Sss Youth Residential Worker

**Purpose of the position**

Reporting to the Executive Director and the Youth inquest Manager, the Safe Sobering Site Youth Residential Worker shall work collaboratively and professionally with the Safe Sobering Site team members to ensure students receive the proper support and supervision they need. The Youth Residential Worker will ensure care plans are followed, will supervise students at the site while they detoxify, and will provide support to students in their after-care plans.

**Scope**

The MECC Safe Sobering Space will be available for all Matawa students, aged 13-22 years, that need safe and supervised detoxification and stabilization support. MECC will be working under the direction of health care providers and in co-operation and consultation with other Safe Sobering sites that are offered to students in high school.

As a member of the residential care team the Youth Residential Worker is responsible for helping to provide a safe environment for all Matawa students admitting into the facility. You will be directly responsible for the care and well-being of the students who are in some state of intoxication through all stages of the recovery process. The position will be required to deal with persistent substance abuse situations, addictions, mental health issues and must approach all matters in a professional and non-judgmental manner.

**Responsibilities**

Main Activities:

- Provide support and high quality of direct care to young people who reside in Residential Care, ensuring their needs are met;
- Maintain a culturally safe environment for students who require care while detoxifying;
- Ensure compliance with facility and organizational policies, procedures and regulations;
- Participate in the implementation of a care plan for each student admitted to the site;
- Identify potential crises and take the steps to intervene effectively to prevent and/or diffuse these situations;
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of crisis management and the impact of trauma on mental health and addiction issues;
- Act as a positive role model for youth and demonstrate positive attributes that allow young people to feel safe which reduces their vulnerability, builds resilience and encourages aspirations for their future;
- Report information in a timely fashion relevant to the formal assessment of each youth, including observations and student behaviours;
- Ongoing communication with the MECC staff and staff of Safe Sobering Site to determine the student needs and any information that they may be aware of;
- Work directly with the Health Service Provider, Medical Team and Mental Health Team to ensure all treatment plans are followed;
- Maintain communication processes with the staff in all areas of after-care (return to boarding home/school, communication to Parents, to Boarding Home Parents/School Staff, etc.);
- Attend all training identified by the Safe Sobering Site Coordinator in areas that would be relevant to their position;
- Other duties as required.

**Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities**
- Knowledge_

The incumbent must have proficient knowledge in the following areas:

- Bachelor's degree or college diploma in one of the following areas: Community Services (Social Worker, Social Service Worker, Child & Youth Care, Native Child and Family Services, Health Services);
- Minimum three years’ related work experience working with youth or students;
- Understanding of addictions, substance abuse and mental health issues amongst youth;
- Knowledge and understanding of First Nation and Ontario education systems;
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with school staff, parents, administration, government and First Nation organizations;
- Knowledge of local programs and services for youth;
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality;
- Knowledge of Ojibway is an asset.
- Skills_

The incumbent must demonstrate the following skills:

- Experience working with First Nations students or youth who are intoxicated and in crisis;
- Excellent oral and communication skills;
- Demonstrated interpersonal and leadership skills;
- Experience with administration including record keeping, budgeting and reporting.
- Personal Attributes_

The incumbent must maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties. The incumbent must also demonstrate the following personal attributes:

- Must be able to perform work duties under mínimal supervision;
- Valid Ontario driver's license;
- Must be “ fully vaccinated” against COVID-19. (In Ontario, a “fully vaccinated individual” is defined as one who has received the required number of doses as outlined by Health Canada and they have received their final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days ago.) Must provide Health Canada’s proof of vaccination (vaccine receipt or enhanced vaccine certificate).
- Must provide a current Criminal Record Check with vulnerable records check and tuberculosis skin test.

**Working Conditions**
- Physical Demands _

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