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 Outreach Team Leader, this is a community-based outreach position, providing support to youth who are having difficulty accessing support and resources in the community. This position is expected to take an active role in developing community support in London and Middlesex, including for youth transitioning out of CAS care. The Youth Development Counsellor develops support plans with youth, assists youth in accessing resources, monitors the youth’s achievement of goals, and evaluates the success of the support plans to create positive and sustainable outcomes.
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Administering assessments to youth (e.g., VI-SPDAT) and initiating participants’ plans as soon as possible (e.g., diversion, family reconnection, rapid rehousing, or shelter intake, etc.).
- Mentoring youth with complex needs, including youth who may have experienced being trafficked, and who require support not limited to health, housing, employment, education, financial literacy, and relationships.
- Providing case management and service coordination for youth participants with complex needs within a Housing First-for-youth framework, including positive youth development and youth engagement
- Using motivational interviewing skills and assertive, objective-based interactions to guide participants in establishing achievable goal-oriented action plans relating to health, housing, employment, education, financial literacy, and relationships.
- Delivering appropriate outreach, crisis intervention, and harm reduction strategies for youth
- Working collaboratively with a team of youth counselors within a multi-service youth center
- Creating and maintaining detailed records and reporting through a case management model
- Ensuring all screening, intake, interventions, exits, and follow-up procedures are maintained.
- Providing YOU representation to relevant community networks, coalitions, and events as required
- Working collaboratively with community partners and referring agencies
Qualifications:
- University Degree or minimum 2-year College Diploma in human /social services from an accredited institution
- 3-5 years of experience in working with youth and extensive knowledge of local community-based programs
- Previous experience in case management and service coordination
- Excellent communication – written and oral competencies
- Strong interpersonal abilities and proven youth engagement strategies
- Flexibility, creativity, and initiative are essential.
- Ability to work various shifts and flexible hours, including days, evenings, and weekends.
- First Aid /CPR certification is required. Suicide Prevention, Crisis Intervention, and Prevention Training (PMAB or CPI) is an asset.
- Proficiency in working with Housing First approaches, specific to providing in-home support
- Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and meet targets and deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including SharePoint, Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Valid Ontario driver’s license: ability to travel throughout London & Middlesex
- Working knowledge of Webtracker and HIFIS is an asset.
- Proficiency in the French language is an asset
Hours of Work
- Average of 35 hours per week, flexible scheduling depending on service needs
- Daytime, evening, and weekend availability.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Expected hours: No less than 35 per week
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Wellness program
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
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 at Hr@you.ca
We thank all applicants for their interest. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the posting will remain open until the position is filled.
$23.08-$29.47 per hour
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