Youth Worker

Youth Worker

 Programs - On site

Level 6

Covenant House Toronto 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 hundred of young people every day.

More than a place to stay, we provide life-changing care with unconditional love and respect. We meet the 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 Toronto has been dedicated to its mission of serving youth and the street and to protect and safeguard all youth with absolute respect and unconditional love. Since 1982, Covenant House Toronto has supported more than 10,000 young people.

Overview:

Direct Service to Youth

• Responsible for ongoing assessment and attendance to youth’s needs, both physical and emotional, from a trauma informed lens.
• Assist with the development of a plan that addresses the expressed needs and goals of the client, in conjunction with them and the Case Manager.
• Facilitate the development of life skills and recreational activities through individual and group work.
• Meet with youth daily to offer support and assistance with plan elements.
• Connect youth to community resources and social supports as needed.
• Complete intake interviews and facilitate discharges from the program when appropriate in consultation with the Shift Supervisor.
• Manage wake up and bedtime routines, room access as well as access to laundry, tokens, assistance from other resources within Covenant House, including HCS, Educational and Vocational Services and Community Support Services.
• Provide individual counseling and support and management of behavior within the environment.
• Monitor meals, the packing of belongings and the movement of youth in and out of the building through both the Residential Reception area and the Main Reception.
• Ensure safety and security of the environment is maintained. Greet visitors, staff and emergency services at the Main Reception entrance.
• Provide assistance during times of illness or crisis by contacting emergency services or by utilizing appropriate supports with the agency.

 Case Management

• Responsible for caseload of up to 10 youth.
• Attend Case Management Team meetings, case conferences and any other meetings involving the client, or their plan as needed.
• Responsible for daily documentation of progress and activity on the youth’s case plan.
• Works collaboratively with other departments and agencies involved in the client’s plan.
• Update the Shift Supervisor, Case Manager and coworkers of any concerns or changes regarding client’s situation or state of mind. 

Administrative Duties

• Participate in program evaluation through completion of outcome tools and surveys with youth.
• Complete all documentation relevant to incidents, intakes and discharges via the paper file, ETO and SMIS.
• Logging intakes, referrals, visitors to main reception, answering phone calls, calling emergency services when required.
• Checking and responding to email daily.

Qualifications:

• College or university degree or diploma in child and youth work or equivalent.
• Minimum two years' experience in a shelter or residential setting using a trauma informed approach.
• Knowledge of adolescent developmental theory and specific issues related to street youth.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• First Aid, CPR.
• Ability to identify, assess and intervene differentially with youth in crisis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of community resources.

What we Offer:

• Meaningful work.
• Competitive compensation.
• Benefits such as Health, Dental, Vision, Personal Days, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more.
• Employee perks which include discounts on gym membership, city bike rentals, auto & home insurance and more.

This position is open year-round, and candidates are welcome to apply at any time. Only those selected to move forward in our recruitment process will be contacted. No agencies or phone calls please.

As a 24/7 shelter the shifts required for this role include day, evening and overnight. Shift requirements will be discussed during the pre-screen process. The departments including in this hiring process include Shelter, Drop In and Rights of Passage. Other opportunities are posted separately.

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.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.