Social Worker, Black Justice Program

Tropicana Community Services•Toronto, ON

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Social Worker, Black Justice Program provides clinical assessment, case management, and direct support to youth and young adults (ages 12–29) who have been involved with the criminal justice system, incarceration, or high-risk activity, including gang involvement, auto theft and jewelry theft rings, and other high-risk activity occurring in or out of town. Reporting to the Program Manager, Black Justice Program, the Social Worker works alongside Peer Support Workers to deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive services that support youth in stabilizing their lives and successfully reintegrating into community, education, and employment. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experience of the justice system or of the communities the program serves. This role requires flexibility to respond to urgent youth safety situations outside of regular business hours, and travel between Tropicana program sites and partner locations, including within GTA Region.

Requirements

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) is required.
Current registration in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is mandatory.
Strong crisis intervention, risk assessment, and conflict de-escalation skills.
Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, including peer support and evaluation staff.
Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Reference Check required.

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to candidates with lived experience of the justice system, incarceration, or high-risk activity, or with lived connection to the communities served by the program.
Experience working with youth involved in, or at risk of, gang involvement, organized theft activity, or other high-risk behavior is strongly preferred.
Sound knowledge of the youth and criminal justice systems, diversion programs, and community reintegration processes.
Demonstrated commitment to anti-Black racism, anti-oppression, and culturally responsive, trauma-informed practice.
Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle considered an asset, given travel across program sites and Durham Region.

Responsibilities

Conduct intake, assessments, and risk analysis for youth referred to the program.
Develop, implement, and regularly review individualized case plans in collaboration with youth, families, and Peer Support Workers.
Provide one-on-one counselling and crisis intervention to youth navigating justice involvement, trauma, and high-risk situations.
Connect youth and families to mental health, substance use, housing, education, and employment supports as needed.
Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case notes and documentation in accordance with professional and agency standards.
Build trusting, respectful relationships with youth who may be hesitant to engage with formal systems of support.
Support youth transitioning from custody or court involvement back into community, including safety planning and family reunification where appropriate.
Work collaboratively with Peer Support Workers to ensure a coordinated, wrap-round approach to each youth's care.
Liaise with probation, parole, correctional institutions, courts, schools, and other partners on behalf of youth, with appropriate consent.
Participate in outreach and community engagement activities, including responding to youth involved in high-risk activity outside the immediate service area.
Contribute case-level data and outcomes information to support the Project Evaluator in tracking program KPIs.
Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, and case consultations with the Program Manager and program team.
Identify emerging risks, trends, or gaps in service and bring recommendations to the Program Manager.
Represent the program professionally when engaging with justice system partners, funders, and community stakeholders.
Adhere to all relevant legislation, professional standards, and Tropicana Community Services policies, including those related to confidentiality and duty to report.