Youth Worker, Transitions Long Term Housing Program

About this position

The Transitions Long Term Housing Program is a voluntary transition to independent living program. This program will build on the skills youth currently have and assist them in becoming successful as they continue on with their life’s journey and be successful in achieving their goals.

The Youth Worker for the Transitions program will support youth aged 16-26 in the 360°kids Transitional Long Term apartment(s) by providing mentorship, informal counselling and case management services in a respectful, peaceful and caring environment where they can get the support they need in order to achieve their goals.

Specific accountabilities include:

• Assist youth in securing Basic Needs and Income Supports through assistance programs including OW and ODSP, utility funds, trusteeship programs, and specialty funds such as the Rent Bank.
• Provide mediation services and promote problem solving by facilitating a discussion that focuses on clear communication and achievable solutions between clients and landlords.
• Complete youth check-ins and home inspections on a monthly basis.
• Reporting to Program Coordinator around areas of support and any escalated youth needs.
• Plan and facilitate life skills programming for the youth in order to foster independence in participants by encouraging positive attitudes and reinforcing concrete daily living skills which are necessary for successful independent living.
• Assist and provide support in the development of youth action plans.  Co-ordinate action plan activities and monitor progress.
• Provide client focused informal counselling and role modelling in an adaptable and flexible approach taking into consideration the unique qualities of each client.
• Advocate on youth’s behalf and act as a positive role model for youth.
• Coach and support youth and act as a positive role model, mentor, and support for youth as they learn new skills.
• Assist youth in accessing community programs and provide resources, informal counseling, referrals and advocacy services within their community.
• Maintain active and effective communication with the Program Coordinator and Manager of Support Programs.
• With the Program Coordinator's support, create and implement approved strategies and plans that will result in the achievement of the program’s goals and objectives.
• Report on a regular basis to the Program Coordinator regarding issues of need and/or concern.  In the event of a crisis or critical incident, immediately report to appropriate level.
• Follow appropriate policies and procedures of 360°kids.  Ensure that the program operates in line with 360°kids’ mission, vision, and values, and activities comply with applicable standards and laws. 
• Work with Program Coordinator and Manager to ensure program success while positively contributing to 360°kids as an organization.
• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS OR SKILLS REQUIRED:

CYW Degree/diploma or a related Human Services discipline or the equivalent combination of education and experience.  Minimum two (2) years community service work experience and demonstrated experience working with street involved youth and awareness of homeless, sexual, mental health, abuse, and addiction issues youth.  Strong administration and engagement skills including motivation, coaching/mentoring, empowerment and demonstrated initiative.  Ability to make decisions and work independently, strong personal ethics, integrity, reliable, time management and organization skills.  Excellent relationship building, communication and interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently in a dynamic, complex environment and organize time and workload effectively. Strong demonstrable oral and written communication with all levels of staff, the public and clients while maintaining objectivity. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, staff, employment partners, community agencies and the public with a working knowledge of York Region services.

Current First Aid/CPR certification, current vulnerable sector screening (criminal background check), Car and valid driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract and $2M liability insurance.

Work schedule: Regular shift work, Monday to Friday, flexibility to work occasional evenings and/or weekends