Youth Support Worker, ISSP

Youth Support Worker, ISSP

Permanent Full-time, 35 hours a week (1.0 FTE); OPSEU Bargaining Unit

Reporting to: Manager, Client Services, Youth Justice

Location: 65 Wellesley St. E., Suite 300, Toronto

WHO WE ARE:

Central Toronto Youth Services is an award winning non-for-profit community-based accredited Children’s Mental Health organization that serves Toronto’s most vulnerable youth ages 13- 17, young adults ages 18 -24, and their families across Toronto. As part of the community since 1973, CTYS provides equitable evidence-informed mental health services to youth and young adults, their families and greater community including R.I.T.E.S., Day Programs, Pride and Prejudice Programs, Youth Justice and Family Outreach Programs, Community and School Outreach Programs, Early Intervention Programs, and Transitional Aged Youth Programs.

CTYS is primarily funded by the Government of Ontario via the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

We are seeking a Youth Support Worker to join our Youth Justice – ISSP team. The Youth Support Worker will be responsible for working with youth and where indicated, their families, who are marginalized and involved with the youth court system. The support you will be providing relates to both diversion and reintegration services, utilizing evidence-based programs, individual supportive counseling, client outreach, client advocacy and supportive case management, in facilitating access to community supports. The Youth Support Worker will meet with the youth in the Toronto head office, community and/or home with the possibility of virtual work if indicated by need. Flexibility is required to work some evenings to accommodate the young person’s schedules.

The Youth Support Worker, Intensive Support and Supervision Program (ISSP) will specifically work with youth who have mental issues and are in conflict with the law, who are likely to be sentenced to custody but could appropriately be supported and supervised in the community without jeopardizing community safety. The ISSP is a program that is intended to reduce the risk of recidivism through targeted and effective rehabilitation and reintegration strategies, including intensive clinical and community support, supervision, and crisis management appropriate to the young person’s offending behaviour.

As our new Youth Support Worker, ISSP, you will:
▪ Conduct brief service assessments, develop client service plans and discharge plans
▪ Adhere to a short-term relationship based psychoeducational program with client exercises and homework.
▪ Work with youth who have dating relationship and domestic violence challenges both with dating partners as well as with parents and siblings.
▪ Provide mental health supportive counselling, case management support and client advocacy
▪ Active, on-going collaboration with community partners, court personnel and probation services
▪ Ensure maintenance of client files in accordance with agency policies and procedures, accreditation standards and legislation
▪ Support and sustain values of decolonization and racial justice as central to the work, and seek interventions that advance leadership of those most impacted by harmful systems
▪ Ensure clinical services are delivered in a manner consistent with all applicable agency policies and procedures and accreditation standards
▪ Support the youth in addressing individual and systemic issues to build stability and security
▪ Participate in agency committees, special events or community activities when determined appropriate in consultation with the Program Manager
▪ Participate in yearly service planning and program development meeting, as requested
▪ Ensure that all reporting and documentation meets requirements and are completed in a timely manner
▪ Participate in supervision, program meetings, all-staff meetings, clinical consultations, peer consultations, committee/partnership meetings and professional development, as required

WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE TEAM:
▪ Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or relevant degree and/ or equivalent professional education and experience
▪ Membership with a professional regulatory body
▪ Minimum three (3) years’ experience working with young persons involved in Youth Justice

SKILLS, ATTRIBUTES AND ABILITIES
▪ Knowledge of and experience working in the Youth Court and Youth Justice system
▪ Demonstrated knowledge of relevant social services resources, child and youth serving systems, youth criminal justice system, the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) and the Child and Family Services Act (CFSA)
▪ Significant understanding of the impact of Anti-Black Racism (ABR) and expertise in supporting Black youth to build resilience
▪ Knowledge of child and adolescent development, crisis intervention techniques, Cognitive Behavioural Therapies (CBT), Trauma informed and strength-based approaches
▪ Skills in assessment, counselling and case coordination with youth experiencing mental health challenges
▪ Commitment and experience working from an anti-oppressive framework
▪ Familiarity and expertise with youth engagement strategies
▪ Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues, the youth justice system and collateral service providers
▪ Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport and engage marginalized youth
▪ Knowledge of program development and evaluation is an asset
▪ Experience supporting virtual services is an asset
▪ Proficient in the use of computers and familiarity with client data base software
▪ Excellent verbal and written communication skills
▪ Proficiency in French language is an asset

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
▪ All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.
▪ Credential verifications & References required.
▪ Proof of full Covid-19 vaccinations (2 doses) required.
▪ A valid Ontario driver’s license and daily access to a vehicle
▪ Current First Aid/ CPR certification is an asset

WHAT CTYS OFFERS:
▪ Vacation: 15 days first year, 20 days after one year of service
▪ Personal Leave: 15 days
▪ Religious Observance Leave: 2 days
▪ Float Days: 1 day
▪ Educational Leave: 7 days
▪ Extended Health: Employer pays extended health and dental single and family coverage, employee and family assistance program, and travel insurance.
▪ RRSP: OPTrust Pension: EE-3% and ER -3%. In addition, ER contributes 2.5% towards RRSP.
▪ Compensation: Competitive salary & support during approved medical leave (sick-leave, LTD).
▪ Flexibility: Flexible work week

COMPENSATION: $63,108.92 – $75,355.35 per annum

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please submit your cover letter and chronological resume via email to:
Central Toronto Youth Services
E-mail: [email protected]

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

We thank all interested parties but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION:
We acknowledge that Central Toronto Youth Services is situated on the unceded lands and territories of the Anishanabeg, Haudenosaunee, the Chippewa, the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Wendat Peoples, and is now home to many diverse nations. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit. We respectfully recognize the presence of Indigenous peoples, both in the past and present, as we commit to action, education, meaningful dialogue and necessary change.

As an employer, we are dedicated to cultivating an inclusive workplace and building intervention and management teams that reflect the diversity of our clients and the communities we serve.

We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain talent from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to racialized individuals, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and those from various socio-economic backgrounds. We strive to cultivate an inclusive culture that eliminates barriers, advances equity, and supports the success and well-being of all employees.

ACCOMMODATION:
CTYS is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), CTYS will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process to applicants with disabilities. During any stage of the recruitment process, please notify [email protected] of the nature of any accommodation(s) you may require. Any information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.