Youth Worker - HOPE Program

360°kids is a vitally important community agency serving all of York Region. We have been a leader in the delivery of innovative support services for more than 35 years as we work to improve the lives of unhoused and marginalized youth and families in York Region. At 360°kids, we provide a unique continuum of care approach with programs and services that are essential to the health and well-being of youth. These proven strategies help to keep youth safe by providing stable housing options with 360° wraparound supports.

The HOPE Program provides voluntary, individualized supports for youth who have been victims of sexual exploitation via human trafficking. Services are offered across in a variety of settings and tailored to meet the needs of distinct populations within this population, with the ultimate goal of journeying alongside youth as they move away from experiences of exploitation and toward safety, stability, and independence. The program builds on the strengths and skills youth already possess, supporting them as they continue their life journey. Youth Workers provide mentoring, crisis support, and case management in order to support youth to meet their goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct in person meetings with youth to assess needs, set goals, and begin movement towards minimizing crisis and increasing stability.
• Coordinate and facilitate life skills sessions, provide ongoing life skills support, and mentoring and provide access to direct services to address issues youth are presently facing.
• Provide youth focused counselling skills using a trauma informed approach and role modelling in an adaptable and flexible approach taking into consideration the unique qualities of each youth.
• Coach and support youth and act as positive role model, mentor, and suport for youth as they learn new skills.
• Respond to and investigate enquiries, complaints, and emergency situations involving youth; assess the situation, implement short-term and long-term solutions, and document outcomes.
• Resolves conflict situations including youth complaints and disputes. Listens, mediates, negotiates, and provides support and guidance to resolve issues and document outcomes.
• Encourage and support youths to secure suitable housing within the community and assist youth to access various community programs regarding housing, mental health, etc.
• Ensures effective delivery service to the youth by documenting information, observations, and impressions that may impact on a youth’s case plan where appropriate.
• Advocates on behalf of youths for support, services, and benefits with internal and external resources, and engages in active problem-solving around each youth’s needs.
• In the event of a crisis or critical incident, immediately report to appropriate level.
• Coordinates and collects monthly program fees from youth. Ensures program fees are secured and transferred to Finance in a timely manner.
• Follows appropriate policies and procedures of 360°kids. Ensures that the program operates in line with 360°kids’ mission, vision, and values, and activities comply with applicable standards and laws. Reports on a regular basis to the Team Lead regarding issues of need and/or concern.
• With the Team Lead and Manager of HOPE support, create, and implement approved strategies and plans that will result in the achievement of the program’s goals and objectives.
• HOPE is expanding and may include multiple service components (e.g., crisis beds, stage-based support, and related programming).
• Depending on final staffing design, Youth Workers may be assigned to a consistent component OR rotate between components. Flexibility is required as the model evolves.
• Completes all mandatory recording and reporting including daily documentation and statistical data collection. Provides reports and related information to the Manager of HOPE Program as required and in a timely manner.
• Other duties required.

Educational and Skills Required:

• CYW Diploma/Degree, or post-secondary education in a human services field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Experience supporting street-involved youth is required; experience supporting youth impacted by trafficking is a strong asset.
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training (or willingness to obtain within a defined onboarding period).
• Current first aid/CPR certification and Current Broad Record Check (Criminal Background Check).
• Thorough understanding of issues pertaining to youth; understanding of domestic human trafficking; knowledge of relevant legislation and a strong understanding of case management principles.
• Must have a valid G driver’s license and a reliable vehicle available for every shift.
• Demonstrated client focused counselling skills and role modelling.
• Excellent judgement, boundary-setting, and de-escalation skills.
• Possesses strong personal ethics and integrity as well as exceptional interpersonal skills including influencing, consensus/team building, facilitation, negotiation, conflict resolution management, leadership, motivation, delegation, coaching/metoring, and empowerment.
• Must be willing and able to transport youth when required, including in personal vehicle when operationally necessary (with adherence to agency policies and documentation expectations). This role includes evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays depending on operational needs.
• Shifts may include combinations such as 7:00am-3:00pm, 3:00pm-11:00pm (final schedule subject to staffing model and operational requirements).
• Due to program operations and staffing ratios, vacation and sick coverage may not always be backfilled. Staff are expected to work collaboratively and follow program direction to ensure youth safety and continuity of support.
• Proficiency in spoken and written French is an asset.

This posting is for a newly created role designed to support the evolving needs of the youth we serve at 360°kids. Apply Today - We Review Applications as they come in!

360°kids is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible organization. We are dedicated to having a workforce that reflects the diversity of York Region with a variety of perspectives and lived experiences. We welcome and encourage applicants from equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous, Black and racialized people, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities and individuals with lived experience of homelessness.

We recognize that lived experiences shape the way individuals navigate the workplace, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. If you are a member of an equity-deserving group and feel comfortable sharing this with us, we welcome you do so. This information is completely voluntary and will be used solely to help us improve our hiring practices and workplace inclusivity.

Accommodation will be provided throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants that require accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to notify the People and Culture Department when contacted for an interview. We will work with you to meet your access needs in an equitable and inclusive way.

Upon joining 360°kids, you'll be welcomed into a fun and collaborative environment where we truly value our employees and want to see them succeed. We thank everyone for their interest and appreciate the time put into applying, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.