Street Outreach Counsellor

YMCA of Greater Toronto•Toronto, ON

3d•Onsite

About The Position

In this role, you will conduct intake interviews with clients in a variety of locations: public, homeless and institutional settings to assess functional, income, employment, and housing status to determine program eligibility. Initiate case management to resolve the reason why the client is street involved and provide assistance in preventing relapse of becoming street involved again in the future. Liaise with non-profit Streets to Homes service providers in the coordination and provision of services to the client as determined in the case plan. Connect clients with income supports, health services, mental health services, legal services, and addiction and/or harm reduction services as appropriate or required. Assist clients with housing applications and identification access; develop housing case plans with clients and work with landlords to secure housing. Provide ongoing assessment, case management, care coordination, and monitoring of client’s needs; monitor and evaluate clients' changing needs and coordinate individualized services. Provide brief follow-up support to housed clients, including liaising with landlords, working with volunteers, fostering a stable living environment, preventing evictions, and ensuring rent is paid in full and on time. Collect and evaluate information to determine clients' eligibility, including verifying information through personal interviews and liaising with client supports, relevant service providers, community agencies, landlords. Prepare case management assessment and case note documentation; maintain member case files and ensure quality audit measures are achieved in accordance with the YMCA and funder's standards. Respond to and investigate enquiries, complaints, and emergency situations involving clients; assess the situation and present and implement solutions; listen, mediate, negotiate, and provide support and guidance to resolve issues. Participate in research activities and program development and delivery. Liaise with staff from other programs and community agencies to provide program information or advocate for transfers/placements of clients. Adhere to all YMCA House protocols and practices as well as Association and other relevant policies and procedures. Participate in volunteer supervision, staff meetings, and professional development trainings as required. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Degree, diploma, or certificate in social or human services or equivalent experience.
Minimum of two years of experience in a setting that provides service to homeless or street-involved youth, including case management.
Experience working with marginalized individuals with complex needs and extensive skills in mental health and harm reduction.
Knowledge and ability to integrate anti-oppression, anti-black racism, critical disability, 2SLGBTQIA+ and trans-positivity, trauma-informed care, and a recovery approach into practice.
Knowledge of the issues that lead young people to become homeless and the ability to work with youth in a respectful, non-judgmental, and consistent manner.
Ability to work flexible shifts.
Working knowledge of the Residential Tenancies Act, Landlord and Tenant Board processes, and other relevant housing legislation.
Training certificate in defusing hostility and/or crisis prevention.
Excellent written communication skills.
Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with members, staff, and volunteers; excellent written/verbal communication skills.
Ability to communicate and resolve conflicts in a constructive and professional manner.
Experience with Windows, Microsoft Word, Perfect/Excel.
Valid driver’s licence is required.
Valid First Aid/CPR Certificate; knowledge of health and safety and child protection laws.
Excellent understanding of diversity, inclusion and equity including the ability to identify and address barriers, work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and integrate equity into program design

Nice To Haves

Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

Responsibilities

Conduct intake interviews with clients in a variety of locations: public, homeless and institutional settings to assess functional, income, employment, and housing status to determine program eligibility.
Initiate case management to resolve the reason why the client is street involved and provide assistance in preventing relapse of becoming street involved again in the future.
Liaise with non-profit Streets to Homes service providers in the coordination and provision of services to the client as determined in the case plan.
Connect clients with income supports, health services, mental health services, legal services, and addiction and/or harm reduction services as appropriate or required.
Assist clients with housing applications and identification access; develop housing case plans with clients and work with landlords to secure housing.
Provide ongoing assessment, case management, care coordination, and monitoring of client’s needs; monitor and evaluate clients' changing needs and coordinate individualized services.
Provide brief follow-up support to housed clients, including liaising with landlords, working with volunteers, fostering a stable living environment, preventing evictions, and ensuring rent is paid in full and on time.
Collect and evaluate information to determine clients' eligibility, including verifying information through personal interviews and liaising with client supports, relevant service providers, community agencies, landlords.
Prepare case management assessment and case note documentation; maintain member case files and ensure quality audit measures are achieved in accordance with the YMCA and funder's standards.
Respond to and investigate enquiries, complaints, and emergency situations involving clients; assess the situation and present and implement solutions; listen, mediate, negotiate, and provide support and guidance to resolve issues.
Participate in research activities and program development and delivery.
Liaise with staff from other programs and community agencies to provide program information or advocate for transfers/placements of clients.
Adhere to all YMCA House protocols and practices as well as Association and other relevant policies and procedures.
Participate in volunteer supervision, staff meetings, and professional development trainings as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.