Educational Assistant

**ABOUT US**
**Springboard's mission** is to build stronger communities by helping youth and adults develop the skills they need to reach their full potential. As a charitable organization, we deliver innovative, professional and diverse programming by establishing partnerships between our clients and their community. Springboard’s program areas include community justice, employment, developmental services, youth justice, Weed out The Risk and The Community Learning HUB.

**WHO WE ARE**
**People are at the centre of everything we do**. We foster opportunities for skills development, personal growth and social interaction. We also actively promote work/life balance and mental health support. We foster communication across the agency, from our Town Halls to our quarterly Springboard orientations. We are a learning organization and our people have the opportunity to provide feedback into all areas of the organization.

We have an active Employee Engagement Committee that focuses on connecting staff through communication, a rewards and recognition program, career development initiatives and of course, social and team-building opportunities. Springboard offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time, permanent staff and, for all permanent positions, a savings plan that helps support our people in all aspects of their lives.

Internal / External Job Post

**Educational Assistant / Residential Counsellor YJR-U23-36**

**THE OPPORTUNITY**

**Job Class** - Union
**Department** -Community Justice Programs and Youth Homes
**Location** - Toronto, ON - Downtown
**Status** - Full-Time Permanent
**Pay Rate** $47,254.56 per annum
**Vacancy Number** - YJR-U23-36
**Available** - Immediately

The Youth Justice Residence provides residential services (open custody/detention) and programs for young males aged 12-17 who are in detention awaiting court or serving a period of custody as prescribed by the Youth Criminal Justice Act. This community based program aims to assist youth in responding to the contributing factors that have led to their involvement in crime and leading to successful reintegration of the youth into the community. The position encompasses the primary functions of client supervision, support, ongoing life skills training, safety and security, crisis management, administrative and clerical duties.

Travel to other locations/communities due to programming is required.

**WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE**
- Implement educational based programs and/or assist in the administration of a ECPP school program
- Partner with the TDSB in a collaborative manner to promote education and programming for the youth in care
- Develop and administer education based, client centered plans. Participate in on-going program planning and development.
- Participate in the supervision, training, and developmental growth of staff members, students and volunteers.
- Group Facilitation - Provide individuals with direction or advice as to a decision or course of action for his daily living activities, including but not limited to: hygiene, budgeting, cooking and preparing meals for youth during the day program, nutrition, social skills and community, and achieving specific goals.
- Support and Counselling - Provide counselling and support to clients within the program and their families. Assist clients in reaching their individual goals, including support/programming and case management.
- Community Outreach/Outings - Oversee and supervise community/recreational outings for individual or group of clients, liaising with community partners and referral sources, escorting youth to appointments via house vehicle and TTC. Driving the youth from the house to school and/or community on a daily basis.
- Administrative Duties - Provide clerical/reception and administrative support to the program.
- Health and Safety - Foster a safe and healthy work environment for the residence, the residents and the staff as per policies, procedures and the legislation. Deal with crisis situations that may involve volatile behavior.

**WHO YOU ARE**
- Valid First Aid and CPI certifications
- At least one (1) year of recent work experience in the following areas:

- services/programs for young males aged 12 -17 who are in detention awaiting court or serving a period of custody as prescribed by the Youth Criminal Justice Act
- working with youth who have been in the criminal system, including experience in conflict management, providing individualized support, and supervising community/recreational outing
- group facilitation in a community setting, modify, implement, evaluate new and existing programs; crisis intervention/management; client intake, assessment, counselling, conflict resolution
- use multimedia teaching tools such as Smart Board, Community Learning Hub
- Working knowledge of the Social and Criminal Justice systems.
- Knowledge of relevant counselling practices and effective counselling skills to ensure optimal service for participants
- Adept at u