Friends of Ruby is dedicated to the journey and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, aged 16-29 through mental health services, social services, and housing. Friends of Ruby offers Youth Mental Health services, a Youth Drop-In Centre, and a Transitional Home. The Centre provides access to barrier-free counselling and therapeutic groups, case management and a drop-in space with hot meals, community, and comprehensive programming. The Home provides transitional and emergency housing, mental health, and life-skills to support youth moving towards independent living.

Friends of Ruby recognize that a diverse work force is critical to accomplishing our mission. Our goal is to attract and develop incredibly talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We strongly encourage applicants from the 2SLGBTQIA+, Allies, BIPOC and ACB communities, and diverse backgrounds that meet the requirements of the role.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Housing Manager, the Residential Housing Worker (RHW) will be responsible to facilitate life-skills workshops and respond to escalating situations, applying de-escalation and crisis intervention techniques. The RHW will connect youth to resources to end homelessness by offering rental subsidies, emotional support, system navigation, coaching, and crisis support. This role will support youth to identify, activate, and enhance natural support in their lives.

Friends of Ruby uses individualized coaching to help increase resilience and improve life skills in the areas of personal safety, accessing resources, housing and basic needs, and communication skills, identifying and achieving personal goals, connection to school and/or employment, and increasing optimism for the future. This position will support youth to identify, activate, and enhance natural support in their lives through accessing services from FoR at the Transitional House, while working collaboratively with other health and human service providers.

Duties & Responsibilities

Youth Support:

• Provide individual coaching/support to youth and assist them in developing and implementing a goal plan.
• Facilitate programming to help youth build life skills (i.e. financial literacy, cooking, problem-solving, conflict resolution and communication skills).
• Provide systems navigation and case management to help youth access appropriate internal and external services.
• Intervene with de-escalation techniques to support youth in crisis situations.
• Liaison between families, social workers, school representatives, doctors, and other professionals involved with the youth.
• Work collaboratively with youth to address their full range of needs to achieve short-and long-term intervention goals using strengths based, client centered, anti-oppressive, harm reduction, youth development approaches.
• Develop and maintain professional and trusting relationships with youth that encourage positive social and emotional development.

Documentation and Administration

• Document intake and discharge records, shift change notes, youth wellbeing and illness log, casework meetings, goal plans, safety plans, care plans, service restrictions, incidents, and interaction reports.
• Complete and manage youth surveys and assist with food preparation in the kitchen and serving meals.
• Conduct weekly suite checks to ensure residents keep their suites clean and organized.
• Provide a weekly detailed report related to repairs required for each unit.
• Attend monthly housing meeting as required.
• Attend required training opportunities within a timely as directed by the Housing Manager and Director, Transitional Housing.

Teamwork and Collaboration:

• Collaborate with Case Workers, Youth Program Workers, and Clinical Counselors to ensure wrap-around supports for youth.
• Support youth with focused problem solving in areas including housing, employment, education, medical issues, mental health issues, legal/financial assistance, Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, immigration/refugees/newcomer support etc.; advocating for adequate service, treatment models and resources.
• Assist in the assessments of participants’ needs and updating the plan of care as required.
• Assist in developing a comprehensive participant discharge plan to address ongoing support needs, crisis contact information, and additional resources to support as required.

Community Relations:

• Participate in consultation services and case conferences with service providers to discuss care plans and service needs.
• Collaborate with referral agencies when appropriate for identification of client needs.
• Connect with formal and informal supports, peer support, professional services, and resources to promote youth recovery, improve their quality of life, and reduce the likelihood of relapse.
• Research and connect youth to community resources which recognize and address the unique needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.
• Coordinate internal and external services and advocate on behalf of the participant to ensure appropriate and timely services.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in the social work, social sciences/human services field or equivalent combination of education, experience and training will be considered.
• 3+ years of experience in crisis intervention and de-escalation.
• Lived experience as a member of 2SLGBTQIA+community.
• Experience working with marginalized groups and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, in a transitional or emergency shelter setting.
• Ability to manage high stress situations (i.e., crisis and conflict) calmly and confidently.
• Knowledge and understanding of Housing First for Youth and harm reduction models.
• Knowledge of Toronto Shelter Standards and SMIS; Apricot is considered an asset.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification.

• A champion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & ARAO, including but not limited to:
  • Ability to navigate and communicate effectively in diverse environments;
  • Understanding of the broader social and cultural contexts that impact DEI efforts;
  • Understanding of equity issues and a commitment to promoting fairness and equality;
• Excellent communication skills with an emphasis on inclusive language.

Additional Requirements:

• Satisfactory clearance under the Vulnerable Sector Police Check Program.
• Legally eligible to work in Canada.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to travel to other community-based settings as required.

Location: Downtown Toronto, Ontario.

Friends of Ruby is dedicated to fostering an inclusive selection process and work environment, guided by their Race Relations and Employment Equity Policies. If selected for an interview, please inform the hiring manager or the People and Culture team of any accommodation you may require during the interview process.