Youth Engagement Liaison

**About us**
We open doors for youth and prevent adult homelessness. We serve at-risk youth experiencing homelessness, aging out of care, or fleeing violence in the home. Young adults who need a place to call home and people who believe in them. We offer safe housing, community, and support to help youth make healthy choices and shift toward a brighter future.

**Position summary**
The Youth Engagement Liaison position will develop a comprehensive support program for youth across Threshold programs. The goal of the program is to build protective factors and mitigate risk factors for youth through building trust, self-esteem, a sense of connection to the community, and by reducing social isolation. The Youth Engagement Liaison leads the coordination of case plans, and works with other program staff to ensure consistency and follow-though.

**Duties and responsibilities**
- Work directly with youth in a trauma-informed manner to develop, modify and track goals for their stay in transitional housing
- Actively advocate for youth and assist them in the development of self-advocacy skills. Liaise with other agencies, professionals, ministry staff and the community to support youth to maintain housing and make linkages that will help them move forward in their lives
- Actively ensure that youth are engaged and connected to Threshold programming and supports
- Assist youth in accessing outside services, working with THS team to do referrals
- Actively assist youth to adapt to and maintain SHY housing by providing guidance and emotional support in move-in/move out. Monitor youth well-being and provide support throughout residency
- Keep abreast of all current social concerns and youth issues, and as required attend professional development activities to remain informed regarding issues for at-risk youth
- Assist other members of the Threshold team in establishing a trusting, non-judgmental, non-exploitative rapport with youth
- Provide immediate response and management of crisis situations; this includes contacting resources appropriate to the situation during regular work hours and after hours as required
- Facilitate programming
- Additional tasks as assigned.

**Education & Experience**
- Possess a relevant degree such as Social Work or Child & Youth Care, and will have a minimum of 2-3 years experience working with vulnerable populations and at-risk youth. Other combinations of education, experience and training may be considered.
- An advanced knowledge of case management principles. Must be able to keep excellent client records, both written and electronically
- ASIST and NVCI training
- Must possess a strong working knowledge of computer systems and programs, social media and technology that youth access
- Must have a Criminal Record Review Check completed by and satisfactory to Threshold as well as sign Code of Conduct, Confidentiality Agreement and Sexual Misconduct Form

**Proven Skills and Abilities**
- Extensive knowledge of community resources in Victoria
- Demonstrated proactive approach to connecting and building relationships with at-risk youth and a familiarity with the challenges of homelessness
- Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with youth, and youth who are at risk or street involved
- Extensive experience working with youth and young adults experiencing life at the margins
- Must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of community social service resources in Victoria. Knowledge of Island Health and MCFD and MSDSI preferred
- Knowledge of drug and alcohol addiction, mental health and behavioral issues
- An ability to meet youth where they are at and an understanding of the impacts of trauma on human development; ability to provide leadership and healthy role modeling to youth
- Understanding/sensitivity to various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds of the clients the agency serves
- Must have a valid BC Class 5 driver’s license. A drivers’ abstract must be submitted prior to hiring
- Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries in the workplace and to work professionally (ethically) especially regarding matters of confidentiality
- Ability to work evenings to ensure programs are being properly staged and conducted, or, in some cases, facilitated
- Ability to work early mornings one day a week to take part in community related outreach
- This position involves unit/room cleaning duties and light-lifting as required

**Working conditions**
- Operates out of the THS office but this position requires daily travel to accommodate engagement with youth
- Generally, works Monday - Friday with flexibility required for timing of daily shifts
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a wraparound care team

**Special requirements**
- Valid drivers’ license and access to a reliable vehicle with adequate insurance (business level)
- Up to date Emergency First Aid
- Up to date membership in relevant professional association or societies

**Salary**: $24.00 per hour