Youth Advocate

Youth Advocate Job Posting (Part time)

Working with vulnerable youth is more than just a job; it's a calling

You thrive in an environment that supports and empowers you to do what it takes to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

At Durham Youth Services (DYS), we partner with youth to achieve and maintain lasting solutions to their housing crisis, and our Housing First for Youth (HF4Y) team provides intense case management, for as long as it takes, to a small caseload of the most vulnerable, chronically homeless, suffering from mental illness and/or addictions.

As a Youth Advocate, your days your priority is to uphold the organization's vision to end youth homelessness in the Durham Region. You will work closely with clients staying in our Housing Focused Emergency Shelter to confront and overcome the issues that impede their ability to be housed, and support them in finding, securing, and maintaining safe and stable housing. You are resourceful, with a keen awareness of the supports and resources available for vulnerable youth, and you have the skills to advocate for what your clients most need. You will offer information, support and direction that will empower participants to make informed decisions in the hopes of improving their quality of life.

You will change lives.

If you are a compassionate, resilient individual with a gift for building trust and making a meaningful connection with youth, despite complex barriers, we are interested in hearing from you Together, we will achieve our vision of ending youth homelessness in the Durham Region

So, What Will You Actually Do?

Demeanor

§ Be positive, supportive, kind, caring, empathetic, gentle, respectful, and compassionate to all youth, staff, students, volunteers, and other community members that you come in contact with.

§ Uphold the philosophy of the Housing-First model

§ Provide unbiased, non-judgmental support to residents

§ Provide an environment that exudes safety and security to all residents, staff, students, and volunteers

§ Build positive, professional rapport with residents, staff, volunteers, students, and other members of the community

§ Communicate openly and honestly with the Program Supervisor, Director of Housing and Outreach Programs, Executive Director and/or Board of Directors regarding any concerns

§ Optimize team performance by contributing to positive and supportive work environment

§ Do not yell, degrade, harass, belittle or undermine any residents, staff, students or volunteers

§ Value diversity by understanding and respecting the practices, customs and values of other individuals and cultures.

Shelter Diversion, Intakes, Orientation and Discharge

§ Complete shelter diversion, intakes, and discharges according to the organizations policies and procedures

§ Practice the Housing-Focused model to explore and discuss past housing, barriers to housing, assistance required, current resources, and housing plan

§ Ensure that residents apply for financial assistance and understand the process of OW/ODSP

§ Encourage residents to enroll in school and/or obtain employment

§ Using HIFIS consistently and in a professional manner

§ Keep accurate hard copy files and notes on each resident

§ Make sure that all files and notes are accurate and complete at discharge

Case Management Responsibilities

§ Uphold a housing-focused philosophy of self-resolution among residents

§ Search for and print out room/apartment rental listings

§ Engage in housing conversations/planning with residents

§ Provide life skills training for all residents on areas (such as cooking, budgeting, grocery shopping, etc.)

§ Update resource list (employment, mental health, addiction, etc.)

§ Advocate for residents throughout various community partners that will benefit and assist clients with their housing needs

§ Provide counselling support to residents and their families when needed

§ Documentation of all client interactions

§ Strong crisis intervention skills

Shelter Specific Duties and Responsibilities

§ Reading and updating all HIFIS notes and Communication Book every shift

§ Monitor client medication administration when required

§ Conduct hourly room checks

§ Conducting and documenting house meetings

§ Ensure all resident chores are completed

§ Conducting room searches and safety checks

§ Training new staff members, placement students and volunteers

§ Supervising placement students and volunteers

§ Follow all policy and procedures regarding confidentiality, workplace harassment, health and safety, Emergency Shelter Standards

§ Attend all staff or individual meetings that are requested by the Program Supervisor, Director of Housing and Outreach Programs and/or Executive Director

Shelter Maintenance Responsibilities

§ Assist in keeping the shelter clean, including doing laundry, emptying garbage and recycling, cleaning out fridge and freezer

§ Tear down and clean out of rooms after discharge

§ Grocery shopping

§ Picking up and unloading orders from Feed the Need

§ Cooking meals and making lunches

At Durham Youth Services, the safety of our staff and clients is our top priority. As a member of our team, you will embrace and benefit from the following:

§ Maintain an emotionally, mentally, and physically safe environment for the clients and family i.e.: family crisis and conflict, investigations by authorities, court proceedings etc.

§ Establish and maintain professional boundaries with clients, staff, students, volunteers, and other community agencies

§ Maintain client confidentiality in keeping with DYS policies and procedures

§ Trouble-shoot and problem solve; crisis management, de-escalate crisis situations

§ Ensure that a personal safety and emergency plan are in place for each client

§ Clearing all areas from anything that may make them unsafe

§ Lifting items up to 20 pounds

§ Carrying and moving items

§ Following all DYS and Public Health guidelines concerning the pandemic

§ Responsible for reporting any health and safety concerns

§ Responsible for completing the proper cleaning procedures associated with dealing with bodily fluids and blood born infections.

§ Youth Advocates may be exposed to clients who display aggressive and threatening behavior.

What Skills and Experience Will Make You Amazing At This Job:

§ Child and Youth Work diploma, Social Service Worker diploma or related degree such as B.S.W, and knowledge of and sensitivity to the life experiences and needs of youth

§ Directly related experience an asset

§ Demonstrated skills, experience and passion working with at-risk, marginalized or street involved youth

§ Ability to provide crisis intervention and exercise good judgement in emergency and/or crisis situations

§ Ability to demonstrate awareness of diversity and cultural sensitivity

§ Awareness and comfort level working with youth from the LGBTQ+ community

§ Ability to work independently and take responsibility for all potentialities within a residential setting

§ Excellent interpersonal as well as written and verbal communication skills

§ Strong belief in a harm reduction philosophy

§ Computer literacy

§ Ability to perform the physical demands of the position

§ Proven good attendance record with the capability of maintaining this same standard.

§ Ability to acquire Vulnerable Sector Police Clearance

§ Must be available to work all shifts – daytime, afternoon/evening and overnight

§ Required to work on public holidays and some weekends

TERMS OF POSITION

This is a Part time position with an hourly wage of $20.40. This position requires availability each weekend on a rotating schedule; Week 1 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Week 2 4:00 pm – 12:30 am. Must have the flexibility to work a variety of shifts including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays. This position is within the bargaining unit between Durham Youth Services and LiUNA Local 3000.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.40 per hour

Work Location: In person