Youth Worker-transitional Housing- Ft Contract Till

The STAY (Supportive Transitional Apartments for Youth) Youth Worker will provide assessment and case management services to youth living in the STAY apartments who are transitioning into independence. The Transitional Support Worker will provide collaborative, client-driven assessment; strengths-based, case management; referrals and warm transfers; life skills programming (e.g. workshops on health, cooking, budgeting, problem solving, conflict resolution, community living skills); assistance connecting with wraparound services; and assistance finding appropriate, affordable, and stable housing.

Direct accountabilities include :

• Assist and provide support in the development of youth action plans. Coordinate action plan activities and monitor progress.
• Coordinate and facilitate life skills sessions, provide ongoing life skills support, mentoring and provide access to direct services to address issues youth are presently facing.
• Provide client focused informal counselling skills and role modelling in an adaptable and flexible approach taking into consideration the unique qualities of each client.
• Encourage and support clients to secure suitable housing within the community and assist youth to access various community programs regarding housing, mental health, etc.
• Work with youth to develop long term individual housing plans
• Advocate on youth’s behalf and act as a positive role model for youth.
• Facilitate regular house meetings to focus on empowering youth to participate in communal living and take ownership of the environment they live in.
• Work with youth on developing a space to practice conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Refer youth to community resources and conducts warm introductions/transfers to help the youth develop strong networks and lasting relationships.
• With the Manager of Community Housing Programs support, create, and implement approved strategies and plans that will result in the achievement of the program’s goals and objectives.
• Report on a regular basis to regarding issues of need and/or concern.
• Follow appropriate policies and procedures of 360°kids. Ensure that the program operates in line with 360°kids’ mission, vision and values and activities comply with applicable standards and laws.
• Perform intakes, explain occupancy agreements and performs discharge duties and documentation.
• In the event of a crisis or critical incident, immediately report to appropriate level.
• Oversee the daily operations of the STAY Program apartments.
• Monitor health and safety of apartments, including ensuring maintenance and cleanliness of shared spaces.
• Assist youth in maintaining and cleaning their spaces though life skills and skill building.
• Enforce house rules, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinate and collect monthly rent from youth. Ensure rent is secured and transferred to Finance department in a timely manner.
• Respond to crisis situations and other duties as required. Maintain active and effective communication with the Manager of Community Housing Programs, and Property Manager.
• Represent the organization and program as required with various aspects of the community including; but not limited too; property management staff, schools, ODSP, York Regional Police and Children’s Aid Society and client family members.
• Connect with client family members to support and assist with family reintegration if/where possible.
• Liaise with neighbors, as necessary, to facilitate positive relations. Develop positive relationships with the communities being served by the program and with the general public.
• Collaborate with other departments to support STAY, including but not limited to Housing Workers, Youth Hub Staff and Transitions Program staff.
• Complete all mandatory recording and reporting including but not limited to, board reports, daily documentation, statistical data collection and completing registration forms. Provide reports and related information to the Manager of Community Housing Programs as required.
• Participate in regular supervision meetings and performance appraisal meetings on a semiannual basis.
• Attend training workshops and relevant conferences that pertain to the role. Other duties as required.

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 youth at-risk of or experiencing homelessness.
• Extensive knowledge of working with youth, including understanding of harm reduction principals and trauma informed care.
• Demonstrated client focused counselling skills and role modelling.
• Excellent communication skills and have ability to adaptable with flexible approach taking into consideration the unique qualities of each client.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills