Youth Justice Worker

This position includes a comprehensive 100% employer-paid benefit package, enrolment in our defined benefit pension plan (Municipal Pension Plan), and three weeks of paid vacation.

Applicants must be authorized to work in Canada and at our organization on an ongoing basis.

The John Howard Society of North Island is an employment equity employer.

This position is open to applicants of all genders.

This position requires union membership and the completion of two criminal record checks.

**_Job Title:_ Youth Justice Worker
- Work sites:_ Campbell River and Courtenay
- Program:_ Youth Justice Family Support
- JJEP Benchmark:_**Unique, points 676
- Grid Level:_**Grid**13, JJEP
- Reports to:_**Program Manager

**Summary**:
The Youth Justice Worker provides support, supervision, and service co-ordination to youth and their families referred by local probation officers in accordance with Ministry guidelines. The focus is on assisting the youth in developing healthy functioning in education, work, family, and community settings.

**Essential Duties and Responsibilities**:
**To perform the job successfully a program worker must be able to perform consistently each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.
- Monitor compliance with the terms and conditions of community supervision, including, where applicable, random and periodic curfew checks.
- May be required to provide a statement and/or appear in court as a witness.
- Work flexible hours including weekends and evenings to accommodate program and client needs.
- Support the young person's participation in required or voluntary rehabilitation and intervention programs, e.g. addictions counselling, youth forensic treatment, Youth Substance Abuse Management Program, Youth Violence Intervention Program, life skills, social skills, etc.
- Assist the young person in complying with reparative conditions of the court order such as community or personal service, compensation or apology to the victim.
- Maintain ongoing contact with parent/caregivers, providing advice and assistance, including a range of counselling techniques, mediation and, as required, crisis intervention in order to maintain family integrity and residence stability.
- Identify, introduce, and integrate recreational, social and/or cultural activities, which will support the young person’s participation in such activities and facilitate the young person’s disengagement from anti-social peers and activities.
- Act as an advocate, mentor, and pro-social role model to the young person.
- Facilitate and support the young person's ongoing participation in school, training or employment.
- Link the young person with ongoing, non-governmental community supports, e.g. community mentors, volunteers, church groups, youth support groups, etc.
- Work collaboratively with the supervising probation officer, young person, parents/caregivers, and all relevant professionals and service providers involved with the young person through integrated case management.
- Work within a team model; however, program delivery warrants working alone without constant supervision.
- Provide the supervising probation officer with monthly reports and immediate notification about critical incidents.
- Represent the agency in the community when required, and maintain healthy relationships with other helping organizations, and the community at large.
- Offer and receive support to and from co-workers as part of a team providing integrated, holistic services to youth and families.
- Follow policy and procedures, complete reports, and attend meetings as required by the Ministry for Children and Family Development and The John Howard Society of North Island.

**Qualifications**:
The requirements listed below detail the knowledge, skill and/or ability required to perform the essential duties of the job.

**Education and Experience**:

- Two (2) year diploma in a related human/social services field
- Driving is required to attend meetings and to enable contact with youth/families at home or in the community. The worker must have a valid driver's licence and safe, reliable transportation, and must obtain appropriate insurance as per Society policy.
- Two (2) years related experience which should include:

- Experience in providing support and supervision to high-risk youth who may be violent and may be participating in a non-voluntary program in a community based setting
- Experience in providing crisis intervention
- Knowledge of, and experience with, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and youth corrections

**Case Management Skills**:

- Demonstrated ability to work constructively and co-operatively in a team setting
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of, and experience in, involving families, community, youth corrections, and other systems in case planning with youth
- Knowledge and experience with case recording practices
- Knowledge and experience with referral, screening, and case conferencing