Community Youth Hub Diversion Worker

We don’t have a mold for you to fit. We have a mission for you to join!

Most jobs want you to button up and blend in. At Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU), we want the opposite. We want the unique perspectives, the diverse talents, and the personal story that makes you who you are. Why? Because the youth we serve are not one size fits all and the people who support them shouldn’t be either!

At YOU, we believe meaningful impact is built collectively, and that every role contributes to something bigger than itself. We value your ability to bring fresh ideas to the table and innovate new ways to steward and strengthen the financial systems that power our mission, working within a team that walks alongside youth every step of the way!

Build a community where youth are embraced, empowered, and thrive. Be bold. Be authentic. Be YOU

Reporting to the Community Youth Hub Team Leader, the Community Youth Hub Diversion Worker will be responsible for diversion support for youth experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness to secure a safe space to stay while working towards permanent housing. In this role, the Community Youth Hub Diversion Worker will develop and prioritize family reunification, housing, and community connection plans through case management with youth of various acuity levels. The Community Youth Hub Diversion Worker will provide outreach support to youth in the community and coordinate placement of youth in need of emergency shelter at the Youth Shelter and Community Youth Hub. The Community Youth Hub Diversion Worker takes a harm-reduction, trauma-informed approach and incorporates positive youth development and engagement into a Housing-First service orientation. Qualified candidates possess exceptional communication and de-escalation 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.

Specific responsibilities include but not limited to the following:

• Complete case management activities and coordinate support networks to achieve successful housing outcomes for youth
• Administer assessments to youth (e.g. TAY-VI-SPDAT) and initiate participant’s plans for housing as soon as possible (e.g. diversion, family reconnection, rapid rehousing, or shelter intake, etc.)
• Assist youth to achieve paper-readiness, including completing applications for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Ontario Works (OW), and acquiring other documentation
• Provide appropriate community referrals and supports to participants
• Write participant case notes, occurrence reports, and other documentation
• Provide outreach support and advocacy for youth facing various barriers
• 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
• Liaise with landlords to access housing for youth and prevent evictions
• Support Community Youth Hub programming, including direct-service shelter support and travel between sites

Qualification:

• 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 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

Hours of Work

• Average of 37.5 hours per week, flexible scheduling depending on service needs
• Daytime, evening, and weekend availability.
• This is a 10-month contract position.