Youth Worker, Weekend - Connection Emergency Housing

Connections, located in the Richmond Hill Housing Hub, is a one-stop, full-service center for youth care and support where at-risk youth can access safe, supportive housing for the day, the night or for as long as a year, together with a full range of new and expanded 360 kids programs designed to help kids get back on their feet right within their home community.

Youth Workers will provide youth with supervision and basic needs (food, bedding and hygiene) while they emerge from crisis.

The Youth Workers will work with the youth to assess their immediate needs, provide support to the residents, maintain order and to assist the residents achieve success in transitioning to securing housing.

Direct accountabilities include :

• Working within a housing first framework, provide youth with a safe place to stay and basic needs (food, bedding and hygiene) while they emerge from crisis.
• Respond to immediate needs, provide supports, and resolve conflicts.
• Consistently follow up with youth regarding their case plan, goals, and activities, and make referrals or do warm transfers as required.
• Complete basic intake using HIFIS to determine eligibility for emergency housing and assess any immediate needs.
• Work with youth to assess their housing needs and help them look for housing.
• Make appropriate referrals to internal programs and or supports such as Housing Workers, ATS, Individual and Family Counsellors, Employment, Education, Specialized Support Workers such as Mental Health or Addictions, and others as required.
• Encourage youth and help connect them to supports that will help them address challenges in their lives and, once re-housed, will provide support that help them to maintain their housing.
• Provide ongoing daily support, assistance and encouragement to break the cycles of poverty and homelessness.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS OR SKILLS REQUIRED :

Post-Secondary degree / diploma in a Child / youth-related field (e.g. Child and Youth, Social Service Worker, Social Worker, Psychology, Sociology) or the equivalent combination of education and experience working with youth.

Minimum of two years’ experience working with at-risk or street-involved youth.

The ideal candidate will possess :

• Extensive knowledge of working with youth, including understanding of harm reduction principles and trauma informed care.
• 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.
• A broad knowledge of community resources and the ability to strongly advocate for clients and professional referrals.
• Current First Aid / CPR certification, current vulnerable sector screening (criminal background check)
• Car and valid driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract and $2M liability insurance an asset
7 days ago