JOB POSTING
POSITION:
Youth Outreach Worker, R.I.T.E.S. Youth Justice Program
REPORTING TO:
Manager, Client Services, R.I.T.E.S. Program
POSITION TYPE:
Contract Full Time (35 hrs/week; 1 FTE), OPSEU Bargaining unit; Contract ending March 31st, 2027
POSTED DATE:
DECEMBER 13, 2024
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
DECEMBER 20, 2024
EXPECTED START DATE:
ASAP
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 are 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 Outreach Worker to join our R.I.T.E.S. Youth Justice team. The Youth Outreach Worker will be responsible for engaging Black, African, Afro-Caribbean and/or Afro-Latinx youth residing in Toronto who are at risk of becoming and/or who are actively involved in the youth justice system. This includes engaging with youth who are referred via Probation Services.
This position is a part of the CTYS clinical team (Youth Justice & R.I.T.E.S.) and will provide direct services: including informal counselling, short to medium term interventions, client outreach, facilitation of access to culturally relevant resources, client advocacy, and group work support (virtual / office based). This program places emphasis on building personal successes by focusing on mental health, building practical skills, discussing financial literacy, supporting employment and education goals, and by addressing the impacts of anti-Black racism in a wholistic manner. It also supports clients to build healthy interpersonal relationships and community connections, to access mentorship through Elders, to learn coping strategies and affect regulation skills, and to engage in goal planning.
As our new Youth Outreach Worker, R.I.T.E.S. Youth Justice you will:
1. Provide intake services, conduct brief service assessments, and develop individual client service plans and discharge plans
2. Provide counselling, service coordination and case management support through an Afrocentric lens to address need and goal areas related to mental health, youth justice involvement and systemic barriers
3. Provide support and interventions to address the complex and unique needs associated with Black youth. Direct service occurs primarily in community, detention centers and occasionally in office. Evening and weekend work may be required
4. Participate in all areas of program development, planning, implementation and outreach
5. Support enhancement of youths’ day to day functioning to increase capacity to manage and
tolerate moods and emotions, to reduce self-harm and to decrease high-risk behaviours
6. Assess youths’ risk in order to develop and implement safety planning, to engage crisis
intervention services in an effort to reduce risk and increase overall stabilization
7. Provide advocacy and resource supports to youths and their families as needed
8. Focus on prevention and collaboration through the building and maintaining of community networks and partnerships
9. Facilitate end of service access and transitions to culturally relevant mental health services and resources
10. Participate in program evaluation and quality improvement strategies
11. Ensure up-to-date maintenance of client files and completion of any serious occurrences reporting in accordance with CTYS accreditation standards
12. Other duties as assigned
WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE TEAM
§ BSW or other relevant degree / discipline or equivalent combination of education, experience and training
§ Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years’ progressive experience working with young people
involved in the youth justice system
§ Identify as a member of the Black / African diasporic community
Skills, Attributes and Abilities
§ Understanding of the Rites of Passage model, with expertise in Afrocentric program development
§ Substantial understanding of the impact Anti-Black racism has on Black youth and their families, inclusive of the effects on their overall mental health and well-being
§ Demonstrate knowledge of Toronto’s diverse Black communities and services
§ Demonstrate knowledge of the youth justice system and relevant social service resources, child and youth serving systems, the YCJA, and the CFSA
§ Understanding of and commitment to anti-oppressive and anti-racist theory and practices
§ Knowledge and skills in assessment, counselling, case management and case coordination with youth experiencing mental health challenges, utilizing strength-based approaches
§ Demonstrated ability to provide supports, counselling, and interventions to address the complex and unique needs associated with Black youth
§ Demonstrated skill and experience working in community settings, with knowledge of community safety protocols, crisis prevention and intervention techniques, and proper assessment for safety concerns
§ Knowledge of adolescent development, family systems theory, CBT, trauma informed care and practice, relational work, and conflict resolution models
§ Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proficiency in case notes and report writing
§ Proficient in use of computers and software applications
§ Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues and Manager
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
§ Valid Ontario Driver’s License and access to use of a car required due to outreach nature of the
position
§ Ability to work flexible hours in office, in detention centers and within community (some evenings and weekends)
§ Proficiency in a second language is an asset
§ Familiarity with youth engagement strategies is an asset
§ COVID vaccinations required
WHAT WE OFFER:
§ Vacation: 15 days first year prorated, 20 days after one year of service prorated
§ Personal Leave: 15 days
§ Religious, Spiritual, Cultural or Observances 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 at 3 months of employment.
§ RRSP: OPTrust Pension: EE-3% and ER -3%. In addition, ER contributes 2.5% towards RRSP at 3 months of employment.
§ Compensation: Competitive salary & support during approved medical leave (sick-leave, LTD).
§ Flexibility: Flexible work week (includes evenings & limited weekends)
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: careers@ctys.org
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 traditional 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 careers@ctys.org of the nature of any accommodation(s) you may require. Any information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 26 months
Pay: $63,108.92-$75,355.35 per year
Additional pay:
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Flexible language requirement:
Schedule:
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Work Location: In person
