Youth Case Manager

The Organization

We value and celebrate diversity: We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities and are committed to having a team made up of people with diverse skills, experiences, and abilities. We actively encourage BIPOC and LGBTQ+ applicants to apply and we value the positive impact that diversity has on our teams. We are committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion within our workforce and in all opportunities provided at StepStones. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

StepStones for Youth ) is an innovative and dynamic charitable organization in Toronto dedicated to providing intervention and sustainable support for children and youth. Many of these youth are exiting the foster care and group home system or are currently living in foster homes and shelters.

Our goal is to create positive and meaningful connections; increase school engagement, high school graduation, and post-secondary enrolment; and increase stable housing, improved mental and physical health, and strong support networks. StepStones adheres to a "whatever it takes" approach to servicing youth and we go above and beyond to support their needs.

Why Work With Us:

• Comprehensive Benefit Package: includes 3K to paramedical services, and Short Term and Long-Term Disability including Employee Assistance Program (EAP) & Grief counselling available free of charge (in addition to benefits) for work related incidents  
• Time-Off: 17 days vacation with a 1-day vacation increase per year worked, up to 35 day's vacation 
• Leave: 8 sick days, 3 personal days, 1.5 medical appointment days, bereavement allowance 
• Professional Development: Training allowance of $700 per year 
• Reimbursements: Mileage provided at a competitive rate and all staff are given a petty cash budget
• Tools you need to succeed: All staff receive a MacBook, Headphones and access to our mobile friendly CRM system
• Extended Break: 1.5 lunch break healthy living program when you exercise for 30 minutes during lunch

The Opportunity

StepStones for Youth is currently seeking a Youth Case Manager for our Connections Coordinator role within the Building Connections Program. This initiative is grounded in the belief that strong, supportive relationships are essential to creating long-term stability and improving outcomes for children and youth from the child welfare system. Our goal is to shift the primary supportive role from professional workers to trusted, non-professional community members by equipping them with the necessary training and guidance. This is a meaningful opportunity to positively impact some of the most vulnerable youth in our society.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support youth aged 10–25 who are connected to the child protection/welfare system and currently living in foster care or group homes.
• Engage youth in identifying and developing their own circles of support.
• Conduct thorough assessment to uncover and strengthen potential support networks, including extended family, culturally relevant groups, and community connections.
• Provide effective case management services tailored to each youth's unique situation.
• Collaborate with community organizations throughout the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).
• Build and maintain relationships with youth and their existing or emerging support systems.
• Respond to crisis situations with appropriate intervention and develop safety plans.
  
• Maintain positive working relationships with foster and group home providers, caregivers, and CAS workers.
  
• Deliver services through an anti-oppression framework, recognizing and addressing anti-Black and Indigenous racism, poverty, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and diversity.

Other duties as assigned

Note: This role is primarily community-based, with some work at our Toronto office.

What we're looking for:

• Degree in social work (or related field) from an accredited University/college and a minimum of five years' successful experience in directly related field; or equivalent education and experience
• Access to a vehicle and a valid full G Class Ontario Driver's License with appropriate insurance is required.
• Extensive experience working in trauma-centered facilities and experience with the effects of trauma on behaviours.
• Experience in child protection preferred.
• Experience in working with diverse cultures and communities. A thorough understanding of anti-oppression, anti-Black and Indigenous racism values and principles and an appreciation of and ability to work with diverse communities.
• Working knowledge of the fundamentals of Kinship, Foster Care, Forever Families and Adoption;
• Solid knowledge of services and resources available for youth in Ontario;
• Experienced motivational interviewer with the ability to create a comfortable interview environment;
• Sound knowledge of the child welfare system and the principal issues affecting the youth in this system;
• Highly effective written and oral communication skills, problem solving, advocacy and assessment skills;
• Effective interpersonal skills including the ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with internal and external resources and community partnership;
• Ability to manage crisis, conflict and adverse situations with staff, youth and families;
• Strong computer/Internet skills and knowledge of case management systems, reporting procedures and responsibilities and the ability to work within those systems;
• Strong communication, organizational, and time management skills; accountability, reliability, and punctuality; and the ability to work effectively and independently under the pressure of tight timelines, competing priorities and emergent issues..

Equal opportunity

StepStones values the unique skills and experiences each individual has to offer and we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation to participate fully in our recruitment processes, please let us know when we contact you.

StepStones is an equal opportunity employer seeking to live its values in all we do. We are committed to taking proactive steps to provide and create opportunities for historically marginalized groups. We seek applicants who will strengthen our commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from Indigenous, Black, and other racialized persons, 2SLGBTQI+ people, individuals with disabilities, and other members of marginalized communities to consider working with and for StepStones. We recognize that structural barriers shape experiences and job qualifications, and therefore we seek to use employment equity to evaluate candidates who meet the required qualifications. 

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those applicants will be selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or in person submissions please.