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 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 Team Leader, Youth Employment, the Youth Development Speacilist will support youth in achieving their employment goals and successfully transition to independence. The ideal candidate will be a strong case manager with the ability to navigate community resources and support youth in employment retention. Other characteristics include the following: effective communication, relationship building, a demonstrated ability to consistently meet program targets, effective conflict resolution skills, and hold values that support our corporate vision of being “A community where youth are embraced and will thrive”.
Other duties will be assigned as necessary. Qualified candidates possess exceptional communication and leadership skills, work well in a fast paced and dynamic environment, and hold values that support our corporate vision of being “A community where youth are embraced and will thrive”.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• University degree or minimum 2-year college diploma in human /social services from an accredited institution
• Prior experience working with a diverse population, including persons from diverse cultural backgrounds, and LGBTQ2S groups
• Proven ability to teach and mentor youth overcoming barriers to employment
• Proven crisis management and case management skills are an asset
• Ability to succeed in a target-based work environment
• Experience liaising with community agencies in a professional manner
• Strong case documentation, statistical reporting, file management and organizational skills
• Ability to balance supporting youth in need of immediate assistance, while handling multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines
• Experience working with youth affected by poverty, mental health, justice, addictions and homelessness
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office 365 as well as other software programs are required
• Suicide Prevention, Crisis Intervention and Prevention Training (PMAB or CPI) is an asset
• Flexibility in scheduling to meet program needs including evenings and weekends
• Police Vulnerable Sector Check for youth population
• Knowledge of Housing First principles and philosophy
• Access to a reliable personal vehicle and possesses appropriate insurance coverage

• Providing youth with retention support, including regular follow ups, mentorship, providing financial support, and collecting proof of employment.
• Strengthening employment opportunities by mediating youth concerns with employers, placement monitoring and coaching, and supporting youths with preparing for and attending interviews.
• Monitoring and achieving individual retention targets, as well as collecting proof of employment documentation.
• Allocating various support dollars to youth in need and tracking program financials
• Working closely with YOU’s Community Employment Specialists to support youth to obtain and retain meaningful employment
• Maintaining accurate and up to date case notes, completing paperwork and forms, and writing reports for funders, as required
• Ensuring data quality and data integrity on relevant electronic case management systems
• Working with youth from diverse cultural backgrounds and various mental health challenges
• Keeping current with prevailing local and regional and labour market conditions, demands, and expectations