JS-U26-26 Justice Worker-Youth Court Action Planning Program (YCAPP)

Springboard•Newmarket, ON

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Court Action Planning Program (YCAPP) team is dedicated to supporting young people and their families as they navigate the complexities of the youth justice system. Recognizing the overwhelming nature of the process, the Youth Justice Worker provides guidance and support to help youth successfully move through the system. Working collaboratively with the young person, this role develops an individualized action plan focused on achieving immediate and medium-term goals. Additionally, this role is responsible for assisting youth and their families in identifying and connecting with community-based resources that align with their specific needs. Reporting to the Supervisor and supported by the Service Coordinator, the Youth Justice Worker collaborates with young people to establish plans for community-based interventions that leverage their strengths, address their needs, repair harm, and facilitate meaningful reconnection to their communities.

Requirements

Post-secondary education in Social Sciences, Social Work, Criminology, Youth Justice, Community Development, or related field (equivalent experience will be considered)
Minimum two years’ experience working with justice-involved youth in a case management or support role (related experience will be considered)
Understanding of relevant legislation including working knowledge of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), and the Child, Youth, and Family Services Act (CYFSA)
Strong understanding of systemic barriers affecting youth and their experiences
Experience in trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive practices
Ability to engage and build rapport quickly with diverse youth and their families/supports
Strong crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
Satisfactory Broad Record Check (BRC) and Vulnerable Sector Check
Ability to travel within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and between work sites as assigned
Flexibility to work evenings as needed to accommodate youth and their supports schedules
A self-starter who can work independently while collaborating within a multidisciplinary team
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management software

Nice To Haves

Understanding of the implementation of the YCJA within GTA-based courts, including court and bail proceedings
Knowledge of the social service agencies operating in Toronto, GTA, and provincially
Strong network of youth and justice stakeholders across the province
Current First Aid/CPR certification
Crisis Prevention and Intervention certification (CPI)
Mental Health First Aid
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Fluency in French or second language

Responsibilities

Establish relationships with youth and their families to collaboratively create and implement action plans focused on immediate and medium-term goals, supporting ongoing engagement and progress
Ongoing case management, including: Completing timely referrals and intakes, Connecting youth and their supports to services and resources which address their individual contexts, including risks, barriers, and protective factors, Monitoring and reporting on progress, supported by maintaining detailed records and comprehensive reports on youth outcomes, Ensure that any referrals or programming and placements are appropriate, proportionate, accessible, and meaningful to the young person
Support in systems navigation through explaining the court process and procedures, including through connecting to other justice professionals as needed
Provide crisis prevention and intervention as needed
Develop and maintain referral resources for youth, their families and supports, and those impacted
Strengthen and maintain relationships with community organizations, mental health supports, youth shelters, and other relevant services
Work closely with justice stakeholders including Judges, Crown Attorneys, Duty Counsel, defense lawyers, and probation officers to collaborate for youth-centered interventions
Participate in community outreach and system navigation efforts to improve service accessibility for youth and their supports
Represent the programs and agency at all times, including at networks, tables, and conferences as assigned
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in compliance with agency policies and funder requirements, including: case notes, service tracking, and data collection, using the case management system and other tracking methodology
Actively participate in individual and team meetings, supervisory meetings, project planning, and designated training
Support in program evaluation, funding reports, strategic planning, committees, and other organizational initiatives as required
Other responsibilities as may be assigned