Shelter Worker "Youth Advocate"

The Durham Youth Services, "DYS" Youth Housing Services works in conjunction with the Shelter, Support & Housing Administration (SSHA) and community partners to provide individualized plans of care and support youth (16y-24y), who are experiencing homelessness, specifically individuals with Mental Health and Drug/Addiction Disorders. We offer a wide range of gender-specific programs including but not limited to the following: time management, hygiene, transportation, nutrition, self-growth, health & safety, financial management, purchasing and utilization of community resources, job skills & employment preparation and housing & accommodation support.

As a member of the "DYS" Shelter Team, the Shelter Worker is accountable directly to the Shelter Supervisor, and indirectly to the Manager of Youth Housing and Community Services. The Shelter Worker is responsible for the care and safety of the clients residing in the shelter, and required to work under pressure, while managing conflicting demands and continually changing priorities. They must also enjoy working with people in a Shelter environment. This position deals with client's personal and confidential information. When working in the program, the Shelter Worker is required to adhere to the organization's policies which govern confidentiality, privacy, conflict of interest and safety expectations.

Primary Job Function

The primary responsibility of the Shelter Worker is to provide direct and ongoing supervision. support and care for youth, as part of their daily living environment.

Recognizing and understanding the rapid change and growth of adolescents and early adulthood, and the promotion of them residing in a safe, supportive and loving environment, as part of basic care.

The Shelter Worker is to utilize relationship building, assessment, intervention, prevention, nurturing, counselling and role modelling skills to provide time-limited, change oriented care for the youth in care.

The common denomination in the "DYS" Shelter Program is the ability of the staff to structure the daily living environment and their own behaviour in a way that strives to achieve specific and positive changes in the youth's behaviour.

Core Job Requirements

• Able and available to work shifts required including days, afternoons, overnights and weekends
• Good organizational skills.
• Able to work independently to complete tasks assigned by the Shelter Supervisor
• Able to problem solve independent of others.
• Able to multitask.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Flexible and be open for learning new concepts.
• Able to manage conflicting and/or competing priorities in an effective and efficient matter.
• Able to participate in formal discussions about work processes, improvements etc.
• Able to work effectively well in a Team based environment.
• Able to coordinate job tasks with colleagues to maximize efficiency.
• Support individuals to achieve their established goals using a client centered, strength-based approach.
• Activities such as, but not limited to, relationship building techniques, cooking, walking in the community
• Participate, attend and complete all requisite training and/or learning programs.
• Follow all Shelter Standards and Guidelines, and its Reporting Procedures.
• Follow all Safe Work Practices, Policies and Procedures including abiding by the Occupational Health and Safety act and all Human Resources Policies and Procedures.
• Follow all of the "DYS" Operational Practices, Policies and Procedures'
• Follow all of the "DYS" "Zero Tolerance" Policies and Reporting Procedures.

Qualifications

· Completion of a Social Worker, or Social Service Worker, Community College Diploma/ University degree or equivalent with 1+ years' experience working with homeless and marginalized youth/individuals being an asset.

· A current member, in good standing, or eligible for membership with the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Service

· Current certification in First Aid and CPR C is mandatory within 30 days of hire.

· Current certification in CPI training prefered

· Valid Class G Driver's License is an asset

· Maintain all required immunizations and vaccines, including annual influenza vaccine, COVID-19, 2-step TB test

· Current Police Check and Vulnerable Sector Search Clearance must be current and maintained.

· Knowledge of Municipal Shelter Standards and applicable legislation (Mental Health Act, Child & Family Services Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act, etc.) (asset)

· Demonstrated knowledge of mental health and behavioural needs of youth

· Clinical skills, including experience and ability working with and managing difficult behaviour.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills

· Broad awareness of other cultures, values, identities and perspectives with a demonstrated ability and interest in working with and for diverse populations

· Ability to write legible, clear and concise reports and person-centred plans

· Excellent organization skills

· Excellent interpersonal skills

· Appropriate attire to be worn at all times and protective equipment available in the program.

This is a unionized position covered by the terms and conditions of the LIUNA Local 3000 Collective Agreement.

$20.40 (under review)

Bona Fide Occupational Requirements

Ability to meet the "Physical and Cognitive Demands" as required for the Shelter Worker position

Qualified applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to the attention of

Manager of Youth Housing and Community Services

Email:

Quote "Shelter Worker"" in the subject line.

No phone calls please. We thank all candidates for their interest.

Durham Youth Services, DYS", is an Equal Opportunity Employer which values diversity in the workplace. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. At "DYS", we are committed to a supportive work environment, where employees have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Diversity and inclusion is a central part of our culture and we aspire to be a workplace that is respectful to everyone. We appreciate the interest of all candidates. Due to the volumes of applications, we receive, we are only able to contact candidates that are selected to move forward in the recruitment process. If you are contacted for a job opportunity, please advise the "DYS" Representative of any accommodations needed to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process. Any information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Casual

Pay: From $20.40 per hour

Work Location: In person