Provincial Youth Outreach Worker

Position Description:

The Provincial Youth Outreach Worker(PYOW) Program supports marginalized and at-risk youth and their families to better navigate and connect with services and pro-social opportunities in their communities to improve youth outcomes.  This position provides a range of outreach services to youth participants and their families to support at-risk youth to make healthy life choices. This position is responsible for community outreach, prevention and intervention with at-risk youth ages 12-21 and building neighbourhood and community capacity to engage and serve youth better.

Responsibilities

• Reach out and engage at-risk youth in accordance with the Stages of Change intervention model adapted for the PYOW Program.

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

o Helping youth to identify their needs, goals, aspirations, skills and abilities as well as barriers to

accessing services.

o Providing youth with general information, contacts, referrals and support as needed to build

assets and address needs (e.g., housing, employment, education, health care and recreation;

social and emotional issues).

• Maintain collaborative working relationships with other professionals within and outside of the organization.

• Work with youth, parents and family members, schools, police and youth service providers to advocate for and improve access to programs, services and opportunities for youth.

• In collaboration with the Youth Services Director and Youth Outreach team:

o Develop a composite picture of neighbourhood demographics and build maps of services,

programs and community assets available in the local community.

o Promote community awareness of the PYOW Program and maintain a recognizable community

presence.

o Build partnerships with community agencies, businesses and informal community groups to offer

programs that engage youth to develop their knowledge, skills and interests (e.g., arts and

culture, volunteering, civic engagement, recreation, life skills).

o Identify emerging issues, service gaps and opportunities for action to build community

capacity.

o Identify staff development/training needs and participate in staff development/training programs

as required.

• Enter and maintain accurate and complete service data in the case management system in a timely manner.

• Maintain professional and evidence-based standards of practice in accordance with the Stages of Change intervention model, positive youth development framework and relevant legislation (e.g. Child and Family Services Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act).

• Carry out other duties as assigned as part of the PYOW Program.

• Attend staff meetings, training sessions and accept any other assigned responsibilities and duties for the department or Club as assigned by the Youth Services Director

• Complete all reporting as directed by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.

• Practice all health and safety rules in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree from a recognized university or college in child and youth work or a related discipline; 
• Experience working with youth 12-17 years of age;

• Must have access to personal vehicle and be willing and able to transport clients as needed;

• Must have personal liability insurance for your vehicle;

• Valid "G" class driver's license with a clean driver abstract;

• Clean Criminal Reference Check including Vulnerable Sector;

• First Aid and CPR certification (can be obtained upon hiring);

• Community development experience;

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

Required Skills

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment;

• Strong written and verbal communication skills including, but not limited to, report writing, telephone communication, electronic correspondence, and public speaking;

• Proficient computer skills;

• Punctual, meticulous, reliable and organized;

• Ability to work on several tasks simultaneously, work independently and respond to deadlines;

• Skill in establishing trusting relationships with youth;

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

• Demonstrated ability to work co-operatively and negotiate effectively with a range of community groups and service providers across sectors;

• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the life experiences and diverse needs, identities and cultural backgrounds of at-risk youth in underserved communities;

• Knowledge of the community including knowledge of local program and services for youth and local youth populations;

• Ability to work collaboratively with all BGC Durham staff and Stakeholders.

Working Conditions

• Full-time contract until April 30, 2027;

• 37.5 hours per week;

• Available to work flexible hours as required, including afternoons and evenings;

• Majority of work to be done from BGC Durham – Eastview location in Oshawa;

• Travel within Oshawa as required.