Youth Worker

360°kids is a vitally important community agency serving all of York Region. We have been a leader in the delivery of innovative support services for more than 35 years as we work to improve the lives of unhoused and marginalized youth and families in York Region. At 360°kids, we provide a unique continuum of care approach with programs and services that are essential to the health and well-being of youth. These proven strategies help to keep youth safe by providing stable housing options with 360° wraparound supports

The HOPE Program is a voluntary transition to independent living program dedicated to young females who have been victims of Human Sex Trafficking. This program will build on the skills youth currently have and assist them in becoming successful as they continue on their life's journey. The Youth Mentor will directly support the youth in the 360°kids apartment and provide mentoring, crisis counselling and case management services in a respectful, peaceful, and caring environment where they can get the support they need in order to achieve their goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct intakes and assessments with referred program participants to determine eligibility and fit for the program as needed.
• Conducts in-person meetings with youth to assess needs, set goals, and begin movement towards minimizing crisis and increasing stability.
• Provide case management support and informal counseling to program participants in order to assist them in their transition to independence.
• Coordinate and facilitate life skills sessions, provide ongoing life skills support, and mentoring and provide access to direct services to address issues youth are presently facing.
• Provide client-focused counselling skills using a trauma informed approach and role modelling in an adaptable and flexible approach taking into consideration the unique qualities of each client.
• Coaches and supports youth and acts as a positive role model, mentor, and support for youth as they learn new skills.
• Responds to and investigate enquiries, complaints, and emergency situations involving youth; assess the situation, implement short-term and long-term solutions, and document outcomes.
• Resolves conflict situations including client complaints and disputes. Listens, mediates, negotiates, and provides support and guidance to resolve issues and document outcomes.
• Encourage and support clients to secure suitable housing within the community and assist youth to access various community programs regarding housing, mental health, etc.
• Advocate on the youth's behalf and act as a positive role model for the youth.
• Ensures effective service delivery to the client by documenting information, observations, and impressions that may impact on a client's case plan where appropriate.
• Ensures the safety and well-being of clients at all times.
• Advocates on behalf of clients for support, services, and benefits with internal and external resources, and engages in active problem-solving around each client's needs.
• In the event of a crisis or critical incident, immediately report to appropriate level.
• Oversees the operations of the apartment(s).
• Performs light maintenance and repair work or makes calls for additional service.
• Reports on a regular basis to the Team Lead regarding issues of need and/or concern. With the Team Lead and Manager of Programs support, create, and implement approved strategies and plans that will result in the achievement of the program's goals and objectives.
• Attends trainings as directed by Team Lead or Manager

Education and Skills Required

• CYW Degree/Diploma or completion of Post-Secondary education in a Human Service related field or the equivalent of combined education and experience working with youth.
• Previous experience working with street-involved youth a must.
• Previous experience working with and supporting youth involved in Human Trafficking an asset.
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training.
• Current first aid/CPR certification.
• Current Broad Record Check (criminal background check).
• Thorough understanding of issues pertaining to youth; understanding of domestic human trafficking; knowledge of relevant legislation and a strong understanding of case management principles.
• Demonstrated client focused counselling skills and role modelling.
• Excellent communication skills and have the ability to be adaptable with a flexible approach taking into consideration the unique qualities of each client.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills that promote positive team building, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
• Possesses strong personal ethics and integrity, as well as, exceptional interpersonal skills, including influencing, consensus/team building, facilitation, negotiation, conflict resolution, management, leadership, motivation, delegation, coaching/mentoring, and empowerment.
• Ability to work as a team member in a dynamic, complex environment and organize time and workload effectively.
• Independent self-starter, with ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Broad knowledge of community resources and the ability to strongly advocate for clients and make professional referrals.
• Shift timings: Rotational Monday to Friday, one week 2:30 pm to 10:30 pm, alternating week 7:00 am to 3:00pm

This job posting is for an existing vacancy within our organization . Apply Today – We Review Applications as they come in

360°kids is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible organization. We are dedicated to having a workforce that reflects the diversity of York Region with a variety of perspectives and lived experiences. We welcome and encourage applicants from equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous, Black and racialized people, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities and individuals with lived experience of homelessness.

We recognize that lived experiences shape the way individuals navigate the workplace, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. If you are a member of an equity-deserving group and feel comfortable sharing this with us, we welcome you do so. This information is completely voluntary and will be used solely to help us improve our hiring practices and workplace inclusivity.

Accommodation will be provided throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants that require accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to notify the People and Culture Department when contacted for an interview. We will work with you to meet your access needs in an equitable and inclusive way.

Upon joining 360°kids, you'll be welcomed into a fun and collaborative environment where we truly value our employees and want to see them succeed. We thank everyone for their interest and appreciate the time put into applying, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.