YJR-U24-38 Residential Counsellor

ABOUT US

Springboard's mission is to build stronger communities by helping youth and adults develop the skills they need to reach their full potential. As a charitable organization, we deliver innovative, professional and diverse programming by establishing partnerships between our clients and their community. Springboard’s program areas include community justice, employment, developmental services, youth justice, Weed out The Risk and The Community Learning HUB.

WHO WE ARE

People are at the centre of everything we do. We foster opportunities for skills development, personal growth and social interaction. We also actively promote work/life balance and mental health supports. We foster communication across the agency, from our Town Halls to our quarterly Springboard orientations. We are a learning organization and our people have the opportunity to provide feedback into all areas of the organization.

We have an active Employee Engagement Committee that focuses on connecting staff through communication, a rewards and recognition program, career development initiatives and of course, social and team building opportunities. Springboard offers a comprehensive benefits package for full time, permanent staff and, for all permanent positions, a savings plan that helps support our people in all aspects of their lives.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Job Class

Union

Department

Community Justice Programs and Youth Homes

Location

Toronto, ON - Downtown

Status

Full-time, Permanent

Pay Rate

$47,232.97 per annum

Vacancy Number

YJR-U24-38

Number of vacancies

 1

Available

Immediately

Hours/Shifts

• Sunday: 11:00 PM - Monday: 7:00 AM
• Monday: 11:00 PM - Tuesday: 7:00 AM
• Tuesday: 11:00 PM - Wednesday: 7:00 AM
• Wednesday: 11:00 PM - Thursday: 7:00 AM
• Thursday: 11:00 PM - Friday: 7:00 AM

Schedules are subject to operational needs.

Terry Fox House is a 24/7, live-in program, which supports male-identifying or non-binary youth who have been charged with an offense and referred for either open custody or detention. We provide counselling, education support, employment services, life-skills programming, and transitional planning which best supports individuals when they leave the program.

Terry Fox House seeks to meet the needs of the young people we serve through increasing their self-efficacy to reduce the severity and frequency of recidivism. By providing effective alternatives to closed custody for young people, we are working to decrease the cost to society of these young people continuing involvement within the system by reintegrating them back into communities, as well as work to decrease the number of young people more deeply embedded within these systems, such as closed custody.

Reporting to the Supervisor, the Residential Counsellor will be responsible for direct service delivery and maintaining a structured, trauma-informed and safe setting for 24/7 coverage for the youth in our care, as aligned with ministry operational guidelines.

Requirements

WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE

• Group Facilitation – Provide individuals with direction or advice as to a decision or course of action for their daily living activities including but not limited to; hygiene, budgeting, cooking and preparing meals for youth, nutrition, social skills and community, and achieving specific goals. 
• Support and Counselling – Provide counselling and support for clients within the program and for their families. Assist clients in reaching their individual goals, including support/programming and case management. 
• Community Outreach/Outings – Oversee and supervise community/recreational outings for individuals or groups of clients, liaise with community partners and referral sources, escorting youth to appointments via house vehicle and TTC. 
• Administrative Duties - Provide clerical/reception and administrative support to the program.
• Health and Safety – Foster a safe and healthy work environment for the residents and staff as per policies, procedures and legislation. Deal with crisis situations that may involve volatile behavior.

Youth Engagement & Direct Programming

• Working closely with the Senior Counsellor and leadership team to support youth, including:

◦ Ensuring all youth records are current and complete

◦ Supporting with the tracking of youth needs such as clothing, hygiene items

◦ Supporting in ensuring all medical/dental/health appointments are arranged and tracked appropriately

• Support youth with hygiene, life skills, social skills, and individualized planning
• Develop and administer education based, client-centered plans. Participate in on-going program planning and development.
• Participate in the supervision, training, and developmental growth of new staff members, students and volunteers.
• Support and Counselling – Provide counselling and support to clients within the program and their families. Assist clients in reaching their individual goals, including support/programming and case management.
• Health and Safety – Foster a safe and healthy work environment for the residence, the residents and the staff as per policies, procedures and the legislation. Deal with crisis situations that may involve volatile behavior.
• Ensuring all youth records are closed and stored according to Licensing standards and program policy.
• Prepare and pre-cook dinner following safe food handling protocols

Administration & Professional Development

• Maintain timely and accurate notes and logs using case management and other software, as well as other administrative tasks, as per our program model and policies

• Support in the reporting of statistics and other notes as needed, to support in the program evaluation or other special projects, as assigned
• Perform Security calls, house checks and document as per policy
• Auditing of program logs
• Actively participate in individual and team meetings, supervisory meetings, planning sessions, case management meetings, and designated trainings
• Work effectively with other members of the team
• Modeling the agency’s philosophy and mission statement, as well as the program’s Values and Beliefs at all times
• Other responsibilities as may be assigned

WHO YOU ARE

• Diploma/Undergraduate Degree in the Social Sciences, Child and Youth Care, Social Work. Related education will be considered.

• Minimum one year experience working with youth who have experienced trauma in their lives from a trauma-informed framework
• Demonstrated experience in crisis prevention and intervention
• Direct experience engaging with diverse populations and an ability to apply a culturally responsive lens to all interactions, including program implementation and capacity-building with young people
• Valid G driver’s license and/or successfully complete full G license within two years of hire
• A strong understanding of the systemic barriers that young people face and how this may impact youth and their own experiences
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• A demonstrated ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders effectively, respectfully, and efficiently with minimal supervision
• Effective understanding and use of technology, including Microsoft Office applications

Other considerations

• Case management experience and experience in a live-in program are preferred

• Knowledge of the Youth Criminal Justice Act considered an asset
• Experience working within a licensed residential setting considered an asset

APPLY

Thank you for your interest in working with Springboard. Completion of satisfactory, professional references, background checks, and proof of education are requirements of employment.

The Deadline for Applications is Until filled. Please submit your cover letter and resume in a single document.

No phone calls please. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We value the unique skills and experiences each individual brings to the organization and we are committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible environment for everyone. Applications are encouraged from those who reflect the diversity of our community and we will work with you to provide a positive recruitment experience. Please let us know if you require accommodation during the recruitment and selection process.