Youth Worker

The John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area are seeking one full time Youth Worker position in the Non-residential Attendance Centre.

**Position Summary**:
The position will work closely with other youth justice and youth serving organizations to provide supports to youth in conflict and in risk of conflict with the law.

This position:

- Full-time, 35 hours/week, and includes some evening hours and occasional weekends
- Salary range $21.24 - $25.10 hourly
- Benefits, including health and dental coverage and employee assistance plan
- Includes 4 weeks paid vacation, sick time, and wellness hours
- Training & development opportunities, staff appreciation events
- Pension eligibility after 2 years

**Qualifications**:

- University degree / college diploma in a related area or equivalent with a minimum of 3 years work experience supporting youth and their families
- Experience working with in risk youth (those involved / at risk of involvement in the criminal justice system, violence, criminal activity and / or gang involvement
- Able to deliver / facilitate in person and virtual programming to youth on an individual and group basis in a variety of settings (agency, schools and community)
- Experience working with and providing support to families of youth in risk
- Demonstrated knowledge of / experience utilizing cognitive / behavioural interventions
- Strong skills in:

- group facilitation
- crisis intervention / de-escalation
- case management / documentation
- organization / time management skills
- problem solving / decision making
- Skill, experience and capacity working from a Trauma Informed and Restorative Practice perspective
- Committed to assisting and supporting youth and families to make positive life changes
- Experience working with and supporting youth with substance misuse and mental health barriers
- Strong knowledge of the CYFSA and YCJA
- Experience using the YLS / CMI assessment tool an asset
- Ability to work flexible hours that include days, evenings and weekend work
- Valid class G driver’s license and clean driver’s abstract
- Provision of a satisfactory criminal reference check, including a vulnerable sector check
- Additional language capacity an asset
- Computer and technology skills that support the position, including virtual platforms (Office 365, MS Teams, Zoom)
- Valid First Aid / CPR certification or willingness to attain

**Duties & Responsibilities**:
**Counselling**
- Facilitate and support the young person’s completion of their intervention / program through intensive case management
- Liaise with and resource a variety of community organizations and businesses in order to effectively meet the needs of youth participating in the agency’s youth justice programming
- Provide youth and their families with information, resources and referrals to external programs and services where appropriate
- Ensure any restitution payments and / or charitable donations are forwarded to the appropriate individuals / organizations.
- Maintain current knowledge of youth / youth justice issues using internet resources, print resources, newspapers etc.
- Maintain current knowledge of other programs and services in the community
- Identify youth service needs and make recommendations for new services within the mandate of the service contract

**Group Facilitation**
- Facilitate group programming (in house and / or off site) according to the established facilitator’s guide to ensure consistency of group service delivery
- Maintain current knowledge on cognitive skills based programming and make recommendations for changes to current programs
- Develop handouts, resources and support materials for use in group programs
- Distribute and collect evaluations to determine the effectiveness of material presented

**Case Management & Documentation**
- Ensure program and individual performance program standards and measures are met to ensure agency programs achieve expected outcomes
- Participate in evaluations, reviews and research to support new initiatives and best practices
- Support the agency’s response to requests from Funders and Ministries regarding program operation
- Maintain accurate, timely and complete file documentation

**Community Liaison**
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with community partners, service providers and case managers
- Promote and represent the John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area at community meetings and special events
- Engage in program promotion and distribute program information in the community

**Program Coordination Responsibilities**
- Represent the agency on community committees as required
- Collect and collate program specific service statistics
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with community partners in order to adequately resource the program

**Additional Responsibilities**:

- Work within the restorative and anti oppressive frameworks of the agency
- Work within and contribute to a