Youth Worker (Full time)

at  Kennedy House

ABOUT US

Kennedy House (KH) is a not-for-profit organization with a long-standing dedication to providing exceptional personalized care for youth in the Greater Toronto Area for over 50 years. KH started with an initial family-like group home in 1971 and currently operates several residential and community-based programs, for marginalized and at-risk youth, including:

• One residential home for young people in care;
• Three homes for youth and young adults living with developmental disabilities;
• A Day Treatment school program for youth struggling in the typical school setting;
• Kennedy House Youth Centre, a secure custody facility for male youth experiencing conflict with the law;
• Bailiff services to safely and securely transport youth experiencing conflict with the law;
• Kennedy House After School Program for children aged 4-13 in underserved communities throughout Scarborough; and
• Kennedy House Youth Shelter, for youth aged 16-24 experiencing homelessness.

KH works with youth to enable them to grow as individuals and contribute as members of the community. This is achieved by providing customized support and building trusting relationships.
To learn more about our organization and the causes we support, we strongly encourage you to visit our website.

POSITION SUMMARY

Are you a university or college recent graduate or a seasoned security or correctional officer looking for a rewarding career in corrections? Look no further! Kennedy House is looking for dynamic, consultative, and results-driven professionals just like you to join our team in the role of Youth Workers (YW). There are currently a number of full-time male and female designated positions available at our Youth Centre in Ajax, Ontario.
The KH - Youth Justice Division is a 24/7 secure custody/detention facility for male youth that have either been charged or currently awaiting sentencing of a serious crime committed in the community. A serious crime, is a crime that if committed by an adult a sentence of five years or more will be awarded.
Reporting to the YW Supervisor(s) and indirectly to the Program Coordinator and Superintendent, the incumbent will provide services and supervision both individually and as part of a multi-disciplinary team within a 24/7 youth justice secure detention facility. The YW is responsible for the care and safety of the clients residing in the facility while performing a full range of duties related to the rehabilitation, supervision and reintegration of youth in the community, including participation in appropriate structured rehabilitative programs and services. The ideal candidates(s) must also enjoy working with people in a secure environment.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma is required
• College Diploma in Child and Youth Worker/Corrections Diploma or a University Degree in youth justice studies or related field with emphasis in behaviour management, adolescent development, and knowledge of family group dynamics or security guard license with prior corrections experience is preferred

QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior experience specifically related to working with youth experiencing conflict with the law is considered an asset. This may include placement experience.
• Knowledge of various youth justice related legislation (i.e. Youth Criminal Justice Act, Child, Youth and Family Services Act, Human Rights Code).
• Knowledge of various sociological issues impacting on youth (e.g. poverty, family violence and abuse, sexual abuse, substance abuse, gang involvement, peer-on-peer violence; racial issues; and societal issues that put youth at risk of offending behaviour; and human rights issues);
• Knowledge of mental health and behavioural disorders, abnormal and deviant psychology, symptoms and causes of deviant behaviour, and cognitive behavioural intervention-philosophy and techniques, as well as, knowledge and understanding of youth/adolescent development.
• Cultural competency skills and the ability to be inclusive of diversity
• Current certification in CPR Level C and First Aid Level C is mandatory within 30 days of hire
• Current certification in CPI
• Valid Class G Driver’s License and clean Driver’s Abstract is required
• Current (within 6 months) Police Check and Vulnerable Sector Search must be provided
• Advanced communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with youth
• Good interviewing, coaching, counselling, facilitation and team building skills
• Basic to intermediate computer skills with the ability to operate various business software and operational systems (e.g., Windows, Microsoft Word, etc.)
• Maintain all required immunizations and vaccines

BONA FIDE OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

As an Ontario Government licensed male Youth Secure Custody and Detention Facility we are required to maintain a 1 staff to 5 youth ratio. We use a 2 male to 1 female staffing model in support of this requirement.

• Participates in daily interactions, supervision and provision of services to address youths’ emotional, clinical, educational, physical, family, spiritual, social, legal and cultural needs
• Observes relationships among youth and recognize changes in individual and group dynamics
• Models and reinforces positive interpersonal relationships
• Implements appropriate behaviour management techniques to promote stability and effect change where necessary
• Maintains required written records of all youth behaviours including all significant interaction with the youth
• As part of a multi-disciplinary team, contributes knowledge, observations and assessments to develop and maintain case management and scheduling that provide appropriate programs and unit monitoring to improve outcomes for youth
• Prepares documentation and maintains up to date and accurate files for assigned youth in keeping with case management expectations
• Maintains security requirements of the Youth Centre such as key control, regular formal/informal counts, and appropriate searching of youth, their living areas, and Youth Centre property for irregularities affecting safety/security and take corrective action while adhering to established policies, procedures and protocols
• Maintains constant and ongoing interaction with youth for the purpose of a safe, positive environment, the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of youth, and community safety
• Performs other duties as required