Youth Worker - HOPE Program

360°kids•Markham, ON

2d•CA$51,000•Hybrid

About The Position

360°kids is a community agency serving York Region, dedicated to improving the lives of unhoused and marginalized youth and families for over 35 years. The HOPE Program offers voluntary, individualized support for youth who have been victims of sexual exploitation via human trafficking. Services are tailored to meet specific needs, aiming to guide youth away from exploitation towards safety, stability, and independence. The program emphasizes building on youth strengths and skills, with Youth Workers providing mentoring, crisis support, and case management to help youth achieve their goals.

Requirements

Experience supporting street-involved youth is required.
Experience supporting youth impacted by trafficking is a strong asset.
Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training (or willingness to obtain within a defined onboarding period).
Current first aid/CPR certification.
Current Broad Record Check (Criminal Background Check).
Thorough understanding of issues pertaining to youth.
Understanding of domestic human trafficking.
Knowledge of relevant legislation.
Strong understanding of case management principles.
Must have a valid G driver’s license and a reliable vehicle available for every shift.
Demonstrated client-focused counseling skills and role modeling.
Excellent judgment, boundary-setting, and de-escalation skills.
Possesses strong personal ethics and integrity as well as exceptional interpersonal skills including influencing, consensus/team building, facilitation, negotiation, conflict resolution management, leadership, motivation, delegation, coaching/mentoring, and empowerment.
Must be willing and able to transport youth when required, including in personal vehicle when operationally necessary (with adherence to agency policies and documentation expectations).

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in spoken and written French is an asset.

Responsibilities

Conduct in-person meetings with youth to assess needs, set goals, and begin movement towards minimizing crisis and increasing stability.
Coordinate and facilitate life skills sessions, provide ongoing life skills support, and mentoring and provide access to direct services to address issues youth are presently facing.
Provide youth-focused counseling skills using a trauma-informed approach and role modeling in an adaptable and flexible approach taking into consideration the unique qualities of each youth.
Coach and support youth and act as a positive role model, mentor, and support for youth as they learn new skills.
Respond to and investigate inquiries, complaints, and emergency situations involving youth; assess the situation, implement short-term and long-term solutions, and document outcomes.
Resolve conflict situations including youth complaints and disputes. Listen, mediate, negotiate, and provide support and guidance to resolve issues and document outcomes.
Encourage and support youths to secure suitable housing within the community and assist youth to access various community programs regarding housing, mental health, etc.
Ensure effective delivery of service to the youth by documenting information, observations, and impressions that may impact on a youth’s case plan where appropriate.
Advocate on behalf of youths for support, services, and benefits with internal and external resources, and engage in active problem-solving around each youth’s needs.
In the event of a crisis or critical incident, immediately report to the appropriate level.
Coordinate and collect monthly program fees from youth. Ensure program fees are secured and transferred to Finance in a timely manner.
Follow appropriate policies and procedures of 360°kids. Ensure that the program operates in line with 360°kids’ mission, vision, and values, and activities comply with applicable standards and laws. Report on a regular basis to the Team Lead regarding issues of need and/or concern.
With the Team Lead and Manager of HOPE support, create, and implement approved strategies and plans that will result in the achievement of the program’s goals and objectives.
Complete all mandatory recording and reporting including daily documentation and statistical data collection. Provide reports and related information to the Manager of HOPE Program as required and in a timely manner.
Other duties required.