Child and Youth Worker

Blue Door is a not-for-profit registered charitable agency governed by a volunteer Board of

Directors. We have been an integral part of our community providing essential emergency

shelter services since 1982. Blue Doors mission is to support people who are at risk of or

experiencing homelessness to attain and retain affordable housing.

**Job Summary**

We are looking for contract Child and Youth Worker who will report to our Program Manager. You will provide child-focused supportive services for residents (children, youth, and parents). Services include supportive counselling, parent-child intervention, and liaison with relevant community systems/services. You will assist in the operation of the emergency programs in accordance with agency policies and procedures; maintain appropriate record keeping.

**Responsibilities**:

- Plan, develop, and implement child-focused activities and programs, including creating regularly scheduled programs targeting different age groups, including younger children during the day and older youth after school.
- Ensure toys and play area are regularly sanitized or disinfected.
- Provide regular and periodic statistical information as requested.
- Assist with navigating the educational and child protection systems as necessary, including accompanying families to interviews and/or meetings.
- Work in conjunction with Housing Worker to arrange child care coverage when parents have scheduled appointments with Housing Workers.
- Purchases items for programming.
- Applies for daycare and recreational subsidies.
- Create and post monthly activity calendars in coordination with community partners.
- Plan and supervise volunteer and community programs for children and youth on site.
- Work to provide parental support to foster healthy relationships between families and external supports.
- Participate in case conferences with relevant external partners to ensure adequate support.
- Assist with transferring community supports once housed including but not limited to school and day care enrollment.
- Coordinate school lunches with Housing Navigators and Support Staff.
- Support all Blue Door programs when requested.
- Administer Naloxone in the event of an emergency and distributing Naloxone kits accordingly.
- Attending community events and workshops.
- Keep up to date with best practises and with resources pertaining to children, youth and families.
- Any other duties as assigned.

Respect and Professionalism
- Maintain professionalism in the workplace.
- Work cooperatively alongside and support all Blue Door team members and departments.
- Adherence to the mission, vision, policies and procedures of the agency.
- Able and willing to promote harm reduction practices in accordance with core standards.
- Attend internal staff meetings and staff training as required.
- Maintain the confidentiality of all client and agency information.
- Utilize effective conflict resolution skills in accordance with (Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training.
- Foster positive and appropriate relationships with clients, colleagues, community partners and volunteers.
- Provide referrals and follow-up as necessary.
- Meets with manager on a regular basis and participates in completion of annual performance evaluation.

Occupational Health & Safety
- All employees are responsible for carrying out work in a way that does not adversely affect their own health and safety and that of others.
- All employees shall learn and understand health and safety policies and procedures and will comply with them.
- All employees must be able and willing to work within all programs and with flexible schedules

**Qualifications**:

- Minimum CYW, SSW or 2-year college diploma in a human services program.
- Experience working with children in crisis.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, implement and evaluate supportive services to children in a shelter environment.
- Knowledge of varied philosophies of child developmental stages.
- Demonstrated personal organization and time management skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills with clients and colleagues and commitment to team approach.
- Understanding of relevant legislation and government policies (including the Child and Family Services Act).
- Ability to develop rapport and interact effectively with children and youth.
- Understanding and delivery of anti-oppressive practices.
- Ability to deal effectively with conflict and crisis.
- Able to operate within a flexible work schedule.
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
- CPI, Standard First Aid/CPR and Vulnerable Screening Clearance (Police Check).
- Ability to offer culturally appropriate services.
- Solid written and verbal communication skills.
- Reliable vehicle, valid driver’s licence and insurance.

We are always working towards continued improvements with the hope of creating and fostering a work culture where people want to be and see the impact of their work.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibi