Youth Worker (Counsellor)

OVERVIEW

A growing, community-based organization that provides residential and outreach support for homeless youth in Peel Region.

They are a leading organization recognized in the community for its commitment to providing youth in need with a safe environment and access to services to help them achieve independence and foster growth.

EDI-B VALUES

The success of an organization stems from a team that is aligned with its mission and vision, where decisions are made in the best interests of the clients they serve and the marginalized and vulnerable populations across our communities.

Through this effort, all team members embrace their roles in the organization with respect and dignity for all stakeholders.

Through these partnerships, everyone is focused on ensuring a commitment and responsibility toward anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, diversity, inclusivity, and belonging.

MISSION

The candidate will empower youth through prevention, intervention, and support in accessing safe and sustainable housing.

The Pod Group is partnering with this organization to place a trauma-informed, compassionate, and hands-on leader to fulfill the role of the Youth Worker (Counsellor).

PRIORITIES

The Youth Worker (Counsellor) will assist in the day-to-day operations of the shelter with an emphasis on :

• Complete intake and support with facilitating programs for youth entering the shelter.
• Meet with youth entering the shelters to explore safe alternative living arrangements.
• Lead and implement a client-driven care path plan by following up with residents on outstanding documents or actions required.
• Provide a positive environment to youth coming to the shelter.
• Form professional relationships with a broad spectrum of community service agencies to be able to refer youth.
• Assist youth in daily routines, including cooking, cleaning, and life skills development.
• Complete intakes, answer phones, and monitor building for safety, including the completion of hourly security checks.
• Provide supervision, support, and / or crisis counselling to residents living at the shelter.
• Maintain positive and open communication with the staff team.
• Complete documentation of shift activities and incidents in appropriate logs and client records.
• Responsible for entering client data for monthly, quarterly, and annual funding reports.
• Support in facilitating the weekly resident meetings

Requirements

TALENTS & EXPERTISE

• Diploma in Social Services or equivalent combination of education and / or experience.
• 1-2 years’ experience working with youth in a shelter / residential setting.
• Knowledge of homelessness, mental health, and addictions are considered assets.
• Knowledge of housing first for youth, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction practices are considered assets.
• Effective problem solving, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work rotating shifts including som e weekends and holidays.
• A valid Ontario Driver’s Licence, access to a vehicle, and $2,000,000 (minimum) liability car insurance coverage are mandatory.
• Valid CPI / UMAB and First Aid / CPR certifications.
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check that meets the standards of the organization.
• Must be flexible to work throughout Peel Region (Brampton and Mississauga).
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to applicable legislation.

THE POD GROUP

The Pod Group (PG) is a creative consulting group that provides customized and innovative solutions to support our client’s growth and ultimate success while promoting the integration of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in creating culture and engagement.

We balance strategy and people to help community organizations make better use of their resources by focusing on building the competencies to promote people-centric organizations.

The Pod Group has great success in serving a number of community sectors, including health, social services, developmental, housing, mental health, and community health care.

We promote a unique approach while incorporating marketing and human resources as an integral component of strategy, mission, and vision.

This focus aligns strategy with the development of a culture that embraces all stakeholders and a community spirit while ensuring an effective plan that meets the requirements of the organization.