Gang Trauma Counsellor

360°kids is a vitally important community agency serving all of York Region. We have been a leader in the delivery of innovative support services for more than 35 years as we work to improve the lives of unhoused and marginalized youth and families in York Region. At 360°kids, we provide a unique continuum of care approach with programs and services that are essential to the health and well-being of youth. These proven strategies help to keep youth safe by providing stable housing options with 360° wraparound supports.

The Gang Trauma Counsellor will provide short term Trauma counselling support and case management for 360°kids’ clients including at-risk youth and families. The Adult Gang Trauma Counsellor will provide counselling in a non-threatening, supportive, client centered format where access to assessment and supports/resources are made available. Counselling focuses on personal and social development; trauma; behavioural change; cultural demands and expectations; and reintegration of young adults with their families or transitioning to independent living.
**This is a Contract Role ending end of June 2025**

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Provide community based Mental Health Trauma counselling supports to 360°kids’ clients and their families.
- Assess the needs of young adults and their family and provides in-home when possible, community and agency-based service as required.
- Work within a young -adult-focused, stages of change, family-centered approach to service delivery, establishing a working relationship with young adults and families that demonstrates respect and honest communication, including protective factors.
- Work together with young adults and families to improve community connections and access to community resources and connect young adults and family members with other agencies in the community including other 360°kids’ programs.
- Conducts assessments and intake interviews with clients in a variety of locations which may include virtual platforms, low-income settings (hostels, drop-in centers); public areas (parks, sidewalks, ravines); institutional settings (hospitals, court houses), determines eligibility based on functional, income, employment, and housing status, and makes recommendations based on needs.
- Conducts in-person or virtual/telephone meetings with young adults to assess needs, set goals, and begin movement towards minimizing crisis and increasing stability.
- Resolves conflict situations including client complaints and disputes. Listens, mediates, negotiates and provides support and guidance to resolve issues and documents outcome.
- Ensures effective service delivery to the client by documenting information, observations and impressions that may impact on a client’s case plan where appropriate.
- Encourages young adults’ engagement with community services by making referrals and reducing barriers to accessing outside supports and services, by accompanying them to agencies, and helping them access information about services.
- Ensures safety and well-being of clients when in contact with them.
- Delivers group presentations and education or information tables on the young adult’s gang intervention services or on special interest topics to young adults, school professionals, community groups or agencies towards young adults and community engagement.
- Report on a regular basis to Clinical team lead and team Lead Gang intervention Programs regarding issues of need and/or concern. In the event of a crisis or critical incident, immediately reports to appropriate level.
- Facilitates community collaboration with key partners and/or builds capacity for partnerships with populations such as LGBTTQ, mental health, addictions, diversity councils, faith-based assemblies, education bodies, justice panels, police, and Community committees.
- Provides case management practices including conducting interviews, compilation of social histories, and comprehensive assessment of strengths and needs of clients.
- Completes all mandatory recording and reporting including daily documentation, statistical data collection and completing registration forms.
- Connects with staff from other programs and community agencies (e.g., hospitals, social workers, doctors, courts, immigration, shelters, drop-ins, health clinics, legal programs) to provide program information or in advocating for transfers/placements of clients.
- Represents the organization and program relationship as required with various segments of the community including schools, Children’s Aid Society, partner agency, clients, and parents.
- With the Team leader Gang Intervention Program and the Manager Youth Clinical Services, creates, and implements approved strategies and plans that will result in the achievement of the program’s goals and objectives.

**Education & Skills Required**:

- Master’s degree in social work, and or psychology. Minimum 3 years’ experience required working with at risk youth and/or street involved