Position: Permanent full-time, 35 hours/week
Reports to: Manager of Housing
Start date: September 25, 2023
Summary
The Youth in Transition Worker is responsible for providing individual and group services with the purpose of developing life skills and personal well-being for the youth eligible for the MCCSS program. The YITW will undertake the planning, development, and implementation of support services. Facilitating access to specialized home and community-based support and prevention services and developing programs that promote healthy lifestyles and relationships for youth are both vital duties for this role. Duties will include, but are not limited to, attending regular meetings, attending professional training workshops, and continuing education to remain current with trends and best practices in the industry. The YITW may work within the central office or travel to meet clients in their homes, as needed. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.
Core Competencies
• Time Management
• Creative and Innovative Thinking
• Development and Continual Learning
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Accountability and Dependability
• Ethics and Integrity
• Planning and Organizing
• Mediating and Negotiating
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Energy and Stress
• Strength based case management
• Teamwork
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Networking and Relationship Building
Job Duties
• Conduct individual and group counselling sessions
• Support youth (ages 16-24) transitioning from child welfare system into independent adulthood
• Create a non-judgmental, inclusive, and comfortable environment for youth
• Plan, develop, implement, coordinate, and evaluate the delivery of support services to youths
• Work closely with Family and Children’s Services of St. Thomas-Elgin to ensure program eligibility criteria are met
• Provide specialized home and community-based support and prevention services
• Assist in the coordination of community development and educational services
• Support eligible youth leaving care to identify, access and navigate adult service systems relevant to their needs, and transition into adulthood
• Connect youth to existing supports and resources in the community (ie. housing, education, employment services & training, life skills training, health & mental health and legal services)
• Provide a safe, nurturing environment for youth
• Document daily activities and submit detailed reports
• Attend regular staff meetings
• Attend workshops, career development and continuing education opportunities to maintain current working knowledge of issues that affect youths and their families
• Respect and protect the rights of clients, including but not limited to their right to independence, autonomy, and self-determination; their right to choose and practice individual values, beliefs, religion, and culture; their right to privacy and dignity; and their right to live free from retaliation, discrimination, and abuse
• Promote and encourage each individual to maintain an optimum level of health, well-being and self-esteem
• Maintain and model appropriate personal boundaries with clients
• Support clients with problem solving, compatibility, and conflict resolution
• Ensure youth are involved with decision making and guiding the process
• Promote the integration and acceptance of youth in the community
• Assist clients with all aspects of daily living, including but not limited to arranging appointments, transportation, accessing the community, and financial support as needed
• Work in tandem with the Housing Team and Youth Employment Program Team
• Support YWCA youth centered initiatives and works as part of a team.
• Maintain client files, documented notes and program statistics in an orderly and accurate manner
• Develop resource materials as learning tools for participants
• Respect and protect the privacy of information relating to all company clients, employees, and business affairs
• Maintain current knowledge and practice of all relevant plans, policies and procedures as established by the company
• Maintain knowledge of external regulatory bodies governing the company
• Other duties shall be assigned as required.
Requirements
• Post Secondary degree or diploma in relevant field required such as Child & Youth Worker or Social Work
• 2-4 years’ experience working with youth preferred
• Previous community related experience a definite asset
• Current CPR and First Aid Certificates considered an asset
• Demonstrated sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management
• Able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing
• High level of critical and logical thinking, analysis, and reasoning to identify underlying principles, reasons, or facts
• Problem solving skills and conflict resolution abilities
• Demonstrate and model self confidence and leadership
• Proven organizational, time management and prioritizing skills
• Ability to work independently and work collaboratively with multiple partners.
• Strong communication & interpersonal skills; well organized
• Must possess knowledge of resources available in St. Thomas & Elgin County.
Work Conditions
• Must have own transportation as travel will be required
• Primary hours will be daytime; Monday through Friday
• Interact with employees, management, community partners, service users and the public at large
• Work with those exhibiting risky behaviours
• May be exposed to infectious waste, disease and conditions
• Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, and lifting
• Manual dexterity required to operate computer and peripherals
• Overtime may be required
• In office and working from home to accommodate COVID-19 safety protocols
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply by submitting their cover letter and resume to: Jeannette Singh, Director of Housing jsingh@ywcaste.ca
Application deadline: Sept 13, 2023
The YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. If you require accommodations, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.