Youth Navigator

The Youth Navigator will be the main point of contact for the youth aged 18-24 who are referred to the Early Intervention Youth Program - EDGE on Employment. The Youth Navigator will meet with each referred youth to review the menu of services, complete the individualized needs assessments, and identify areas of strengths and challenges, work with each youth to develop employment, life management and social goals and assist them in navigating the in-house and community resources to help them work towards their employment goals.

The Youth Navigator will provide a supportive, non-judgmental, person-centered approach with each young person. They will work within the belief that change is possible and desired by youth, but they need support, the ability to make mistakes and leave and re-enter the program as required by the individual. The Youth Navigator performs a primary role in delivery of support to priority youth with employment barriers and is therefore expected to meet high service quality standards and will promote an inclusive environment in the delivery of client service.

The Youth Navigator will work closely with each youth and the other members of the team to ensure that the youth receive the support and services needed and desired in a timely manner.

**SPECIFIC DUTIES INCLUDE**:
**Connection**

1. Use creative strategies to meet, reach out to, and build relationships with vulnerable youth in identified communities.

2. Complete intake interview in a client centered approach that provides an assessment of social supports; any physical, emotional, developmental, mental health challenges; education and employment history that helps to identify needs.

3. Based on the intake and needs assessment, work with client to develop an action plan to address barriers to career or employment goals.

4. To further their readiness for the Edge Program, the Navigator will support youth to make connections to programs, services, and support within the Edge Program and in the community.

5. Provide relational support to youth leaving care to promote interdependence and help the youth develop a plan towards employment training through Edge.

6. Ensure a meaningful connection with youth in the intake and ongoing case management process in a timely, effective, and supportive manner. See the Window into the Day to Day in Appendix A.

**Case Management**

7. Provide one to one case management focused on access to basics (food, housing), connection to caring adults (Mental Health Wellness), and connection to community (recreation, learning programs).

8. Through effective case management, develop plans with youth to further their goals for employment preparation.

9. Make referrals to other formal/informal supports and services related to health, education, justice, social services, family supports, literacy, education, parenting support, addictions services, recreation, and other appropriate supports/services.

10. Participate in case conferencing that includes the youth client and other service providers.

11. Provide client focused supportive counselling skills and role modelling in an adaptable and flexible approach taking into consideration the unique qualities of each client.

**Follow Up Services**

12. Ensure that clients that exit the program prematurely has a support / follow up plan in place.

13. Complete follow up contacts with all clients, post-employment and exit from program - frequency as determined with staff team and youth.

**Administrative**

14. Provide regular updates to Management team and ESIA staff as identified through Program Standards and Guidelines.

15. Efficiently document case management including current focus of work, level of need, goals, progress, and supportive work with Youth.

16. Regular data collection including statistical information for the project, program evaluation, and observations and suggestions for improvement.

17. Maintaining a flexible work schedule, the needs of youth would require a combination of daytime and evening work.

18. Participating in regular, weekly supervision and informal debriefs.

19. Report on a regular basis regarding issues of need and/or concern. In the event of a crisis or critical incident, immediately report to an appropriate level.

20. Follow appropriate policies and procedures of PYOA and Community Inc.. Ensure that the program operates in line with mission, vision, and values, and activities comply with applicable standards and laws.

21. Maintain client confidentiality - informed consent signed, client physical files maintained in a locked cabinet, password protected computer and phone.

22. Other duties as required.

**Ongoing Education**:

- Seek out learning opportunities to increase awareness of issues, services and resources related to marginalized groups - ANS, PWD, Persons living with mental illness, LGBTQ+ community, indigenous communities, persons on income assistance, priority youth, housing, poverty, trauma informed practice,