Facilitator: Community Alternatives to School Suspension (CASS)

About this position

The John Howard Society of Durham Region (JHSD): We are a non-profit, social service agency dedicated to serving all individuals, families, youth and adults in programs in areas such as Community Justice, Employment and Training and Housing/ Residential Services.

We thank you for your interest in obtaining employment with the John Howard Society of Durham Region. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and providing equal employment opportunity for all applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. John Howard Society of Durham is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

Recognizing the intrinsic worth and dignity of every human being, the John Howard Society is committed to uphold the principles set out in the Human Rights Code of Ontario and the Canadian Human Rights Act.  This commitment is expressed in the following undertaking:

(1)   The Society shall provide services within its mandate to every individual without discrimination, regardless of race, ethnicity, citizenship, national ancestry, colour, creed, language, religion, marital status, family status, gender, sex, sexual orientation, age, abilities, economic status, political affiliation or criminal record.

(2)   The Society shall maintain such personnel policies and practices as are consistent with the tenets of the Human Rights Codes of Ontario, the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

(3)   The Society, through its employees, shall deal with representatives of the community in a responsive manner, with courtesy, respect, and without prejudice and discrimination.

VISION STATEMENT

“We envision a Durham Region where everyone contributes to a safe, healthy and just community.”

MISSION STATEMENT

“To reduce the impact of crime and its causes by providing a spectrum of effective prevention and intervention programs.”

CORE VALUES

• People have the right to live in a safe and peaceful society, as well as the responsibility implied by this right to respect the law.
• All people have the potential to become responsible members of our community.
• Every person has intrinsic worth and the right to be treated with dignity, equity, fairness and compassion without discrimination.
• Communities are stronger and safer when the root causes of crime are addressed through programs and services that are based on community needs and priorities.

Posting Date:            January 19, 2021

Closing Date:           January 29, 2021

Employment Type:   Continuous Part Time 

Location(s):              Based from Clarington (Durham Region) Position

Hours Per Week:      28 hours per week, 44 weeks per year

Scope:                       Program delivery is from September 1st to June 30th, includes being off July and August.

Position Length:       Continuous, based on funding

Salary Range:           Based on JHS Durham Salary Grid

Number of Opening(s):    One (1)

Please apply through this link: https://jhsdurham.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=186

Summary 

John Howard Society Durham is looking for an individual who is interested in working with primarily high school aged youth and related educational service providers We are currently looking for a Facilitator to work within our Community Alternatives to School Suspension program.  The ideal candidate would have a strong understanding of the varying needs of children and youth and the trends and issues they face as well as knowledge of the Safe Schools Act. This position is a .8 FTE (28 hours per week), scheduled to facilitate during the school scheduled school calendars; September to June.

The C.A.S.S. program is facilitated by the John Howard Society of Durham Region (JHS), in partnership with the Kawartha Pine Ridge School Board. (KPR). The primary role of the JHS CASS Facilitator is to provide non-academic support to suspended and/or expelled students from the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. The type of support is driven by the youth in program and involves working 1:1 and/or in groups providing information and counselling in such areas as decision making, conflict resolution, communication, employment support, etc.  Non-academic supports also include facilitating and supervising community hours by developing volunteer opportunities with local non-profit organizations.  

Job Requirements

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in a relevant field of study
• A minimum of (2) years' experience working with high school aged youth
• Strong understanding of the Clarington community and the needs of youth who reside there
• Knowledge of theory, principles and practices relating to at-risk youth
• Understanding the varying needs of youth, be fun but firm, supportive and empathetic
• Excellent problem solving ability
• Excellent verbal and writing skills when communicating with youth, school personnel and caregivers
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills
• High degree of resourcefulness, flexibility, and adaptability, collaboration and communication
• Strong commitment to privacy
• Comfortable using own vehicle; Valid G license and insurance coverage are musts
• Strong work ethic
• Punctual
• Takes responsibility for actions
• Able to report and document clearly when writing reports, maintaining records and other communications
• ASIST Training, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention

 Basic Job Attributes

• Demonstrate punctuality and accountability
• Manage quality of service by exhibiting excellent time management skills
• Meet established deadlines in respect of required reporting to KPR and JHS
• Manage program and agency change in a positive manner
• Work effectively with a diverse population of children and youth
• Act with honesty and integrity
• Communicate effectively (written/verbal)
• Treat people with respect, dignity and compassion
• Maintain confidentiality
• Able to take initiative and work as a team member
• Take initiative and demonstrate leadership as necessary
• Be enthusiastic, energetic, motivating, adaptable, perceptive, patient and kind

Administrative Functions

• Plan and prepare life skill workshops and materials to compliment program delivery
• Attend team and/or School Board meetings as required
• Demonstrate a strong ability to use computer operating systems, email, Access, Excel and Word 
• Perform other duties as assigned by Manager/Supervisor

Client/Customer Service

• Provide individual counselling and support as applicable to address issues that students are dealing with as well as the underlying causes of the suspension/expulsion
• Attend intake and re-entry meetings with school personnel as required
• Access to a reliable vehicle (with minimum coverage of $2 Million liability) and in possession of a valid G driver`s license and being prepared to drive students and participate in various volunteer opportunities
• Must possess a judgement-free attitude and be prepared to meet regularly with parent(s)/guardians in order to assess overall student participation and performance in the CASS program.

Case Management/Documentation

• Maintain a list of community placements and contacts for non-academic component of CASS program
• Prepare reports for John Howard Society and School Board
• Complete accurate case notes and relevant documentation according to agency standards
• Utilize agency technology for record keeping; create, process, and maintain a variety of documents and administrative records.
• Maintain up-to-date case notes, progress reports and client files with clear rationale for methods and intervention used, and statistical documentation in accordance with program requirements
• Complete accurate statistical and narrative reports
• Monitor and maintain financial tracking where required
• Meet all required deadlines

Community Liaison

• Contribute to program strategy by maintaining awareness of Safe Schools Act (2000), the Provincial Code Of Conduct and School Board Codes of Conduct (2012) and the Policies and Procedures developed by above-named school board
• Liaise and work collaboratively and co-operatively with the Safe Schools teacher, other School Board staff, students and caregivers to ensure seamless CASS program delivery within the Municipality of Clarington
• Attend scheduled Partnership meetings
• Maintain good rapport and establish new external partners in the community that provide volunteer opportunities for students
• Research and contact potential community partners
• Support other agency programs which involve where needed and as required
• Represent agency in community when required

                                                                                                                                                                          Revised December 2020