Family and Natural Supports Worker

**Family and Natural Supports Worker (Internal)**

**Anti-Human Trafficking Team-Enhancing Outcomes for Survivors Project**

**Contract (9-Months Full-Time)**

**Level 8**

**Purpose of Position**

**Responsibilities**:

- Outreach to, and engagement of, youth who have been sexually exploited and/or are at risk of being trafficked
- Develop trusting, helping and therapeutic relationships with youth and their identified family members and chosen supports to address identified goals
- Use a Trauma Informed, Collaborative, Family System and Ecological assessment approach to support the determination of goals and individualized service plans
- Provide family and individual counselling to support youth, their families and chosen supports to improve relationships, mitigate risk factors, and resolve conflict
- Provide navigation supports (referrals, accompaniment, and liaison and coordination support) to ensure youth and their family members/chosen supports can access appropriate community resources, including court support as necessary
- Provide services in locations deemed to be safe and convenient to youth and their family members and chosen supports (such as in shelters, in family homes and other community settings),
- Work collaboratively within the Toronto Family and Natural Supports Program team, the Anti-Human Trafficking program team, the Covenant House Toronto team, the youth shelter system and broader community.
- Work with stakeholders and partners to develop and promote this specialized youth service.
- Participate in assessment and evaluation tools and measures to support the research and evaluation of the program’s work
- Maintain client files and complete all required documentation
- Perform related duties as assigned by Program Manager

**Qualification, Experience**:

- BSW or MSW, or degree in a counseling related field, or equivalent in education and experience.
- Registration with a College of Registered Psychotherapists (CRPO) or The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
- 3 years’ experience working with youth who have experienced abuse, sexual exploitation and/or gender based violence, and their families/chosen supports
- Demonstrated ability in working with a trauma responsive, harm reduction approach and from an anti-oppression and culturally competent perspective/framework is essential
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with intense, acute youth and family situations and circumstances
- Understanding of issues related to adolescent/youth human trafficking, youth homelessness, 2SLGBTQ identities, mental health and substance use problems and disorders, and developmental and learning disabilities.
- Knowledge of human trafficking, homelessness, and other community resources and systems available to youth and families
- Excellent communication (both oral and written) and organizational skills and ability to work independently
- Demonstrated competencies including communications, creativity, flexibility, teamwork and self-care.
- Demonstrated organization ability to handle caseload requirements, compile statistical data and reports for review and evaluation
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including evening hours is required
- A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle is an asset

**What we Offer**:

- Meaningful work.
- Competitive compensation.
- Benefits such as Health, Dental, Vision, Personal Days, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.
- Employee perks which include discounts on gym membership, city bike rentals, auto & home insurance and more.

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**About Covenant House Toronto**

Covenant House helps youth ignite their potential and reclaim their lives. As Canada’s largest agency serving youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk, we offer the widest range of services to hundreds of young people every day.

More than a place to stay, we provide life-changing care with unconditional love and respect. We meet youth’s immediate needs and then we work together to achieve their future goals. We offer 24/7 crisis shelter transitional housing options on-site and, in the community, health and well-being support, training and skill development, and ongoing care once youth move into the community.

For over 40 years, Covenant House has been dedicated to its mission of serving youth on the street and to protect and safeguard all youth with absolute respect and unconditional love. Since 1982, Covenant House has supported more than 100,000 young people.
- At Covenant House Toronto we believe in a workplace culture of inclusion that is welcoming, respectful and safe for all staff. It is critical to Covenant House Toronto success to eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups. Equity groups have been, and continue to be, underrepresented and marginalized in the workforce, leadership roles, and in some specific occupations. Equity groups include but may not be limited to Indigenous pers