Contract Youth Worker - Cooking for Life (CFL) Program

Youth Worker - Cooking for Life (CFL) Program

Contract Until April 30, 2026

Covenant House helps youth ignite their potential and reclaim their lives. As Canada’s largest agency serving youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk, we offer the widest range of services to hundreds of young people every day.

More than a place to stay, we provide life-changing care with unconditional love and respect. We meet youth’s immediate needs and then we work together to achieve their future goals. We offer 24/7 crisis shelter transitional housing options on-site and, in the community, health and well-being support, training and skill development, and ongoing care once youth move into the community.       

For over 40 years, Covenant House has been dedicated to its mission of serving youth on the street and to protect and safeguard all youth with absolute respect and unconditional love. Since 1982, Covenant House has supported more than 100,000 young people.

 Overview: 

The Youth Worker in the Cooking for Life (CFL) program collaborates with the CFL team to help youth build job readiness skills through our culinary arts training pre-employment program. This role is guided by Covenant House’s policies and procedures and involves providing holistic support, managing group dynamics, and facilitating workshops designed to prepare youth for employment.

Responsibilities:

• Implement Covenant House's philosophy, policies, and procedures within the CFL program.
• Assist CFL participants with setting up lockers, ordering uniforms, and preparing for onsite training.
• Support the chef instructor during culinary skills lessons and assist participants in learning kitchen techniques.
• Engage with participants daily to enhance their learning experience and provide support throughout the CFL program.
• Maintain documentation in ETO, track attendance, and submit participant hours for payment processing.
• Facilitate pre-employment workshops focused on job-readiness skills, such as resume building, interview techniques, and workplace communication.
• Keep the CFL workshop and activity calendar up to date.
• Connect participants with both internal and external wraparound services (e.g., health, housing, therapy).
• Assist participants with their needs related to attire, hygiene, and safety standards.
• Collaborate with the CFL team to provide the guidance and support participants need.
• Meet with participants regularly to offer counseling or referrals for additional support.
• Build strong, positive relationships with participants and model professional behavior.

Qualification, Experience:

• Minimum of a Child and Youth Work diploma, Social Work diploma, or a Bachelor of Arts in a related field (e.g., Social Work).
• Knowledge of adolescent development, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction practices.
• Experience running wellness activities and workshops for youth.
• Strong communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience helping youth navigate and access supports.
• Experience working with youth with developmental or sensory challenges is a plus.
• Experience supporting neuro-divergent youth or those with different abilities is an asset.

Interested candidates should submit their resume along with a cover letter by March 18, 2025.  

We thank all applicants however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

At Covenant House Toronto we believe in a workplace culture of inclusion that is welcoming, respectful and safe for all staff. It is critical to Covenant House Toronto success to eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups. Equity groups have been, and continue to be, underrepresented and marginalized in the workforce, leadership roles, and in some specific occupations. Equity groups include but may not be limited to Indigenous persons, racialized people, gender diverse people, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Covenant House Policy on Accommodation, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of the Covenant House recruitment process.

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