Youth Development Counsellor (Youth in Transition)

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 own 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 Outreach Team Leader, the Youth Development Counsellor, 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, or identified as experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, human trafficking. 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. Qualified candidates possess exceptional leadership and community development skills, effective youth engagement strategies work well in a fast-paced and dynamic team environment,t 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:

• 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.