Transitional Housing Worker, STAY Program - Contract until October 2025

Regional Municipality of York, ON, Canada ● Richmond Hill, ON, Canada Req #306

360°kids is a vitally important community agency serving all of York Region. We have been a leader in the delivery of innovative support services for more than 35 years as we work to improve the lives of unhoused and marginalized youth and families in York Region. At 360°kids, we provide a unique continuum of care approach with programs and services that are essential to the health and well-being of youth. These proven strategies help to keep youth safe by providing stable housing options with 360° wraparound supports.

The STAY (Supportive Transitional Apartments for Youth) Transitional Support Worker will provide assessment and case management services to youth living in the apartment complex who are transitioning into independence. The Transitional Support Worker will provide collaborative, client-driven assessment; strengths-based, case management; referrals and warm transfers; life skills programming (e.g. workshops on health, cooking, budgeting, problem solving, conflict resolution, community living skills); assistance connecting with wraparound services; and assistance finding appropriate, affordable, and stable housing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist and provide support in the development of youth action plans. Coordinate action plan activities and monitor progress.
• Coordinate and facilitate life skills sessions, provide ongoing life skills support, mentoring and provide access to direct services to address issues youth are presently facing.
• Provide client focused informal counselling skills and role modelling in an adaptable and flexible approach taking into consideration the unique qualities of each client.
• Encourage and support clients to secure suitable housing within the community and assist youth to access various community programs regarding housing, mental health, etc.
• Work with youth to develop long term individual housing plans.
• Advocate on youth’s behalf and act as a positive role model for youth.
• Facilitate regular house meetings to focus on empowering youth to participate in communal living and take ownership of the environment they live in.
• Work with youth on developing a space to practice conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Refer youth to community resources and conducts warm introductions/transfers to help the youth develop strong networks and lasting relationships.
• With the Manager of Community Housing Programs support, create, and implement approved strategies and plans that will result in the achievement of the program’s goals and objectives.
• Report on a regular basis to regarding issues of need and/or concern.
• Follow appropriate policies and procedures of 360°kids. Ensure that the program operates in line with 360°kids’ mission, vision and values and activities comply with applicable standards and laws.
• Perform intakes, explain occupancy agreements and performs discharge duties and documentation.
• In the event of a crisis or critical incident, immediately report to appropriate level.
• Oversee the daily operations of the STAY Program apartments.
• Monitor health and safety of apartments, including ensuring maintenance and cleanliness of shared spaces.
• Assist youth in maintaining and cleaning their spaces though life skills and skill building.
• Represent the organization and program as required with various aspects of the community including; but not limited too; property management staff, schools, ODSP, York Regional Police and Children’s Aid Society and client family members.
• Connect with client family members to support and assist with family reintegration if/where possible.
• Liaise with neighbours, as necessary, to facilitate positive relations. Develop positive relationships with the communities being served by the program and with the general public.
• Collaborate with other departments to support STAY, including but not limited to Housing Workers, Youth Hub Staff and Transitions Program staff.

Education and Skills Required:

• Post-Secondary degree/diploma Child/youth related field (e.g. Child and Youth, Social Service Worker, Social Worker, Psychology, Sociology) or the equivalent combination of education and experience working with youth.
• Minimum of three years’ experience working with “at-risk” or street involved youth.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification, current vulnerable sector screening (criminal background check), car and valid driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract.
• Demonstrated extensive knowledge of working with youth, including understanding of the regulatory environment (e.g. CFSA).
• Demonstrated client focused counselling skills and role modelling.
• Must possess excellent communication skills and have the ability to be adaptable with a flexible approach taking into consideration the unique qualities of each client.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills that promote positive team building, negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Will possess a broad knowledge of community resources and the ability to strongly advocate for clients and professional referrals.

360°kids is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible organization. We are dedicated to having a workforce that reflects the diversity of York Region with a variety of perspectives and lived experiences. We welcome and encourage applicants from equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous, Black and racialized people, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities and individuals with lived experience of homelessness.

Accommodation will be provided throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants that require accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to notify the People and Culture Department when contacted for an interview. We will work with you to meet your access needs in an equitable and inclusive way.

Upon joining 360°kids, you'll be welcomed into a fun and collaborative environment where we truly value our employees and want to see them succeed. We thank everyone for their interest and appreciate the time put into applying, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.