POSITION: Child and Youth Worker
Classification: Days, evenings, weekends
Location: Pickering and Surrounding Durham Region
POSITION REPORTS TO: Program Manager and Program Assistant

WHO WE ARE:

Synergy Link™ is a multi-service agency that helps children, youth and adults experience new or challenging transitions with more ease through access to support, relief and resources.
At Synergy Link™ we ensure clients have someone supporting them throughout their journey to overcome a new or challenging stage in life. Our support is rooted in the power of connection and equitable care.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & GENERAL EXPERIENCE/SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of an academic discipline typically acquired through completion of a post-secondary degree or diploma (e.g. Behaviourial Science, Child and Youth Work/Child and Youth Care, Social Service Worker, Community Service Worker, Bachelor of Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Human Services, Sociology or equivalent).
• Minimum of 2-3 years experience with working with children and youth
• Knowledge of providing services from a trauma-informed, anti-Black racism and anti-oppressive framework and the demonstrated practical application of this framework
• Lived and work experience with Indigenous and Black individuals
• Knowledge of ABA interventions an asset
• Valid Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening completed and/or Broad Record Check
• Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act
• Nonviolent crisis intervention trained
• Current First Aid and CPR training or willing to obtain prior to hire
• Knowledge and understanding of mental health issues, advocacy, child development and parenting
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence
• Valid drivers license (preferred)
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle and $1,000,000. personal liability insurance or willing to obtain (preferred)
• Experience with working with Child Welfare

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

Respite Workers offers a child and youth-centred care for children 18 and under who have physical, mental, emotional and/or behavioural challenges. Respite Wellness Advocates provides direct temporary relief for families and support in-home and in the community.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: In Home and In Community
HOURS OF WORK: 4-12hr shifts
RATE OF PAY: $24 per hour

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promote mental wellness, safety and wellness of client
• In-home visits with client(s)
• Support client(s) with building a network of care
• Accompany client(s) on outings
• Weekly check-ins with client via your mutually agreed upon method of communication
• Liaise and referrals to community and government agencies
• Attend required and relevant trainings
• Maintains qualifications and certifications as required by the Synergy Link and provincial standard
• Complete a daily log of interaction with client
• Knowledge of Black and Indigenous cultures and dynamics.
• Provide evidence-based information to families regarding child(ren) and/or youth’s development under the supervision of supervisor.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, e-mail, Internet, Zoom and Microsoft Teams
• Coordinate weekly activities or outings
• Provides evidence-based information and referrals to community members when necessary
• Prepares and provides relevant information at shift change (When applicable)
• Provide supportive counselling
• Provide evidence-based information for clients regarding child development, mental health and behaviour management
• Support client with life skills development, financial literacy skills, behaviour management
• Support client with the development and implementation of self-care routine
• Support client with grounding techniques
• Support with personal care needs such as: toileting, feeding and dressing
• Support client with the use of assistive devices
• Provide crisis intervention with the use of Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques
• Report any serious occurrences with Program Manager and Program assistant immediately
• Prepare serious occurrence reports and/or incident report when necessary
• Develop and implement safety plans (when applicable)
• Develop plan of care with client
• Adheres to all policies and procedures of Synergy Link™