Youth Development Specialist

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 make 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 for young people to thrive. In this role you will help to design and strengthen systems that empower our community, working within a team that walks alongside youth every step of the way!

Reporting to the Team Leader, Youth Employment, the Youth Development Speacilist will support youth in achieving their employment goals and successfully transition to independence. The ideal candidate will be a strong case manager with the ability to navigate community resources and support youth in employment retention. Other characteristics include the following: effective communication, relationship building, a demonstrated ability to consistently meet program targets, effective conflict resolution skills, 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:

• Providing youth with retention support, including regular follow ups, mentorship, providing financial support, and collecting proof of employment.
• Strengthening employment opportunities by mediating youth concerns with employers, placement monitoring and coaching, and supporting youths with preparing for and attending interviews.
• Monitoring and achieving individual retention targets, as well as collecting proof of employment documentation.
• Allocating various support dollars to youth in need and tracking program financials
• Working closely with YOU’s Community Employment Specialists to support youth to obtain and retain meaningful employment
• Maintaining accurate and up to date case notes, completing paperwork and forms, and writing reports for funders, as required
• Ensuring data quality and data integrity on relevant electronic case management systems
• Working with youth from diverse cultural backgrounds and various mental health challenges
• Keeping current with prevailing local and regional and labour market conditions, demands, and expectations

Qualifications:

• University degree or minimum 2-year college diploma in human /social services from an accredited institution
• Prior experience working with a diverse population, including persons from diverse cultural backgrounds, and LGBTQ2S groups
• Proven ability to teach and mentor youth overcoming barriers to employment
• Proven crisis management and case management skills are an asset
• Ability to succeed in a target-based work environment
• Experience liaising with community agencies in a professional manner
• Strong case documentation, statistical reporting, file management and organizational skills
• Ability to balance supporting youth in need of immediate assistance, while handling multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines
• Experience working with youth affected by poverty, mental health, justice, addictions and homelessness
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office 365 as well as other software programs are 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
• Police Vulnerable Sector Check for youth population
• Knowledge of Housing First principles and philosophy
• Access to a reliable personal vehicle and possesses appropriate insurance coverage

Compensation and Commitment:

Hours of Work:

• Average of 35 hours per week; flexible scheduling depending on service needs
• Daytime, evening, weekend availability
• Flexibility in scheduling to meet program needs including evenings and weekends.

Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion: YOU is actively building a diverse board and workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, we promote employment equity and encourage candidates from Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities, 2SLGBTQI+ people, individuals with disabilities, women, and other people from communities facing systemic inequities. We recognize that structural barriers shape experiences and job qualifications. We encourage you to apply even if you feel the position would be a stretch.

Youth Opportunities Unlimited is committed to developing inclusive and barrier-free selection and appointment processes as well as work environments, in support of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation 191 11. Should an applicant require accommodation at any point during the recruitment process or as an employee during subsequent employment, they are invited to communicate and discuss their requirements with the YOU contact noted below.

Benefits and Perks: 
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your total well-being, including extended health and dental care, Group RRSP, a competitive vacation allowance, and professional development opportunities to support your continued growth.

• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• RRSP match
• Vision care