Temporary Youth Justice Service Coordinator

March 3, 2025

**YOUTH JUSTICE SERVICES COORDINATOR**
- **(Temporary Full Time - 35 Hours/Week)**_
- **Internal/External Job Posting**_

John Howard Society of Waterloo-Wellington (JHSWW) is looking for a new team member to join our youth justice services team. As a community-based charitable organization focused on crime prevention, we offer: life skills coaching/programming; diversion and other programs and services fostering accountability and learning, repairing harm and making amends; and employment programs. We understand myriad factors contribute to crime including social and community factors. We work closely with stakeholders including other community agencies, schools, probation, police, courts, employers, and others. JHSWW is accredited by Imagine Canada. We have three priority focus areas in our current strategic plan:

- RESILIENCY
- COLLABORATION
- INCLUSION

Applications are currently being accepted for a temporary full-time position at 35 hours/week as a _Youth Justice Services Coordinator _ending approximately September 3, 2025, to support coverage for an ongoing leave. As this position is covering a leave for a permanent employee, there is potential for extension beyond 6 months. This position operates primarily out of Kitchener program sites; but may be required to work at Cambridge and/or Guelph program sites. The hours for this position are Monday through Friday including early evening work. Reporting to the Director of Community & Client Services, with the support and direction of a Senior Coordinator, this position includes program delivery to youth involved in, or at risk of justice involvement and completion of all administrative and evaluation requirements. This position maintains positive working relationships with justice partners including Probation, community social service agencies, and schools.

RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

- Working collaboratively with a Director and Senior Coordinator to regularly review program content, referral, intake and communication for information sharing strategies/ processes with relevant community partners
- Conducting intake interviews with youth (caregivers may also be present) to determine the appropriateness of the referral and ensure youth understands the legal process and program requirements
- Liaising with youth, relevant supports and referral sources (i.e. group home staff, foster parents, parents, teachers, justice partners, etc.), as required
- Preparing and facilitating structured, progressive curriculum to groups or individuals focusing on cognitive/social life skills development and values enhancement
- Implementing program evaluation methods and data collection tools as required to meet funder and Agency expectations; ensuring all safety procedures are followed
- Maintaining partnerships and working collaboratively with referral sources
- Contributing to the development and refinement of program content
- Performing other duties as assigned by the Director or Senior Coordinator

The following are essential knowledge, skills, abilities and requirements for this position:

- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree preferably in the social or health sciences field
- Current clearance from a criminal records check. Must be able to meet criminal and other offense screening requirements necessary for the agency to maintain its service/funding contracts
- Strong leadership and assessment skills along with excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to design and adapt curriculum relevant to the needs of youth
- Demonstrated experience in working with youth individually or in groups
- Demonstrated sound judgment and the ability to be decisive in crisis situations, and familiarity with de-escalation techniques
- An understanding of program performance metrics and data collection tools and the importance of valid and reliable data
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Strong cross-cultural, equity, inclusion and diversion awareness and competencies
- An understanding of the legal duty to report under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act and other relevant legislation
- Demonstrated computer proficiency in Microsoft Office® including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Word, client file management software; internet search tools; and use of connectivity and collaboration platforms (e.g. Microsoft Teams) for virtual programming and meetings.
- An understanding of psycho-educational interventions; experience working with clients utilizing a trauma-informed practice and ability to recognize and orchestrate opportunities to demonstrate pro-social skills and thinking
- Knowledge of restorative justice practices, and an understanding of systemic barriers (e.g. poverty, homelessness, substance use, etc.)
- A valid driver’s license, personal vehicle and insurance are required.

Compensation:
The current starting rate for this position in $26.84 per hour (+4% Vacation Pay in lieu of Benefits)