Youth Outreach Worker
About The Position
The Provincial Youth Outreach Worker (PYOW) plays a critical role in advancing MLSE LaunchPad’s mandate to support youth facing barriers to access and opportunity through sport, skills development, mentorship, and community connection. This role is responsible for developing and delivering prevention-focused, early intervention, and outreach initiatives for youth and families connected to MLSE LaunchPad and residing in priority communities, including Regent Park, St. James Town, Moss Park, and the Esplanade. The PYOW actively engages youth who may be disconnected from school, employment, or community supports and works to facilitate pathways into MLSE LaunchPad programs and wraparound services. Through strengths-based, trauma-informed, and relationship-centered practice, the PYOW provides individualized support, advocacy, and service navigation while fostering strong partnerships with families, community organizations, and service providers. The overarching goal is to empower youth to build confidence, skills, and sustainable pathways toward positive life outcomes. Position Type: Full-time Contract Until March 31, 2027
Requirements
- Completion of Social Services Field diploma or combination of education and directly related experience
- 1-2 years’ experience working with youth engagement, community and program development and working successfully with community partners
- Demonstrated ability and experience in working with marginalized youth, their families, newcomers and diverse youth populations living in under-served communities is an asset
- Certification in First Aid, Mental Health First Aid and/or Crisis Prevention & Intervention (CPI)
- Current, or are willing to get, a Vulnerable Sector Check
- Ability to access reliable transport for travel within the GTA
- Demonstrates a commitment to inclusive diversity and anti-oppressive practices is an asset
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment is an asset
- Knowledge of adolescent developmental theory and the Stages of Change theory and specific issues related to at risk youth is an asset
- Understanding of the complex issues facing our clients is an asset
- Appreciation of the importance of engaging youth and families from a trauma informed strengths-based relationship-based approach is an asset
- Sensitivity to and ability to work with a diverse client and staff group is an asset
- Sound knowledge of the issues facing priority neighbourhood communities in Toronto is an asset
- Effective communication and active listening skills
- Interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities.
- Collaboration and time management skills
- Knowledge of relevant community resources is an asset
- Operating using an Anti-Black Racism lens is an asset
- Advocacy skills and commitment to ongoing learning
- To some extent, this position requires walking within the community.
Responsibilities
- Proactively reach out and establish rapport with underserved youth in priority communities
- Identify concerns and barriers faced by youth in their communities
- Engage youth in dialogue to comprehend their needs, goals, aspirations, and skills.
- Identify necessary services while addressing barriers to access
- Provide one-on-one support, case management, advocacy, and referrals across various domains such as employment, housing, legal aid, mental health, and volunteering
- Share information about MLSE LaunchPad programs, community events, job fairs, recreation opportunities, and leadership development initiatives
- Work collaboratively with local service providers to ensure youth have access to relevant programs
- Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with youth (ages 6 to 29), organizations and communities.
- Respond to requests and inquiries from community groups
- Support local programs offered to youth
- Lead, develop, and implement community outreach activities such as workshops and events
- Support the development, strengthening, and stewardship of relationships with community-based organizations, grassroots groups, schools, and service providers within priority neighbourhoods
- Act as a key point of contact for community partners, ensuring consistent communication, follow-up, and alignment with shared goals
- Collaborate with internal teams to identify partnership opportunities that enhance youth access to programs, services, and wraparound supports
- Coordinate and support joint initiatives, referrals, workshops, and community-based activities in collaboration with partner organizations
- Support a values-aligned partnership approach grounded in equity, trust-building, anti-oppressive practice, and community voice
- Build and maintain positive relationships with local community groups, schools, and service providers
- Regularly participate in community meetings and partner in festivals and cultural events
- Maintain statistics, including service delivery, referrals, and follow-up
- Track engagement metrics and contribute to reporting requirements as needed
- Perform other duties as required
- Participate in training sessions to ensure that service delivery remains relevant and up to date with the trends and issues faced by the community and youth.
Benefits
- MLSE will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application process.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
