Youth Worker, CSS

The Impact the Youth Worker with the Community Support Services Team can make:

Your primary role as a youth worker is to build trusting, supportive professional relationships with youth. You will work with a multidisciplinary team to determine the best plan of care to help youth reach their goals and transition to healthy, confident adults. Working in the Community Support Services (CSS) Program you will provide an array of 'as-needed' services to young people. You will support the youth with personal planning, assist with finding employment, referrals to other social services and involve the youth in recreational opportunities. The CSS space requires a seasoned Youth Worker, one that is able to work confidently with less structure and navigate multifaceted health and substance misuse concerns.

How you will contribute:

• Greet and welcome youth accessing CHV services, assess and respond to their immediate needs, and provide them with practical resources including food, clothing, transportation
• Initiate, develop and maintain relationships with at risk youth 16-24 years of age
• Upon entry to the Program, introduce the services provided, orient new youth, complete program intake/admission
• Work collaboratively with other staff to assist youth in identifying attainable short and long-term goals, strategies for meeting these goals, and an action plan for implementation
• Provide guidance and support to youth looking to better their education and employment goals
• Coordinate youth meetings and activities, including recreation and life skills
• Respond confidently to emergencies and behavioral, mental health, emotional, or substance use concerns using trauma-informed practice
• Provide Outreach support as required to assist youth to connect with Covenant House
• Provide crisis intervention, including responding to overdoes/administering first aid and Naloxone that may happen within CHV premises, ongoing training will also be provided
• Document client notes in ETO, write Incident Reports, and other routine documentation as required
• Manage youth case files, including all relevant reporting and documentation
• Attend all training as directed by your manager
• Laundry as needed
• Front Desk and reception duties as required
• Other duties as required

Compensation:

The successful candidate can expect a starting hourly rate of between $25.35 and $31.69 depending on factors such as internal equity, experience, competencies, and education. Once hired, the hourly rates are reviewed annually following the annual performance review and successful employees have the opportunity for their hourly rate to increase, over time, up to the maximum of the pay band, currently $38.03.

Who are we looking for?

Education and Experience:

• Diploma or degree in related social service and a minimum one year in a low barrier, harm reduction setting, or
• Minimum 3 year's full-time working experience in a similar low barrier role
• Experience with the challenges facing youth who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability
• First Aid & Non-Violent Crisis Intervention is an asset

Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Familiarity with at risk youth and youth homelessness
• Work cooperatively and effectively with others to reach a common goal
• Strong situational awareness and ability to manage critical incidents
• Ability to adapt decision making based on circumstances or when presented with unclear information
• Familiarity with issued related to substance use and Harm Reduction principles and practices
• Ability to work with youth experiencing complex mental health challenges
• Familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with the Youth
• Basic computer skills
• Working knowledge of Trauma Informed Practice
• Able to lift up to 25 lbs, and kneel and squat as needed