Youth Support Worker

**School-based Outreach Program/Group Work Program**

**Youth Support Worker**

Central Toronto Youth Services (CTYS) is a community-based Children’s Mental Health Centre committed to responding to the needs of young people, their families, and the youth-serving community. We provide innovative approaches to the care of youth through advocacy, research, education, and direct-service programming. The School Based Program and Group Work Program provide strength based, evidence informed, targeted prevention and intervention group services to youth in schools and in the community.

CTYS is partnered with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) to provide school groups to youth ages 13-17 years. CTYS School Based Groups and Community Groups provide an opportunity for those youth navigating anxiety, social anxiety, challenges with emotion regulation, difficult peer relationships and low mood to build skills, find connection, gain insight, and build wellness through experiential, eclectic, didactic, and evidence informed group activities. The position works collaboratively with school personnel and administration as well as other community agencies to provide programming for youth from diverse communities with a variety of mental health needs.
- CTYS is committed to hiring staff who reflect the diversity of the youth and communities we serve._
- As such, priority will be given to those who identify with and have experience supporting BIPOC youth and families._
- Priority will also be given to those who identify with and have experience supporting the 2SLGBTQ* community._

**Primary Responsibilities**:

- Lead daytime and evening groups for diverse youth populations in person and virtually as needed.
- Conduct brief service assessments/intakes and developing client service plans and discharge plans.
- Administer program evaluation and youth assessment surveys to youth and school personnel as required.
- Active, ongoing collaboration with referring school personnel, other community service providers and internal CTYS staff.
- In collaboration with manager and team, plan & develop group modules to reflect the needs of youth and schools.
- Deliver evidence-based programs with fidelity
- Provision of case coverage/support for other team members due to vacation/illness/emergencies
- Ensure up-to-date maintenance of client files in accordance with CTYS accreditation standards and policies & procedures.
- Participate in team and program meetings as scheduled including yearly service planning and the development of program models.
- Participate in agency meetings and special events.
- Participate in regular supervision with Program Manager as well as consultation as requested.
- In consultation with the Program Manager, participate in various agency committees or community activities.
- Participate in training and professional development activities as required.
- Establish communication with youths’ caregivers/parents where appropriate and needed.
- Collaborate with school personnel around emerging crisis and safety planning where needed.
- Safety planning with youth active in community group service as required.
- Other duties as assigned.

**Qualifications**:

- BA (CYC) or equivalent professional education and training.
- Registration in a professional college (RP, RSW) is preferred.
- A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in facilitating groups for youth experiencing mental health challenges
- A minimum of 2 years relevant experience working with youth and families
- Ability to work flexible hours (some evening hours required)
- Knowledge in group dynamics and group development
- Experience in facilitating groups focused on youth with challenges in the areas of social anxiety, general anxiety, relationship building, and emotion regulation.
- Knowledge and skills in evidence-based programming and evidence informed programming.
- Understanding of and commitment to anti-oppressive practice.
- Experience working with diverse client needs and intersections - particularly Black and 2SLGBT* youth.
- Experience working with neurodivergent youth.
- Understanding of strength-based group and psycho-educational programming
- Knowledge of adolescent development and its impact on group work practice
- Skills in assessment, counseling and case coordination with youth experiencing mental health challenges
- Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques, CBT, trauma informed practices, relationship building, and psycho-educational modalities for youth with mental health needs
- Knowledge of social service community resources and adolescent mental health issues
- Experience with group program development and delivery in a school based contexts is preferred
- Strong written and verbal communications skills
- Familiarity with youth engagement strategies
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with school boards, the community and service providers
- Excels