of intake Provides direct care and supervision to residents in the YTHSP and support youth with daily routines.  Assist youth in developing both short and long term SMART goals and an action plan to achieve these goals, accompany youth to appointments, and connect youth to resources and community support networks, assist youth in finding more stable housing.  Promote and integrate Youth and Family engagement.

·         Ensure the safety and well being of resident.  Manage crisis intervention, respond to crisis situations following appropriate procedures, ensures debrief process for youth; provides support to other staff if needed.  Addresses behavior issues on the spot and consults with team and program manager if need be.  Ensures that staff acts in accordance with the Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity Plan. Work safely in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Agency Health and Safety Manual

·         Maintain the cleanliness of the program area. Assist and maintain the general cleanliness of the shelter including keeping work space tidy, laundering of linens, and preparing space for food service, clean up and ensure all supplies are readily available.  Keep all programming areas clean and tidy, disinfecting furniture, remake resident rooms after discharge, adhere to health and safety requirements. Identify and respond to issues related to the building and mechanical systems.

·         Documents according to professional standards any significant interaction with residents, maintains appropriate documentation in case file and logs, completes incident reports, police reports, under age contact reports, child protection reports, safety plans and medical feedback forms.  Log and record medications and usage. Ensure information regarding service delivery is logged and recorded into the client information database by the end of each shift. Ensure safety and security of clients, guests, staff and property.

·         Participates in individual supervision meetings, team meetings, case conferences, workshops and committees as required. Actively contributes to the Agency’s Strategic Plan by participating in initiatives and committees to support the overall Plan. Participate in all mandatory professional training provided by the Agency.

·         Represent the Agency in a professional manner when dealing with families, external professionals, general public and community partners.

·         Promote an environment of inclusion that promotes equity and respects diversity

·         Takes all reasonable and necessary precautions to protect his or her own health and safety and that of co-workers by complying and demonstrating knowledge of the policies, procedures and safe practices established by YouthLink

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

·         Diploma in Child and Youth Worker or Social Service Degree or a combination of directly related education and experience

EXPERIENCE:

·         Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a front-line worker, preferably in a residential, housing, outreach, or shelter setting

ADDITIONAL

REQUIREMENTS:

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

·                   Valid First Aid / CPR certification

·                   Valid CPI/SMG certification

·                   Demonstrates a commitment to inclusiveness diversity and anti-oppressive practices

·                   Demonstrated leadership skills

·                   Knowledge of adolescent developmental theory and specific issues related to street youth

·                   Understanding of the complex issues facing our clients

·                   Appreciation of the importance of engaging youth and families from a strengths-based relationship-based approach

·                   Sensitivity to and ability to work with a diverse client and staff group

·                   Sound knowledge of the issues facing homeless and street-involved youth. Sound knowledge of the City of Toronto Hostel Standards and all other applicable legislation (CFSA, YCJA, Mental Health Act, etc.)

·                   Strong professional network and knowledge of relevant community resources

·                   Ability to exercise professionalism and sound judgment in conflictual and stressful situations

·                   Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team

·                   Ability to resolve issues with supervisors and co-workers in a manner that is respectful and cooperative in accordance with the agency culture and philosophy

·                   Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills

·                   Strong administrative and organizational skills

·                   Completion of required suicide prevention and intervention training

·                   Flexible person, team player who has strong organizational skills, time management skills, the ability to multi-task, shift priorities, handle interruptions and meet deadlines

·                   Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate in both official languages and/or other languages is a definite asset

·                   Ability and discretion to deal tactfully with different clientele who can at times be difficult/ aggressive 

·                   Demonstrated proficiency in the range of Microsoft Office products (intermediate Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet mandatory.  Proficient and accurate keyboard skills.

·                   Ability and discretion to maintain sometimes delicate and confidential information.

·                   Attention to details and high level of accuracy

·                   Ability to work in a Pet Friendly Shelter.

·                   Police Vulnerable Sector Check required.

·                   Medical clearance including up to date vaccination and tuberculosis testing.

WORK HOURS:

35 hours per week.  May be required to work occasional weekends.

Regular hours include:

Monday - Friday 4:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

SALARY:

$45,613 – 51,675

APPLY TO:

shelterposting@youthlink.ca - Please quote File #1125 in the subject line.

CLOSING DATE:

February 10, 2020