Community Support Worker

About this position

Purpose of the Position

To support with the overall Case Management Plans for youth that are in conflict with the law.  Working collaboratively with Youth Probation Officers as the lead, this position will offer supervision and support for youth that are under custodial or community supervision orders. This position supports transition services to young persons throughout the Greater Toronto Area, through direct service, coordination, advocacy and consultation.

Overarching Goal

To support the continuity of education, housing, employment, recreation and other post-release services for youth in the Open/Secure Custody/Detention system and/or youth with an active Probation order in the community.  Community Support Workers (CSWs) will coordinate a Case Management Plan in collaboration with all partners, with Probation Officers taking the lead, to reduce the risk of re-offending.

Job Description

The CSW will have a caseload of young persons who come into contact with the youth justice system throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  A CSW is a key component to the youth justice system, as the Worker will address the needs of the young person and will determine family and community supports by engaging with young persons who come into contact with the various Youth Justice Programs and Probation Offices located throughout the GTA.  The CSW will develop a service plan to support community reintegration needs.  The process is supported through screening, assessment, services and referrals. In addition the CSW will have a specific focus on recreational support.  They will work with youth in a meaningful process to become engaged in ongoing recreational activities establishing positive community linkages and encouraging positive pro-social behaviour.  They will provide strategic input around recreational activities to support mental health, self-care, and mindfulness to address ongoing issues emphasized by the COVID Pandemic.

The duties are performed within the context of a multi-disciplinary integrated team approach.  The CSW works collaboratively and seeks to build strong partnerships with youth justice, education, community and other relevant helping professionals to meet the needs of the young person in order to reduce the risk of re-offending and assist in breaking down systemic barriers. 

This position will require travel within GTA in which the CSW will be assigned, but not limited to, a specific geographic region.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide opportunities to access and reconnect to available community recreational resources that will support the physical and mental wellbeing of supported youth.
• Directly engage the youth in acceptable recreational and social activities in the community that creates new interests and develops prosocial skills.
• Teach life skills, provide emotional support and model acceptable behavior.
• Develop and maintain a Caseload of participating youth.
• To coordinate and support with the overall Case Management Plans of supported youth.
• Build strong partnerships with Probation Officers, Social Workers, schools, Ministry Staff, Community Programs, Recreational Programs and other Youth Justice Service Providers.
• Develop a meaningful and supportive relationship with participating youth. 
• Break down systemic barriers of participating youth.
• Provide a sophisticated level of advocacy for young person and his/her family.
• Assess, develop and execute employment, education and housing service plan.
• Provide Program and Organisational leadership and coordination.

Education & Experience: University degree in a related field

Minimum of 1-3 years’ experience working directly with young persons in conflict with the law.

Skills and Knowledge

1. Demonstrated experience with case management and counselling at-risk youth
2. Proficient knowledge and use of available computer technology and systems
3. Knowledge of relevant legislation and guidelines, including but not limited to: Youth Criminal Justice Act, Child & Family Services Act, Ministry of Correctional Services Act, Education Act, Ontario including section 23 programs
4. Excellent administrative, organizational, communication and leadership skills
5. Able to work well independently
6. Demonstrate a level of sensitivity and understanding of the client population’s cultural and socio-economic characteristics
7. Valid First Aid/CPR and UMAB certifications (within 3 months)

Requirements

1. Valid Driver’s License
2. Clean Driving Record
3. Access to Personal Vehicle.
4. Police Record Check with vulnerable sector screening
5. Required to use own vehicle daily with mileage reimbursement
6. Able to work 35 hours a week with flexibility to work evenings or weekends as required

Submit cover letter and resume to:

      Renaldo Wall, Director of Community Services

      rwall@fernieyouth.ca