Housing Support Worker - Contract until October 2025

Regional Municipality of York, ON, Canada ● Richmond Hill, ON, Canada Req #329

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

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.

To provide youth aged 16-26 with assistance in securing appropriate housing within York Region by providing resources, referrals and advocacy services within their community; conducting housing searches; negotiating with landlords; assisting with government applications; providing community referrals and information on shelters and other similar programs; as well as conducting the intake process to our internal housing Programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Provides youth with assistance in securing appropriate housing within York Region, prioritizing youth who are navigating our emergency shelter program at 360kids.
• Conducts assessments and meetings with clients in a variety of locations, determines eligibility and makes recommendations based on needs.
• Answers calls from youth in need of housing services and assesses, intake or refers them as needed to 360°kids residential programs or outside agencies; answers calls from colleagues and partner agencies and provides guidance and access to 360°kids programs.
• Provides resources to youth in the form of referrals and advocacy services within their community, conducting housing searches, negotiating with landlords, assisting with government applications, providing community referrals and information on shelters and other similar programs.
• Advocate on youth’s behalf and act as a positive role model for youth.
• Participates in the intake process to our internal housing Programs.
• With the Manager of Housing Programs, supports, creates and implements approved strategies and plans that will result in the achievement of the program’s goals and objectives.
• Reports on a regular basis to the Manager of Housing Programs regarding issues of need and/or concern. In the event of a crisis or critical incident, immediately reports to appropriate level.
• Follows appropriate policies and procedures of 360°kids. Ensures that the program operates in line with 360°kids’ mission, vision and values and activities comply with applicable standards and laws.
• Completes all mandatory recording and reporting including daily documentation, statistical data collection and completing registration forms. Provides reports and related information to the Manager of Housing Programs as required.
• Participates in regular supervision meetings and performance appraisal meetings on a semiannual basis. Attends training workshops and relevant conferences that pertain to the role.
• Liaison with participants, parents, community partners, agencies, donors, coworkers and volunteers. Develops positive relations with the communities being served by the program and with the general public.
• Other duties as required.

Skills and Education Required

• Post-Secondary degree/diploma in 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 Broad Record Check, car and valid driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract.
• Thorough understanding of issues pertaining to youth tenancy and knowledge of relevant landlord/tenant legislation.
• Thorough understanding of issues pertaining to youth and knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Client-focused counselling skills with the ability to be adaptable with a flexible approach taking into consideration the unique qualities of each client.
• Must possess excellent communication skills, exceptional interpersonal skills that promote positive team building, negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Broad knowledge of community resources and the ability to strongly advocate for clients and professional referrals.
• Regular shift work and travel to various locations in a timely manner including working flexible hours, which may include evenings and weekends.
• Work in multiple 360°kids’ locations (i.e. Home Base and CONNECTIONS, SHINE, STAY, Head Office) and a variety of public locations.
• Transport of clients as the need arises, maintain adequate liability coverage at all times on personal vehicle.

Apply Today – We Review Applications as they come in!

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.

We recognize that lived experiences shape the way individuals navigate the workplace, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. If you are a member of an equity-deserving group and feel comfortable sharing this with us, we welcome you to do so. This information is completely voluntary and will be used solely to help us improve our hiring practices and workplace inclusivity.

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.