Youth Outreach Worker

360°kids is a vitally important community agency serving all of York Region. We have been a leader in the delivery of innovative support services for more than 35 years as we work to improve the lives of unhoused and marginalized youth and families in York Region. At 360°kids, we provide a unique continuum of care approach with programs and services that are essential to the health and well-being of youth. These proven strategies help to keep youth safe by providing stable housing options with 360° wraparound supports

To assist youth to access services that can be of support to any aspect of their lives. Youth Outreach Workers connect with street-involved or vulnerable youth who are not yet connected to 360ᵒkids programs and other social and community services across the York Region (Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, and New market).

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Conducts assessments and intake interviews with clients in a variety of locations which may include low income settings (hostels, drop in Centre’s); public areas (parks, sidewalks, ravines); institutional settings (hospitals, court houses), determines eligibility based on functional, income, employment, and housing status, and makes recommendations based on needs.
- Answers calls from youth in need of services and assesses, intake or refers them as needed to 360°kids residential programs; answers calls from colleagues and partner agencies and provides guidance and access to 360°kids programs.
- Conducts in-person or telephone meetings with youth to assess needs, set goals, and begin movement towards minimizing crisis and increasing stability.
- Responds to and investigates enquiries, complaints and emergency situations involving youth; assesses the situation, implements short-term and long-term solutions, and documents outcomes.
- Resolves conflict situations including client complaints and disputes. Listens, mediates, negotiates and provides support and guidance to resolve issues and documents outcome.
- Advocates on behalf of clients for support, services and benefits with internal and external resources, and engages in active problem solving around each client’s needs.
- Ensures effective service delivery to the client by documenting information, observations and impressions that may impact on a client’s case plan where appropriate.
- Encourages youth engagement with community services by making referrals and reducing barriers to accessing outside supports and services, by accompanying them to agencies, and helping them access information about services.
- Ensures safety and well-being of clients when in contact with them.
- Delivers group presentations and education or information tables on 360°kids’ services or on special interest topics to youth, school professionals, community groups or agencies towards youth and community engagement.
- Facilitates community collaboration with key partners and/or builds capacity for partnerships with populations such as LGBTTQ, mental health, addictions, diversity councils, faith-based assemblies, education bodies, justice panels, police, and community committees.
- Connects with staff from other programs and community agencies (e.g., hospitals, social workers, doctors, courts, immigration, shelters, drop-ins, health clinics, legal programs) to provide program information or in advocating for transfers/placements of clients
- Report on a regular basis to Team Leader regarding issues of need and/or concern. In the event of a crisis or critical incident, immediately reports to appropriate level.
- Follows appropriate policies and procedures of 360°kids. Ensures that the program operates in line with 360°kids’ mission, vision and values and activities comply with applicable standards and laws.
- Participates in regular supervision meetings and performance appraisal meetings on a semiannual basis.
- Attends training workshops and relevant conferences that pertain to the role.
- Maintain active and effective communication with the Team Lead and Manager of Support Programs.
- With the Team Lead supports, creates and implements approved strategies and plans that will result in the achievement of the program’s goals and objectives.
- Report on a regular basis to Team Lead regarding issues of need and/or concern. In the event of a crisis or critical incident, immediately reports to appropriate level.
- Advocate on youth’s behalf and act as a positive role model for youth.
- Completes all mandatory recording and reporting including daily documentation, statistical data collection and completing registration forms. Provides reports and related information to the Team Leader and/or Manager of Support Programs as required.

**Knowledge & Skills Required**:

- Post-Secondary degree/diploma Child/youth related field (e.g. Child and Youth, Social Service Worker, Social Worker, Psychology, Sociology) or the equivalent combination of education and experience working with youth.
- Minimum of three years