Adoption Counselor

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.
We foster opportunities for skills development, personal growth and social interaction. We foster communication across the agency, from our Town Halls to our quarterly Springboard orientations. We have an active Employee Engagement Committee that focuses on connecting staff through communication, a rewards and recognition program, career development initiatives and of course, social and team building opportunities. Springboard offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time, permanent staff and, for all permanent positions, a savings plan that helps support our people in all aspects of their lives.
Community Justice Programs and Youth Homes
Toronto, ON - Downtown
Full-time, Permanent
Immediately
Hours/Shifts
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday from 3pm to 11pm
Sunday from 7am to 3pm
Terry Fox House (TFH) provides open custody/detention services and programs for young males aged 12 - 17 who are in detention awaiting court or serving a period of custody as prescribed by the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). This community-based at-home program supports youth in addressing those challenges that may have led to their involvement within the youth justice system, and works to reconnect them within their communities.
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.
hygiene, budgeting, cooking and preparing meals for youth, nutrition, social skills and community, and achieving specific goals
Support and Counselling - Provide counselling and support for clients within the program and for their families. Community Outreach/Outings - Oversee and supervise community/recreational outings for individuals or groups of clients, liaise with community partners and referral sources, escorting youth to appointments via house vehicle and TTC
Administrative Duties - Provide clerical/reception and administrative support to the program
Health and Safety - Foster a safe and healthy work environment for the residents and staff as per policies, procedures and legislation. Post-Secondary diploma/degree in the Social Services field e.g. Child and Youth Worker, Youth Justice, Strong knowledge in computer applications, i.e., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
At least one (1) year of recent work experience in the following areas:
services/programs for males aged 12 -17 who are in detention awaiting court or serving a period of custody as prescribed by the Youth Criminal Justice Act
working with youth who have been in the criminal system including experience in conflict management, providing individualized support, and supervising community/recreational outings
group facilitation in a community setting, modify, implement, evaluate new and existing programs; client intake, assessment, counselling, conflict resolution
Use multimedia teaching tools such as Smart Board, Community Learning Hub
Working knowledge of the Social and Criminal Justice systems and community resources, both internal and external
Knowledge of relevant counselling practices and effective counselling skills to ensure optimal service for participants
Adept at use a computer and computer systems, e.g. Proven group facilitation skills to lead individuals in gaining education and life skills within a classroom setting and in the community
Skills in: counselling, teaching, group and individual facilitation, communication, conflict resolution, mathematics and administrative tasks
Assessment skills for both the delivery of service to participants and daily operational/programming issues, including determination of suitability and risk
Program planning skills to implement, evaluate and modify new and existing programs, as needed
Excellent, written and verbal communication skills in English, to communicate ideas, instructions and information in a clear, concise manner, possessing the ability to adjust to the receivers needs regarding various levels of communication
Identify and handle confidential materials as per organizational policies and procedures and legal standards.
Use of conflict resolution and crisis intervention and/or safe management tools and techniques when dealing with challenging behavior, community partners and team members and when assisting them in resolving issues
Refer to and comply with organizational policies and procedures, e.g., Attention to Quality - pay attention to their quality of work on which they depend on and plan activities carefully and notice gaps and correct them without having to be told
Valid Driver's License or G1 and committed to achieving G-2 or G-full within a 2-year period
Knowledge of the criminal justice system (including Youth Criminal Justice, and Child and Family Service Acts) and social service agencies is an asset.
Ability to communicate in French, verbally and in written form.
No phone calls please. Applications are encouraged from those who reflect the diversity of our community and we will work with you to provide a positive recruitment experience.