Youth Development Counsellor

_**Be the best YOU**_
- **Being a part of Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) means you have a shared passion for supporting youth in reaching their full potential. YOU is a place where your unique background, perspectives, and talents are valued, and help innovate new program ideas to best support youth in our community.**_
- **You can make your impact here Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where the work you do is truly valued. You will have the freedom to excel in your way by serving young people and knowing you are making a difference for our community.**_
- **Come be a part of a team that works alongside youth as they work on goals and be there to celebrate when they achieve those milestones. Help us continue creating a community where youth are embraced and will thrive.**_

**Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following**:

- Administering assessments to youth (e.g. VI-SPDAT) and initiating participant’s plans as soon as possible (e.g. diversion, family reconnection, rapid rehousing, or shelter intake, etc.).
- Mentoring youth with complex needs, including youth who may have experienced being trafficked, and who require support not limited to health, housing, employment, education, financial literacy, and relationships.
- Providing case management and service coordination for youth participants with complex needs within a housing first-for-youth framework including positive youth development and youth engagement
- Using motivational interviewing skills and assertive objective-based interactions to guide participants in establishing achievable goal-oriented action plans relating to health, housing, employment, education, financial literacy, and relationships.
- Delivering appropriate outreach, crisis intervention, and harm reduction strategies for youth
- Working collaboratively with a team of youth counselors within a multi-service youth center
- Creating and maintaining detailed records and reporting through a case management model
- Ensuring all screening, intake, interventions, exits, and follow-up procedures are maintained.
- Providing YOU representation to relevant community networks, coalitions, and events as required
- Working collaboratively with community partners and referring agencies

**Qualifications**:

- University Degree or minimum 2-year College Diploma in human /social services from an accredited institution
- 3-5 years of experience in working with youth and extensive knowledge of local community-based programs
- Previous experience in case management and service coordination
- Excellent communication - written and oral competencies
- Strong interpersonal abilities and proven youth engagement strategies
- Flexibility, creativity, and initiative are essential.
- Ability to work various shifts and flexible hours; including days, evenings, and weekends.
- First Aid /CPR certification is required, Suicide Prevention, Crisis Intervention, and Prevention Training (PMAB or CPI) is an asset.
- Proficiency in working with Housing First approaches, specific to providing in-home support
- Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and meet targets and deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 including SharePoint, Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Valid Ontario driver’s license: ability to travel throughout London & Middlesex
- Working knowledge of Webtracker and HIFIS is an asset.
- Proficiency in the French language is an asset

**Hours of Work**
- Average of 35 hours per week, flexible scheduling depending on service needs
- Daytime, evening, and weekend availability.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $23.08-$29.47 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 35 per week

**Benefits**:

- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Wellness program

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-05-11