2slgbtqia+ Support Worker

**# of Positions**:2

**Job Type**: Part-Time, Permanent

**Schedule**:Casual/On-Call as per organization needs

**Friends of Ruby**

Friends of Ruby (FoR) is dedicated to the journey and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, aged 16-29 through mental health services, social services, and housing. FoR offers Youth Mental Health services, a Youth Drop-In Centre, and a Transitional Home. The Centre provides access to barrier-free counselling and therapeutic groups, case management and a drop-in space with hot meals, community, and comprehensive programming. The Home provides transitional and emergency housing, as well as mental health and life-skills to support youth moving towards independent living.

FoR recognizes that a diverse work force is critical to accomplishing our mission. Our goal is to attract and develop highly talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We strongly encourage applicants from the 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, and diverse backgrounds that meet the requirements of the role. We welcome applicants to introduce themselves, their stories and lived experiences in their cover letter to the degree they are comfortable with.

**Why Work at Friends of Ruby?**
- A safe space to show up authentically through our workplace culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Gain professional and personal development through an engaging and supportive work environment.
- Create positive impact while serving and working alongside the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
- Establish meaningful connections and expand your network in the non-profit sector.
- Produce projects and outcomes that motivate, inspire, and drive you.

**Position Summary**

We are looking for two members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to be our next Support Worker (SW) to support the organization's efforts towards providing progressive support to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth including those with intersectional identities of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC).

**Duties & Responsibilities**
- Support youth with focused problem-solving in areas including housing, employment, education, medical issues, mental health issues, legal/financial assistance, Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, immigration/refugees/newcomer support etc.; advocating for adequate service, treatment models and resources.
- Provide individual coaching/support to youth at the transitional house with developing and implementing a goal plan.
- Provide systems navigation to help youth to access appropriate internal and external services and support.
- Teach youth life skills such as financial literacy, budgeting, conflict resolution, problem-solving, sleep hygiene, cooking, communication, resilience etc. to be successful in the community (with particular focus on housing.)
- Intervene with de-escalation techniques and supporting youth through crisis situations as they occur.
- Document intake and discharge records, shift change notes, youth tracker, youth wellbeing and illness log, goal plans, room inspection, service restrictions, incidents, and interaction reports.
- Complete a variety of assessments with youth within the appropriate timeframe and facilitate programming to help them build their identified skills such as financial literacy, problem solving, conflict resolution and communication skills.
- Act as a liaison as needed between families, social workers, school representatives, doctors and other professionals involved with the youth.
- Attend required training opportunities within the appropriate timeframe, as directed by management.
- Assist in the initial and ongoing assessment of participants' needs and updating the plan of care as required.
- Work collaboratively with youth to address their full range of needs to achieve short-term and long-term intervention goals using strengths based, client centered, anti-oppressive, harm reduction, youth development approach.
- Assist in developing a comprehensive participant discharge plan to address ongoing support needs, crisis contact information, and additional resources to support as required.
- Develop and maintain professional and trusting relationships with youth that encourage positive social and emotional development.
- Work collaboratively with Case Workers, Drop-In Support Workers, and Clinical Counsellors to ensure wrap-around support for each youth.
- Complete and manage youth surveys and assist with food preparation in the kitchen and serving meals.
- Conduct weekly suite checks and support residents keeping their suites clean and organized.
- Work collaboratively to ensure the smooth operations of the drop-in.
- Attend All-Staff and House meetings as required.
- Community Relations_
- Participate in consultation services and case conferences with service providers to discuss care plans and service needs, as necessary.
- Research and connect youth to community resources and supports which recognize and can addres