Youth Works Counsellor/advocate

The Neighbourhood Group (TNG) is a multi-service agency that includes Central Neighbourhood House, Neighbourhood Link Support Services and St. Stephen’s Community House

JOB OPPORTUNITY

POSITION TITLE: Counsellor/Advocate, Youth Works

DEPARTMENT: Youth Works, Employment Services

STATUS: Regular Part-Time, CUPE 7797

HRS / WEEK: 14

REPORT TO: Manager, Youth Employment Programs

HOURLY RATE: $30.34

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Youth Works (YW) program is designed to help youth between the ages of 15 and 30. It provides access to employment skills development, while supporting their mental health. The goal is to achieve long-term employment, return to school, meaningful careers and success in their future working lives. Youth Works is a Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), Service Canada funded program for youth who are distant from the labour market and need support to keep employment. The incumbent will support approximately 60 youth annually and is part of CUPE Local 7797.

The Counsellor/Advocate has two areas of responsibility:
1) Enable and empower youth within our program to successfully manage personal challenges so that they may fully participate in and successfully complete their program, while retaining employment.
2) Develop and facilitate wellness and self care workshops based on an employment related framework.

MAJOR DUTIES:

- Provide counselling support to youth who are out of work and who have mental health related barriers to employment (aged 15-30) with an employment related focus.
- Assess psychosocial barriers to program participation and employment, and work with team members to provide tailored supports to address identified needs.
- Analyze information obtained through assessments and through on-going contact with clients to evaluate and ensure the success of the services provided.
- Meet with clients weekly, or as frequently as necessary in order to monitor their physical, mental and psychological well-being.
- Provide wraparound supports for youth, making warm and timely referrals to services such as childcare, mental health, emergency housing and other vital supports including longer-term counselling where appropriate.
- Assess psychosocial barriers to program participation and employment, and work with team members to provide tailored supports to address identified needs.
- Analyze information obtained through assessments and through on-going contact with clients to evaluate and ensure the success of the services provided.
- Meet with clients weekly, or as frequently as necessary in order to monitor their physical, mental and psychological well-being.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS
- A degree in Social Work, Psychotherapy professional designation or equivalent education and experience
- Strong, specialized skills and two years of front-line experience in counselling underserved youth (15-30 years)
- Sound clinical skills in psychosocial assessment, case management, advocacy and supportive counselling using recognized modalities.
- Highly skilled at crisis intervention and working with survivors of trauma; certified in Crisis Prevention
- Extensive knowledge of community resources and supports in areas such as access to affordable housing, childcare and child minding, settlement, legal aid, community health and other services
- Knowledge and proficiency in culturally appropriate counselling and social work services
- Strong anti-oppression analysis and practice
- Proven ability to support participants by minimizing employment and mental health barriers
- Experience working with youth facing mental health and other barriers including poverty, marginalization and conflict with the law.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to facilitate to groups.
- Knowledge of a second language would be an asset.
- A current police reference check is required
- Work location: 3036 Danforth Ave. with the ability to travel to various locations within Toronto

TNG is committed to reflecting the communities we serve and to nurturing a respectful and inclusive work environment for all. We
encourage qualified applicants of all ages, races, colours, ethnic origins, religions, abilities, gender identities, gender expression and sexual
requirement

**Job Types**: Part-time, Permanent
Part-time hours: 14 per week

**Salary**: $30.34 per hour

Schedule:

- Day shift

**Education**:

- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

**Experience**:

- Counselling Youth: 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in East York, ON