Youth Worker - 24 hours (overnight)

YMCA of Greater Toronto•Toronto, ON

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Shelter staff provides support to make positive changes with youth facing challenging social and personal circumstances. All staff contributes meaningfully to ensuring positive outcomes for residents. Participants are supported to grow, gaining developmentally appropriate skills and knowledge; all staff model a collaborative, cooperative approach ensuring access to services for residents; all staff assist residents to find more suitable and permanent housing; the team encourage leadership, confidence, and self-discovery among residents. At all times youth workers treat residents with respect and dignity practicing from anti-oppression, harm reduction, mental health recovery, trauma-informed, and other strengths-based frameworks.

Requirements

Post -secondary degree/diploma in social work or related discipline or related discipline
2 + years professional experience, preferably working with marginalized youth an asset
Valid training certificate in defusing hostility and/or crisis prevention required
Valid First Aid/CPR Certificate; knowledge of safety and security procedures related to shelter operations
Training certificate in 2SLGBTQ+ and trans-positivity or related experience
Knowledge of the issues that lead young people to become homeless, and an ability to work with youth in a respectful, non-judgmental and consistent manner
Knowledge and ability to integrate anti-oppression, critical disability, 2SLGBTQ+ and trans-positivity, trauma, harm reduction, recovery approach in support to mental health and strengths-based principles into practice
Knowledge of transitional, shelter, and other housing systems in Toronto, ability to assist youth transitioning into adulthood through developmentally appropriate support
Possesses relevant knowledge of community resources and referral agencies
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong organizational and administrative skills
Basic knowledge in a kitchen and food preparation
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging
Experience in Windows, Word/WP, Excel/SMIS
Ability to work flexible shifts: weekends, statutory holidays, on call shifts
Must be willing and able to accept shifts at all Youth Outreach and Intervention(YOI) programs as required
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
Job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.
The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

Nice To Haves

preferably working with marginalized youth an asset

Responsibilities

Provide initial screening and intake of potential residents, orients new residents to the program, and redirects admissions when appropriate and within established criteria.
Provide supervision of Y House routines, support to individual residents and the resident community at the shelter, and imposes service restrictions only when necessary to protect the health, safety, and security of the shelter.
Provide positive interactions, crisis intervention, supportive counselling and practical assistance to participants in consultation with other members of the team including Team Leader and/or Manager.
Respond to emergency and crisis situations following appropriate procedures; ensures the safety and security of all staff and residents at all times; provides support to other staff in crisis situations.
Participate in individual supervision, staff meetings, case conferences, workshops and committees as required; circulates through all program areas to support the total program delivered in the Youth-in-Need of Housing unit where applicable.
Support program development and implementation for residents related to social, recreational and life skill development.
Document according to current professional standards any significant interactions with residents, maintains appropriate documentation in case files and logs, and completes incident reports when required; records the relevant status of all residents, issues late and guest passes as required.
Complete case note documentation and maintains resident case files; ensures quality audit measures are achieved in accordance with the YMCA and funder’s standards; completes data entry in the Shelter Management Information System (SMIS) and ensures all administrative tasks are completed as assigned.
Adhere to all YMCA House protocols and practices as well as Association and other relevant policies and procedures.
Participate in supervision, staff meetings and professional development trainings as required.
Assist in identifying and responding to issues related to the building and house mechanical systems.
Perform other duties as assigned.