Youth Mental Health Court Worker (2026-261-YPS)

WoodGreen Community Services•Toronto, ON

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Mental Health Court Worker (YMHCW) provides assessment, referral and case management for youth who have a criminal justice matter that falls under the jurisdiction of the Youth Justice Court. The YMHCW establishes effective linkages between the young person, the Youth Justice Court and appropriate community, mental health and youth justice resources. The YMHCW also plays a central role in the Community Youth Court (CYC) making recommendations to the Crown Attorney regarding a youth’s suitability for the court and developing appropriate treatment plans.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work, Clinical Psychology or Counselling.
Minimum 3 years (preferably post-graduate) working with adolescents, preferably in the youth justice system.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience providing evidence informed interventions with youth with acute mental health and substance abuse issues (trauma-informed philosophy of service)
Strong clinical assessment skills and brief counselling skills.
Knowledge of mental health diagnosis and effective treatments.
Demonstrated ability to work from and implement a strengths-based relationship-based approach.
Understanding of the YCJA and complex criminogenic risks and needs facing young people involved in the court.
Sensitivity to and ability to work with a diverse client and staff group.
Capacity to develop and nurture strong working relationships within the youth justice system and community.
Previous experience working in the youth justice system and/or children’s mental health system.
Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Ability to resolve issues with supervisors and co-workers in a manner that is respectful and cooperative in accordance with the agency culture and philosophy
Ability to exercise professionalism and sound judgement in conflictual and crisis situations
Strong case management, administrative and organizational skills.
Knowledge of relevant community resources and strong networking skills
Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills and communication skills (verbal and written)
Valid First Aid/CPR certification; completion of required crisis intervention training
Registration and good standing with Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and/or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario

Nice To Haves

Appreciation of the importance of engaging youth and families from a strength-based relationship-based approach.
Sensitivity to, and ability to work with, a diverse client and staff group.
Ability to demonstrate an anti-oppression approach to practice and work from a client-centered, anti-racism, harm reduction, and trauma informed approach is required.
Demonstrate knowledge of issues affecting marginalized communities, policies, legislation, programs, and other issues related to scope of practice and social determinants of health.
Experience working with diverse and marginalized communities, including ethno-cultural and religious groups, LGBTQSS+ youth and youth adults, those impacted by poverty and those involved in youth justice.

Responsibilities

Incorporate into your work a trauma-informed, strengths-based relationship-based philosophy of care and a belief in the resilience of youth.
Complete criminogenic risk needs assessments and mental health screening and assessments if applicable.
Provide assessment and brief counselling as indicated while promoting and integrating youth and family engagement.
Promote an environment of inclusion that promotes equity and respects diversity.
Collaborate within the multi-disciplinary team to provide service to youth and their families.
Lead the development of service/treatment plans for youth.
Oversee the maintenance of client files to ensure integrity of clinical information.
Ensure that client records are maintained as per agency standards and in accordance with privacy policies and legislation.
Ensure that administrative duties are completed within required timeframes.
Effectively utilize communication systems to convey client and program related information.
Represent the Agency in a professional manner when dealing with families, external professionals, general public and community partners.
Participate actively in team meetings.
Participate in ongoing training and supervision sessions on a regular basis.
Participate in all mandatory training provided by the Agency.
Work in accordance with all policies and procedures of the Agency.
Identify opportunities and make recommendations regarding the clinical and counselling services, systems, policies and procedures.