The ISSP Specialist is responsible for providing clinical services to youth who have serious mental health issues, Axis 1 diagnosis and are in conflict with the law. These services include individual and family and are delivered as part of a multi-disciplinary team. The ISSP Specialist will provide clinically focused, community based individualized treatment designed to appropriately meet the youth’s level of functioning. In addition, the service goal is to target those specific needs or problems that are recognized as contributing to the youth’s offending behaviour. The ISSP Specialist will collaborate with Probation Case Managers, school boards, community agencies, and other system partners and individuals involved with the youth.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience and a Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Child and Youth Care, or a related field.
• Registration with a relevant professional college (e.g., OCSWSSW, CRPO) is required.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working with youth in conflict with the law or in high-risk situations.
• Knowledge of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) and community-based alternatives to custody.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and crisis intervention skills.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Understanding of Ontario’s child welfare, youth justice, and mental health systems is an asset.

Clinical Support and Case Management

• Conduct bio-psychosocial assessments and develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with probation and community partners.
• Provide intensive clinical services, including weekly sessions with youth and families, in-home support, crisis intervention, and group facilitation.
• Coordinate care through a multidisciplinary approach, liaising with schools, probation officers, mental health professionals, and community agencies.
• Monitor, assess, and adjust treatment plans; make appropriate referrals; and support post-discharge planning.
• Provide advocacy and promote best practices to enhance service delivery.
• Contribute to program evaluation, research, and the development of new clinical approaches.
• Collaborate with and support team members, assuming case responsibility when needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Collaboration and Advocacy

• Work closely with probation officers, schools, mental health professionals, and other service providers.
• Advocate for youth access to education, employment, housing, and health services.
• Participate in case conferences and multidisciplinary team meetings.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, assessments, and reports.
• Ensure compliance with MCCSS standards and agency policies.
• Contribute to program evaluation and continuous quality improvement.