The objective of a Youth Support Worker is to ensure that the short term physical and emotional needs of youth are met; to provide crisis counseling to youth and their families through effective assessment, case management and appropriate referrals. Demonstrate crisis intervention skills, in particular around issues of suicidal ideation, mental health and addictions issues. Actively participate as part of a case management team. Complete effective and accurate screening and assessments of the youth. Liaison with other community services utilizing a collaborative approach to integrated case management. Support youth to participate in their plan through the development and implementation of healthy goals/choices.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Well established understanding of child and youth development.
• Well established understanding of youth/family engagement skills, and intervention approaches.
• Established practice in maintaining appropriate and confidential boundaries and other basic professional ethics.
• Established practice involving families, the foster care system, community, intervention programs, the Ministry of Children and Families and other systems in service planning with youth and families.
• Demonstrated awareness of community resources for youth and families.
• Demonstrated ability to work constructively and cooperatively in a team setting, in group or a one-on-one setting.
• Demonstrated ability to use basic engagement techniques and evidence-based counselling.
• Ability to apply professional ethics to the general work situation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective collaborative and constructive liaisons/relationships with a variety of individuals and groups, including clients, families, MCFD, other agencies etc. and provide effective community referrals.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation, confidentiality and duty to report practices.
• Prepare and deliver appropriate, clear and concise oral and written communication.
• Good organization, time management skills.
• Self-motivated/take initiative
• Ability to perform basic computer skills.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of one year’s experience which includes: knowledge and experience with vulnerable/high risk youth and their families, experience working with high risk youth in a counselling or other helping capacity and experience with community based programs and related community support systems.

Please refer the Job description for details