Youth Outreach Worker

**ABOUT US**

**ABOUT THE ROLE**

The Youth Outreach Worker (YOW) provides a range of engagement, outreach, prevention, and early intervention services to vulnerable youth ages 12-21, and up to age 25, depending on their risk factors. Youth Outreach Workers (YOWs) also work with other community resources to coordinate youth activities and services.

**_ Salary range:_** _$58,001 to $67,543 per annum_

This position is represented by OPSEU local 567.

This is a one-year full-time contract position.

**WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?**
- We currently provide a hybrid work model.
- We provide opportunities for growth and professional development.
- We are committed to providing an equitable and inclusive environment where our diverse team members and clients can thrive.
- We have a collaborative and supportive Senior Management Team.
- We set high standards for performance, client outcomes, and implement best practices, which are demonstrated through our accreditation with the Canadian Centre for Accreditation.

**WHAT YOU WILL DO**

Based on a positive youth development model, Youth Outreach Workers (YOWs) build relationships with youth to:

- Help youth identify and articulate their needs.
- Use an evidence-based process to support youth to make positive changes in their lives and enhance prosocial participation in their community.
- Develop, plan, and deliver workshops, programs, and skill development groups.
- Raise awareness of, and facilitate access to, locally available prevention and intervention resources through information-sharing and referrals that respond to individual needs and risk factors and reinforce strengths.
- Foster communication and linkages among community agencies/ organizations (e.g., health care providers, employment services, schools) to improve access and reduce barriers to services and supports.
- Participate in team meetings, network meetings, organization wide initiatives and community events.
- Maintain records and documentation in compliance with organizational, Ministry (MCCSS) and PHIPA standards.
- Follow agency and Ministry guidelines and protocol re: safety and reporting.
- Participate in trainings and professional development as required.

**THE “MUST HAVES”**

The following education, professional memberships and knowledge are a requirement for this role:

- Child and Youth Work Diploma or related Diploma/Degree (e,g., SSW, BSW or BA)
- 1-2 years of directly related experience.
- Awareness of the role of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) in the workplace and within the community.
- An understanding of Anti-Black racism, Anti-Oppressive/Anti-Racism (ARAOP) perspective and intersectionality
- Ability to recognize and identify situations where incidents of imbalance of power and privilege may occur and can result in possible negative impacts.
- An understanding of the social determinants of health
- An understanding of the principles and practice of youth engagement and outreach
- Experience working with vulnerable youth in community settings.
- Understanding of key issues facing vulnerable youth and priority communities
- Computer literacy

**THE ‘NICE TO HAVES’**
- Familiarity with client information systems.
- Fluency in another language(s), including sign language.

**BEFORE STARTING WITH US**
- A Vulnerable Sector police check.
- A positive police check does not automatically disqualify an applicant for a position with Strides Toronto. The Police Check will be reviewed and evaluated for the purpose of making a decision on suitability for employment in relation to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position being filled.

**HOW TO APPLY**

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Strides Toronto’s own policies, requests for accommodation will be considered throughout the hiring process.

We thank all applicants however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.