JS-U26-48 Youth Worker

Springboard•Toronto, ON

16h•Onsite

About The Position

Springboard's mission is to build stronger communities by helping youth and adults develop the skills they need to reach their full potential. As a charitable organization, we deliver innovative, professional and diverse programming by establishing partnerships between our clients and their community. Springboard’s program areas include community justice, employment, developmental services, youth justice, Weed out The Risk and The Community Learning HUB. People are at the centre of everything we do. We foster opportunities for skills development, personal growth and social interaction. We also actively promote work/life balance and mental health supports. We foster communication across the agency, from our Town Halls to our quarterly Springboard orientations. We are a learning organization and our people have the opportunity to provide feedback into all areas of the organization. We have an active Employee Engagement Committee that focuses on connecting staff through communication, a rewards and recognition program, career development initiatives and social/team building opportunities. Springboard offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time, permanent staff and, a savings plan for all permanent positions. Terry Fox House is a 24/7, live-in program which provides services to young men involved in the youth justice system, who have been charged with an offense and ordered for either open custody or detention placements. The team provide education and employment support, life-skills programming, and transitional planning which best supports individuals when they leave the program. Reporting to the Supervisor, the Youth Worker is responsible for maintaining a structured, trauma-informed and safe setting for 24/7 coverage for the youth in our care, as aligned with ministry operational guidelines, as well as the daily educational needs of the youth, in partnership with the Toronto District School Board. The position involves shift work which entails 7-day, 24-hour coverage – flexibility to work on days, afternoon/evenings and wake overnights, weekdays, weekends and beyond regular shifts as needed. Travel to other locations/communities due to programming is required.

Requirements

Diploma in the Social Sciences, Child and Youth Care, Social Work. Related education will be considered.
Minimum one year experience working with youth who have experienced trauma in their lives from a trauma-informed framework
Demonstrated experience in crisis prevention and intervention
Direct experience engaging with diverse populations and an ability to apply a culturally responsive lens to all interactions, including program implementation and capacity-building with young people
Valid G driver’s license
A strong understanding of the systemic barriers that young people face and how this may impact youth and their own experiences
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
A demonstrated ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders effectively, respectfully, and efficiently with minimal supervision
Effective understanding and use of technology, including Microsoft Office applications

Nice To Haves

Understanding of relevant legislation and institutional policies (including the Youth Criminal Justice Act, Education Act, Safe Schools Act)
Experience working within a licensed residential setting considered an asset
Knowledge of the social service agencies operating in Toronto and a willingness to broaden knowledge with respect to clients coming from outside of our geographic location
Current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate, CPI, ASIST
Case management experience and experience in a live-in program are preferred
Experience working within a licensed residential setting considered an asset

Responsibilities

Ensuring all youth records are current and complete
Supporting with the tracking of youth needs such as clothing, hygiene items
Supporting in ensuring all medical/dental/health appointments are arranged and tracked appropriately
Support Senior Counsellor with case management, including: Completing Part 1 of the intake process for incoming youth
Support in the secondary intake process for incoming youth, with Senior Counsellor support
Scheduling, prepare, plan for, and co-facilitating case management planning meetings with required members
Support in communication with parents/guardians, ally persons, resource persons, probation officer, etc.
Supporting with scheduling youth appointments and programming
Attending court with youth
Support youth with hygiene, life skills, social skills, and individualized planning
Participate in the supervision, training, and developmental growth of new staff members, students and volunteers.
Assist youth and their families/supports in reaching their individual goals
Foster a safe and healthy work environment for the residence, youth, and the staff as per policies, procedures and the legislation.
Deal with crisis situations to de-escalate challenging behaviours
Ensuring all youth records are closed and stored according to licensing standards and program policy
Prepare and pre-cook dinner following safe food handling protocols
Maintain timely and accurate notes and logs using case management and other software, as well as other administrative tasks, as per our program model and policies
Support in the reporting of statistics and other notes as needed, to support in the program evaluation or other special projects, as assigned
Writing Serious Occurrence Reports Level 2s as required; with support from program leadership and Senior Counsellor
Perform security calls, house checks and document as per policy
Auditing of program logs
Actively participate in individual and team meetings, supervisory meetings, planning sessions, case management meetings, and designated trainings
Work effectively with other members of the team
Modeling the agency’s philosophy and mission statement, as well as the program’s Values and Beliefs at all times
Other responsibilities as may be assigned
Participate in strategic planning and other organizational initiatives and committees as required
Regular reporting to funders, internal accounting, and fiscal management of the program budget
Execute other responsibilities as necessary to achieve the objectives and deliverables of the program
Other responsibilities as may be assigned