Community Youth Hub Diversion Worker

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 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, or to remain housed. In this role, the Community Youth Hub Diversion Worker will develop and prioritize family reunification, housing, and community connection plans with youth. The Community Youth Hub Diversion Worker will liaise with landlords to provide housing support to youth accessing services through the Youth Shelter, Youth Action Centre, and Community Youth Hub, as well as youth admitted to London Health Sciences Centre’s Victoria Hospital. 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 are 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. VI-SPDAT) and initiate participant’s plans for housing as soon as possible (e.g. diversion, family reconnection, rapid rehousing, shelter intake, etc.)
• Assist youth in achieving paper-readiness, including completing applications for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), and Ontario Works (OW), and acquiring other documentation, including identification
• Provide appropriate community referrals and support to participants
• 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 working sites, including keeping workspaces tidy, laundering linens, preparing food, clean-up, and ensuring all supplies are available
• Support YOU programming, including direct-service shelter support and travel between sites.

Qualifications:

This position requires the following:

• 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 support 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 Web tracker 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 11:00 am-7:00 pm shift Wednesday-Sunday

Hours of Work:

• Average of 37.5 hours per week, flexible scheduling depending on service needs
• Daytime, evening, and weekend availability.