Youth Outreach Worker

Yorktown Family Services is seeking an outstanding Youth Outreach Worker for the Roma community to join a program dedicated to the empowerment of young people and the prevention of youth violence. YFS is the Lead agency for the YOW program in the West end of Toronto and is responsible for the delivery of the program in the neighborhoods of Jamestown-Mt Olive-Silverstone and Weston - Mt. Dennis, and to specific youth populations including Roma, Somali, Spanish, Filipino and Latin communities.

The purpose of the Youth Outreach Worker (YOW) program is to help marginalized and at-risk youth and their families better navigate and connect with services and pro social opportunities in their communities to improve youth outcomes. The YOW program focuses on at-risk youth who live in an identified priority community and/or belong to a distinct priority population (e.g. Spanish, Somali, Roma). These youth may experience increased barriers in accessing the opportunities that can help them to develop their capacity to make healthy life choices and achieve their goals.

Major Responsibilities:

• Initiate, develop, implement and participate in community outreach activities for Roma youth and their families of North West Toronto

• Support youth to connect with programs, services and opportunities for healthy development

• Assist the youth to identify their needs, goals, aspiration, skills and abilities as well as barriers to accessing services

Provide youth with general information, contacts, referrals and supports as needed to build assets and address needs (e.g. housing, employment, education, health care and recreation; social and emotional issues)

• Engage parents and family members through self-referrals, parent groups, faith communities, etc.

• Maintain collaborative working relationships with other professionals within and outside of the organization including but not limited to; school officials, police, health promotion officers, settlement workers and other youth service providers to build on effective service delivery plans that ensure youth have access to programs, services and opportunities needed for healthy development

• Reach out to and engage at-risk youth from Roma communities using the stages of change model

• Lead groups in response to identified service requests and community needs.

• Facilitate connections between youth and their neighborhood and promote awareness of the positive role of youth in the community

• Organize and help deliver public education seminars, workshops, groups and training for youth, parents and service providers

• Collaborate with YOW Supervisor and team to provide other services and carries out other organizational duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Fluency in Hungarian language both reading and writing is required

• Child and Youth Worker Diploma or equivalent such as Bachelor of Child & Youth Work or Social Service Worker diploma

• 2 years of directly related experience: Knowledge of and sensitivity to the life experiences and needs of the Roma community combined with previous community development experience

• Ability to engage and build trusting relationships with youth and families

• Knowledge of the community including knowledge of local program and services for youth and their families, both general and specific to Roma

• Community development experience

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team

•Ability to work co-operatively and negotiate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team of service providers

• Knowledge and skill in planning and delivering group programs and workshops

• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and some weekends as needed

• Access to a car is an asset

Reports to: Manager of Outreach and Community Engagement

Yorktown Family Services is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity. Please submit your resume and cover letter to or by fax to by November 24th, 2025. Please quote "Competition #2025-18" and "ROMA YOW" in the subject line.

Yorktown Family Services is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity.

The Ontario Human Rights Code makes an exception for nepotism and anti-nepotism policies. Section 24(1)(d) of the Code specifically permits employers to grant or withhold employment or advancement in employment to someone who is the spouse, child or parent of the employee. All job applicants will be requested to disclose if any relative is a current employee of Yorktown Family Services. As per Yorktown's Nepotism Policy 2.9, job applicants will be asked to disclose family members in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Yorktown Family Services welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $56,271.23 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Paid time off
• Wellness program

Application question(s):

• Are you legally entitled to work in Canada? (REQUIRED)
• Have you ever been convicted for a crime for which a pardon has not been granted? (REQUIRED)
• Are you associated with any of our staff? (REQUIRED)
• Would you be willing to complete a vulnerable sector screening upon hire? (REQUIRED)
• Are you fluent in Hungarian? (Reading & writing) (REQUIRED)
• Do you have a Child and Youth Worker Diploma, Bachelor of Child & Youth Work, Social Service Worker Diploma or Equivalent? (REQUIRED)
• 2 years of direct/lived experience and working knowledge with the ROMA community is a strongly encouraged. Does this sound like you?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Toronto, ON M6E 2K3