Bilingual Diversion Case Manager, Community Services

**Location**: Ottawa, Ontario

**Reports to**: Coordinator, YWES

**Employment Status**:Full time Permanent

**Bargaining Unit Status**: Included (Youth Worker)

**Hourly Wage/Annual Salary**:$60,340.80 - $72,446.40

**Language requirements**: English is essential; French is essential

**Schedule**: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week

**Bonafide Occupational Requirements (BFOR)**:
**Reference Number**:24-158

**Closing Date**: February 18th, 2025

**Posting Stage**: Internal and external

**Job Summary**:
Founded in 1960, the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa (YSB) is one of the largest and most comprehensive non-profit agencies in Ottawa and a registered charity. It provides mental health services, employment programs, emergency shelter, community, health and housing services, and justice programs to youth in the Ottawa area, serving between 2,500 and 3,000 at‑risk individuals aged 12+ and their families every month. YSB employs 350 caring professionals in a unionized environment in over 26 locations across Ottawa.

Under the general direction of the Director of Community Services and the immediate supervision of the Coordinator of Young Women's Shelter and Transitional Housing Services, the Diversion Case Manager assesses clients' housing needs using a strength-based approach. They help clients find safe alternative accommodations by engaging their family, friends, and natural supports. This role involves building rapport with youth, addressing immediate needs, and connecting them to community resources, family reunification options, or temporary housing. For clients without diversion options, the Case Manager assists in accessing shelter services and other resources.

**Principal Duties**:

- Act as the first point of contact for youth seeking to access emergency shelter, coordinating referrals from community partners.
- Implement diversion strategies to prevent youth from entering homelessness, including family mediation, conflict resolution, and short-term housing solutions.
- Develop individualized support plans, monitor progress, and provide ongoing case management to ensure youth receive appropriate services, such as counseling, housing assistance, education, and employment support.
- Assist clients in accessing and strengthening their circle of non-professional supports (e.g. family, friends, chosen family) through resource mapping, network engagement and mediation.
- Support young people in identifying and connecting to local resources, including housing options, income supports, mental health services, addiction treatment, employment services, and educational opportunities.
- Assist participants through follow-ups and community-based meetings, including accompaniment as needed.
- Advocate for the needs and rights of youth within the community, including working with social services, housing providers, schools, and other stakeholders to ensure comprehensive support.
- Consult with the young persons and their support system involved in their care as needed or as directed.
- Manage emergency funds to prevent housing loss or secure safe housing
- Provide support in accessing shelter and community resources when diversion isn’t possible.
- Ensure both electronic and physical client files are maintained according to YSB policies and procedures.
- Participate in all required trainings. Voluntary participation in additional trainings for continuous skill development.
- Contribute to program and service development and evaluation, including other duties as required.
- Attend and participate in supervision and staff meetings.
- May be required to supervise students and volunteers as required.
- Act in accordance with applicable legislation. YSB’s policies and procedures as well as the collective bargaining agreement.
- Follows safe work practices as established by YSB and the program.

**Job Specifications/Qualifications**:

- (The qualifications are appended to the job description and are not intended to be part of the job description)_
- Diploma or degree in social sciences, social work or relevant field
- Three years direct experience working with youth and providing case management
- Strong knowledge of case management practices, community resources (relevant to youth homelessness and family members), time management and communication skills
- Proven experience with client profile (youth 16-24; unstably housed and varying degrees of acuity);
- Provide services that are culturally sensitive, recognizing the diverse backgrounds and identities of youth, including LGBTQIA+, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with disabilities.
- Demonstrated ability to outreach to youth in formal and informal settings
- Demonstrated ability to engage with family members, chosen supports, landlords and housing providers.
- Strong assessment and problem-solving skills
- Bilingual French and English mandatory

**Disclaimer**:
This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is