Child and Youth Worker

A leading youth-based, non-profit charitable organization that is dedicated to serving the mental health needs of Ontario youth for over 60 years. A great organization recognized for their commitment to creating promising futures for children, youth and families through many programs and support services.

The mission of the organization is to deliver evidence informed and result driven community mental health services that meet the needs of children, youth and families in a timely, impactful and person centered way.

**EDI-B VALUES**

The success of an organization stems from a team that is aligned with its mission and vision, where decisions are made in the best interests of the clients they serve and the marginalized and vulnerable populations across our communities. Through this effort, all team members embrace their roles in the organization with respect and dignity for all stakeholders. Through these partnerships, everyone is focused on ensuring a commitment and responsibility toward anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, diversity, inclusivity, and belonging.

**MISSION**

The Child and Youth Worker is responsible for providing a safe and secure environment for the youth on a day-to-day basis while working within a multidisciplinary team to help support a caseload of clients.

The Pod Group is partnering with this organization to place a compassionate, organized and supportive individual to fulfill the role of the Child and Youth Worker.

**PRIORITIES**
- Work as a member of a multidisciplinary team to provide individual and group service to adolescents and youths.
- Create a caring learning environment, assess, plan and carry out approved plans for the adolescents and youths developed through the agency’s Plan of Care system in accordance with the specific clinical direction established for each young person.
- Contribute to the individual care of adolescents and youths by developing and supporting their engagement in programs and following treatment plans.
- Recognize the stages of behavioural escalation and respond in a clinically appropriate manner to de-escalate the behaviour.
- Assesses and understands client mental health needs through a developmental and trauma-informed lens and formulates methods of intervention in collaboration with the team.
- Record and communicate information regarding clients in the appropriate documentation logs.
- Ensure the well-being of the client in all aspects of daily living and education, promoting and being a role model for positive, pro-social skills and habits.
- Organize daily routines, respond to the issues and concerns presented and take appropriate steps to ensure the health, safety, security, nutrition, growth, development and well-being of adolescents and youths.
- Support the work of other team members as a member of the unit team.
- Act as an advocate, supporter, authority figure, teacher and catalyst for a healthy, pro-social change process, in cooperation with external guardians and collateral agencies.

**Requirements**:

- Child & Youth Work diploma or equivalent degree/diploma.
- Experience working with children or youth in a mental health setting is preferred.
- Experience in programming utilizing cognitive behavioural approaches.
- Ability to empathize with youths and adolescents with complex needs and demonstrate a sincere commitment to serve their needs.
- Able to safely and effectively manage behavioural crisis situations and respond in a trauma-informed approach.
- Specialized training/experience in group work, therapeutic recreation, substance abuse treatment, child abuse interventions or other clinical modalities preferred.
- Ability to work flexible hours within a rotating schedule, including days, nights and weekends.
- Strong administrative, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills and computer skills.
- Knowledge of Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) and Occupational Health and Safety Act (OH&SA).