Family Social Worker

Employment Type: Full-Time, Contract (with potential for renewal)

Hours/Week: 37.5 hours (some evenings and weekends required)

Location: Mississauga Office with travel across Peel Region

Salary: CA$68,000-75,000 commensurate with experience

Reports to: Program Manager

About REST Centres

REST Centre's is a B3 (Black-led, Black-focused, Black-serving) registered charity committed to ending youth homelessness in Peel Region. We provide transitional housing, culturally informed case management, life skills development, and wraparound support particularly for Black youth who are homeless or at risk. Our mission is to keep youth off the streets and empower them to transition successfully to independent living through holistic, community-centered support.

About the FIRM Program

The FIRM (Family Intervention and Reunification Management) Program is designed to prevent youth homelessness by strengthening family relationships, supporting reunification where appropriate, and helping youth build sustainable "Circles of Care." The program prioritizes culturally responsive counseling and mediation that reflect the lived realities of Black, African, and Caribbean youth and families.

Position Overview

REST Centre's is seeking a compassionate, culturally grounded Family Social Worker to deliver frontline services under the FIRM program. The ideal candidate will have experience in family counseling, conflict mediation, youth support, and community outreach. They will play a key role in engaging families, supporting reunification efforts, building partnerships with schools and community organizations, and contributing to the continued growth and success of the FIRM program.

Key Responsibilities

1. Family Engagement & Counseling

2. Provide culturally informed family counseling, mediation, and conflict resolution services and workshops for youth and families.

3. Support youth in identifying safe and supportive family members or care networks.
4. Facilitate reunification of conversations where appropriate, using a trauma-informed, strength-based approach.

5. Help families identify barriers to stability and develop strategies to rebuild healthy long-term relationships.

6. Youth Support & Case Management

7. Conduct comprehensive intake assessments and develop individualized plans for youth and families.

8. Support youth in navigating emotional, social, and relational challenges that impact their housing stability.

9. Connect youth and families to culturally relevant supports and community resources.

10. Community Outreach & Partnership Development

11. Build and maintain strong referral pathways with schools, CAS, youth-serving agencies, grassroots groups, and faith-based organizations.

12. Conduct community outreach to raise awareness of the FIRM program and increase engagement with families.

13. Participate in community events, meetings, and forums representing REST Centres and the FIRM program.

14. Program Implementation & Coordination

15. Support the overall implementation of FIRM in alignment with program goals and contract deliverables.

16. Collaborate with internal team members to ensure seamless service coordination and culturally aligned practices.

17. Participate in team case consultations to support effective care planning.

18. Documentation, Reporting & Evaluation

19. Maintain accurate and timely case notes, assessments, and client files.

20. Track program outcomes and contribute to monthly and quarterly reports for funders.
21. Collect feedback from youth and families to inform continuous improvement of the program.

Qualifications

Required

• Master's degree in social work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field.
• Registered Social Worker (RSW) with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).
• Minimum 5 years' experience providing family counseling, youth support, or related social work services.
• Demonstrated experience working with Black, African, and Caribbean youth and families.
• Deep understanding of anti-Black racism, systemic barriers, and their impact on housing, family dynamics, and child welfare.
• Experience using the family and natural support framework is an advantage.
• Strong mediation, conflict resolution, and engagement skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Valid Ontario driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• CPR/First Aid certification and vulnerable sector screening clearance.

Preferred

• Experience supporting youth at risk of homelessness or involvement in the child welfare system.
• Knowledge of wraparound, family systems, or culturally responsive counseling models.

Why Join REST?

• Contribute to a transformative, culturally grounded approach to preventing youth homelessness.
• Work with a committed, passionate team in a Black-led organization driving systemic change.
• Support families and youth in building lasting stability and healing.
• Enjoy comprehensive benefits, wellness programs, and a flexible work environment.

Job Type: Fixed term contract

Contract length: 24 months

Benefits:

• Company events
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Mileage reimbursement
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care
• Wellness program

Application question(s):

• Do you have experience working with Black, African, or Caribbean communities and a strong understanding of how anti-Black racism and systemic barriers impact housing, family dynamics, and child welfare?

Experience:

• Social Work : 5 years (required)

License/Certification:

• Registered Social Worker (RSW) with OCSWSSW (required)
• Driving License (preferred)

Work Location: In person