Outreach Specialist (Youth in Transition Worker)

About this position

YMCA of Greater Toronto

POSITION VACANCY

OUTREACH SPECIALIST

(Youth in Transition Worker)

(Salaried Full Time Contract – Grade 10)

We would like to advise our applicants that this position is being recruited between the minimum and mid-point of the salary range based on experience and qualifications.

Effective Date: Immediately

Reports to: Employment Programs Manager      

Location: Mississauga City Centre YMCA Centre, Mississauga

Why work for our Y?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto aspires to be a great work place committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. Guided by our shared values — kindness, well-being, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and optimism — the YMCA provides thousands of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities.

Nature & Scope:

The Mississauga City Centre YMCA Centre is a part of YMCA Employment and Community Programs which provide a variety of employment and counselling programs to youth and adults throughout the GTA. The members we serve are unemployed individuals, youth in transition from school to work and adults. The mandate of our programs is to provide learning opportunities, in employment-related job search skills, life-skills, to unemployed adults and youth.

The Outreach Specialist for Youth in Transition provides leadership in the community as a representative of the YMCA. The goal of the Youth in Transition Worker (YITW) Program is to support youth in their successful transition out of the child welfare system into adulthood.  The Outreach Specialist (Youth in Transition Worker) will help youth to develop and pursue their goals, and will support them to identify, access, and navigate adult service systems relevant to their specific needs.  The incumbent will also support youth to connect to existing supports and resources within their communities including, housing supports, education resources, employment services and training, life skills training (e.g. financial management, household management), health and mental health services, and legal services.

Responsibilities:

• Builds and maintains relationships with internal and external stakeholders to develop effective service delivery plans that ensure that youth have access to programs, services and opportunities needed for healthy development.
• Provides youth with general information and resources including contacts, referrals services and support (e.g. employment, housing, employment, education, health, etc.)
• Engages youth in transition, in accordance with the Stages of Change model, a Positive Youth Development Framework and relevant legislation, i.e., Child and Family Services Act and Youth Criminal Justice Act.
• Maintains accurate records and statistics related to the activities undertaken and outcomes achieved and report these regularly to the Manager.
• Actively identifies and participates in appropriate training and developmental activities to maintain relevant knowledge of the community and services provided to youth in transition out of the child welfare system into adulthood; participates in required Youth Outreach Program team meetings.
• Maintains up to date knowledge regarding issues and trends related to youth, particularly youth-in-transition, to provide them with the appropriate resources and support.
• Demonstrates appropriate behaviours in line with our Mission, Vision and Values as reflected in our YMCA competencies; takes a member focused approach to increase their understanding of programs offered across the Association.  Represents the YMCA and the Association in a professional manner.
• Understands the legal responsibilities and moral imperative to report suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services.
• Understands the importance of the volunteer staff partnership and integrates the value of philanthropy and volunteerism in dealings with members, volunteers, donors and staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• University degree or college diploma or equivalent experience in Social Services, including Child and Youth Worker, Education or related field
• Minimum two years of experience working with youth, particularly youth in transition; knowledge of Youth Criminal Justice Act and the Child and Family Services Act
• Demonstrated experience with outreach activities and strategies
• Demonstrated experience in developing and facilitating workshops
• Knowledge of the Peel Region community resources for youth is an asset
• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the life experiences and needs of youth in the community
• A solid understanding of principles of learning for youth and adults
• Well-developed interpersonal and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, employers, staff and volunteers
• Ability to communicate effectively with youth as well with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to speak a second language is an asset
• Ability to work in an efficient manner with a high degree of independence
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work co-operatively and negotiate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team of service providers
• Flexibility regarding assigned work hours, including days, evenings and weekends
• Access to a motor vehicle is an asset for this position
• The position requires the following Association Competencies: superior competence in: Relationship Building and Partnering; advanced competence in: Effective Interpersonal Communications; and Being Member Focused; fundamental competence in: Ethics and Self-Management; Being Results Focused; Teamwork and Collaboration; Valuing Diversity and Social Inclusion.

Please send cover letter and résumé quoting Job posting #0431 by Friday, May 7, 2021 to:

Paul Hubahib

Manager, Employment & Community

55 City Centre Drive Suite 101

Mississauga, Ontario L5B 1M7

Email: paul.hubahib@ymcagta.org

Fax: 905-276-9327

Job offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every two years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association.

We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.

About the YMCA of Greater Toronto:

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. As outlined in our 2020–2025 strategic plan, Ignite the Light, we are focused on boosting well-being and promoting equity across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In the future we see for our region, everyone will have opportunities to shine their brightest.

Mirroring the diversity we’re privileged to have in the GTA, our YMCA offers a variety of programs responding to the needs of our communities. For more than 165 years, the YMCA of Greater Toronto has provided opportunities for people to shine through a variety of programs and services including health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. When you donate to the YMCA of Greater Toronto, you help ensure more people get access to these vital programs that help them connect, grow, and reach their full potential.

Visit www.ymcagta.org to learn more about our work to build vibrant communities where everyone can shine.