Youth Worker

Home Horizon Georgian Triangle Residential Services is a not-for-profit registered charity dedicated to transform the lives of youth at risk of homelessness by providing them with the opportunity to rebuild their lives and achieve their full potential. These youth are in the process of transitioning into adulthood, and due to challenging circumstances, may not yet have acquired the health, personal, social, and life skills that make independent living possible.

At the Barbara Weider House (BWH), we take care of youth’s immediate needs and offer them the chance to change their lives. BWH bridges the identified critical gap between emergency shelter and independent living for youth aged 16-24. The Barbara Weider House offers a place of safety and hope for homeless youth. Our services address the needs of youth in crisis and provide the support to help them gain confidence in adolescence and focus on their education and employment possibilities.

Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor and ultimately the Executive Director the Youth Worker is responsible for the direct implementation of Home Horizon’s philosophy, policies and procedures as they pertain to client care. The Youth Worker oversees the house including; client daily needs, program delivery, building & security needs and community relations.

Key Responsibilities (but not limited to):

- Understand and adhere to Home Horizons Policies, Procedures and Protocols
- Complete necessary documentation in accordance with Home Horizon Policies and Procedures while maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Protect self and others by maintaining a safe and predictable environment through the establishment of routines, emergency procedures, safe management, and conflict resolution techniques.
- Participate in mandatory training workshops and team meetings while promoting professional conduct.
- Meet regularly with Housing Supervisor and case workers to assess, manage, design, and implement Plan of Care in respondence to the youth’s priority needs.
- Work collaboratively with case workers and youth in achieving their Plan of Care Goals.
- Communicate and document any change in the status or needs of individual clients while maintaining positive and effective relationships with clients and their families.
- Provide youth with opportunities for community involvement as well as social activities, within pandemic restrictions.
- Support and follow individual plans consistently while facilitating and implementing educational, recreational, and vocational programs.
- Promote and maintain a therapeutic environment for a diverse population of youth, aged 16-24, experiencing a range of social, emotional, behavioural and mental health difficulties.
- Develop therapeutic relationships with youth using various teaching, mentoring, and counselling skills.
- Household duties such as (but not limited to) light cleaning, assisting with day-to-day routines, providing therapeutic interventions, attending appointments, assisting with school,
- Administrative duties, which include reading and writing daily shift notes, incident reports, medication logs etc.
- Ensure adherence to and role model Home Horizon principles and core values
- Address serious behaviour, mental health, emotional, and addictions issues through defusing/managing critical incidents, supportive relationships, and referrals to or community service providers, or calling emergency services if required
- Assist youth with accessing community support networks including: medical, legal, addictions, therapeutic, mental health, social recreational service providers
- Ensure information regarding service delivery is entered into the client information database by the end of each shift
- Participate in daily shift changes
- Clean, search, and remake resident rooms at discharge
- Assist in maintaining the general cleanliness of the residence including keeping work space tidy, laundering of soiled linens and clothes, and assist clients with their chores
- Other duties that may arise as reasonable in the operation of a residential service environment

**Additional activities and tasks as requested by the Program Supervisor or the Executive Director.**

**Qualifications**

Optimal qualification includes the completion of a Diploma or Degree in Youth Care or other human services including, social service worker, drug and alcohol counselor, mental /developmental health or related fields. Minimum qualifications for this position are an equivalent combination of education and experience in related field.

**Must have a criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening.**

**Personal Attributes**
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, flexibility, diplomacy, coaching, conflict resolution and de-escalation.
- Strong interpersonal skills including self awareness, tact, problem solving and critical thinking skills with a strong understanding of boundaries with clients.
- Excellent time management and o