Be the best YOU!
Being a part of Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) means you have a shared passion for supporting youth in reaching their full potential. YOU is a place where your unique background, perspectives, and talents are valued, and help innovate new program ideas to best support youth in our community.
You can make your impact here! Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where the work you do is truly valued. You will have the freedom to excel in your way by serving young people and knowing you are making a difference for our community.
Come be a part of a team that works alongside youth as they work on goals and be there to celebrate when they achieve those milestones. Help us continue creating a community where youth are embraced and will thrive.
Reporting to the Youth Wellness Hub Team Leader, the Housing Aftercare Worker will be responsible for providing support to youth graduates of the Rapid Rehousing or Housing First for Youth housing programs who have identified as in need of less intensive follow up support. Other duties will be assigned as necessary. Qualified candidates possess exceptional communication and leadership skills, work well in a fast paced and dynamic environment, and hold values that support our corporate vision of being “A community where youth are embraced and will thrive”.
Responsibilities:
- Complete light touch case management activities and coordinate support networks to achieve successful housing outcomes for youth
- Administer assessments to youth (e.g. Y-SPDAT) and provide feedback for SMART goal setting
- Assist with eviction prevention when needed, including liaising with landlords and advocating for youth
- Provide appropriate community referrals and supports to youth
- Engage and support youth with basic life skill building, including budgeting, grocery shopping, meal planning, and pursuing education and employment
- Encourage youth to participate in meaningful daily activities and integrate into community based on individual interests
- Write participant case notes, occurrence reports, and other documentation
- Receive and distribute donations and maintain basic needs and food bank items
- Work from a harm reduction and trauma-informed approach, utilizing compassion and de-escalation strategies to support youth experiencing crisis, mental health imbalance, or behavioral challenges in accordance with policies and procedures
- Assist and maintain general cleanliness of the site including keeping workspaces tidy, laundering linens, preparing food, clean-up and ensuring all supplies are available
- Support programming, including drop-in support and travel between site
Qualifications:
- Completion of post-secondary education at a college or university level in a human relations or social services field or combined equivalent education and a minimum of 2 years related case management experience
- Extensive knowledge of local services and supports for youth
- Experience working with youth experiencing homelessness and affected by poverty, trauma, mental health imbalance, substance use, and the justice system
- Knowledge of Housing First principles and philosophy
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with a diverse population, including persons from various cultural backgrounds, 2SLGBTQIA+ groups, and youth
- Strong case documentation, statistical reporting, file management, and organizational skills
- Ability to build interpersonal and supportive relationships with youth clients
- Ability to handle a large client caseload, multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines
- First Aid/CPR certification required
- Suicide Prevention, Crisis Intervention and Prevention Training (PMAB or CPI) is an asset
- Flexibility in scheduling to meet program needs, including evenings and weekends
- Clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check for youth population
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office 365 including Word, Outlook, Excel and SharePoint as well as other online software programs required
- Working knowledge of Webtracker and HIFIS is an asset
- Valid Ontario G Class driver’s license in good standing, proof of insurance, and vehicle with ability to travel within Southwestern Ontario
- Ability to work day and afternoon shifts Monday-Friday, and some weekends depending on program needs