Employment Counsellor for At-risk Youth

**Company description**

Founded in 2007, the Youth Association for Academics, Athletics and Character Education (YAAACE) is a community organization that seeks to engage children and youth from all communities - particularly those from marginalized and poor under-resourced communities through participation in year-round comprehensive programming and activities (academics, athletics, recreation, community safety, technology and the arts). YAAACE’s predominantly serves families in communities located in northwest Toronto. The organization uses a Social Inclusion framework that enables participants to access opportunities, engage in academic activities, build self-confidence, and enhance self-identification. At YAAACE we are a mission-driven team, that love knowing that the work we do positively impacts others. We are close-knit, hard-working and take pride in our success. The organization is growing and evolving quickly, all while making a difference. We hope you’ll be excited to share our values of investing in and building community and capacity.

**Role description**

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Communication with existing partners and various employers to facilitate access to employment and re-entry to community transition
- Initiating new partnerships for employment opportunities
- Working with the Social Worker to connect families with appropriate services related to employment and re-entry back into the community
- Evaluating clients’ abilities, competencies, interests, strengths, experiences, and education to connect them to employment or refer to relevant social services
- Creating re-entry plans for clients taking into account individual strengths.
- Work as a part of a case management team to provide transition services for paroled, probation, or incarcerated individuals
- Identify barriers to employment and assist clients with such matters as job readiness skills, job search strategies, writing résumés and preparing for job interviews
- Assess need for assistance such as rehabilitation, financial aid or further training and refer clients to the appropriate services
- Provide established workers with information and strategies for maintaining a job or moving within an organization, dealing with job dissatisfaction, making mid-career changes and adjusting to workplace transitions
- Support skill building and goal setting for individuals that want to pursue social enterprise and entrepreneurial roles.
- Check in on clients with employment status and how they can be supported
- Completing weekly reports to the Executive Director and the Founding Director
- Assist with curriculum development for workshops and training purposes of clients to support with employment responsibilities and re-entry into the community
- Supporting client in filling out forms and related documents to secure employment and social services
- Maintain records and standardized participant privacy and reporting protocols.
- Participate in multi-disciplinary case planning and to ensure continuity of care
- Manage database (TieIt) to maintain communications and update progress of clients
- Participate in community meetings and roundtable discussions that are program related.
- Leveraging the work done by existing YAAACE programs and our Social Inclusion Strategy to further advance the organizational mission and vision.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with various other staff and consultants to maximize integration of employment and re-entry programs and services across the organization.

**Counsellor Qualifications and Experience**:

- At least 3 years of experience in community development, capacity building, and community engagement as it relates to employment and connecting clients with re-entry social services and programs
- Familiarity with communities’ northwest of Toronto (Jane and Finch, Rexdale, etc) and systemic barriers impacting the community
- Knowledge of YCJA (Youth Criminal Justice Act) and Child and Family Services Act (CFSA)
- Demonstrate a good working knowledge of community resources.
- Strong organizational and written communication skills.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including days, evenings and weekends to meet the needs of youth and their families
- Bachelor’s or College Diploma from a relevant field (education, social services, etc.) or equivalent that aligns with the duties and responsibilities of the role outlined
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and case management software
- Excellent reporting, interpersonal, and team working skills.
- A significant understanding of the impact Anti-Black racism has on Black/racialized youth and families
- Experience working with Black/racialized youth, under-resourced youth, “system involved” youth and young adults
- Understanding of and commitment to anti-oppressive theory and practice
- Previous training on trauma informed approaches
- Access to a car and a valid Driver’s Licence is required