Job Description

Friends of Ruby (FoR) is dedicated to the journey and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, aged 16-29 through mental health services, social services, and housing. FoR 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.

FoR 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+, BIPOC communities, and diverse backgrounds, meeting the requirements of the role.

Compensation: $48,000 – $60,000

Position Summary  

We are looking for a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to be our next Youth Program Worker (YPW) and support the organization’s efforts towards providing progressive support to 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.

The YPW creates and develops social and fun programming, allowing for discussion, growth, and wellness. The selected candidate must have experience with programming, crisis management, good communication skills and computer skills, as well as proven experience in supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.

The YPW provides support in our drop-in by interacting, facilitating respectful communication among the participants, and responding to escalating situations when needed. The YPW develops, implements, and coordinates service delivery through engagement activities for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, both individually through service plans and within a group setting. They also support and help with our daily food program, perform reception duties, set up the space before groups, clean up after groups, do purchasing when required, complete outreach and community engagement, and ensure COVID-19 protocols are in place and being followed to ensure the drop-in space runs in a safe and organized way.

The YPW must have combined lived experience, active listening, and engagement skills to offer youth-centered and trauma-informed supportive counselling, co-facilitating groups, and short-term/follow-up case management where applicable.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Utilizing strengths-based, trauma-informed, harm reduction approaches, the YPW will:

• Assess needs, research resources and options for participants, and follow up informally with participants working on short-term goal plans.

• Welcome and orient youth to FoR in an approachable, non-judgmental way, and maintain a safe, welcoming, organized, and calming space.

• Plan and facilitate individual and group programs and activities that support holistic wellness and are culturally relevant; implementing a harm reduction approach to all services offered.

• Coordinate and increase access to services and basic needs (i.e., food, hygiene, clothing, etc.).

• Support youth directly with needs including housing, employment, education, food security and cultural connections.

• Provide crisis intervention when necessary and follow up with youth.

• Develop, plan, and execute programs/services that meet the needs of youth both in person and online.

• Network, complete outreach, and work alongside community partners to meet the needs of youth.

• Monitor and carry out daily maintenance of the drop-in space such as ensuring infection-control and appropriate health and safety standards are met.

• Ensure youth voices are embedded in the development and operations of our programs.

• Respond to the changing needs and demands of youth by coordinating and implementing new programming.

• Provide skill development groups and workshops for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth that address issues including settlement, wellness, community, life skills, pre- employment, communication, and other related skill development areas and provide one on one support to youth as required.

• Create and implement a schedule of activities in response to individual need and emerging community issues as identified.

• Organize and participate in public education seminars, workshops, groups and training for youth, parents and service providers based on relevant and current research.

• Prepare and update outreach support materials including flyers, posters, email blasts and other promotional materials.

• Respond to and/or inform the Team Lead, Intake and Drop-In at the earliest point regarding potential safety or escalation concerns.

• Support volunteers and students in providing direct, positive, affirming, and inclusive support that can help to increase participant self-esteem, confidence, and social connections.

• Preparation, set up and closing of snacks and drinks area, and ensure clean up and maintenance of serving area during open program times.

• Support the Team Lead with tasks at the front desk such as signing in and registering new participants, answering the phone, etc.

Qualifications 

• Post-secondary education in social services, social sciences, or humanities and/or comparable work experience.

• 3+ years’ experience working with youth and/or in mental health and addictions services.

• Lived experience as a 2SLGBTQIA+ community is required.

• Ability to build rapport and to work with youth experiencing unstable housing, food insecurity, substance use and/or mental health issues, and knowledge of community resources relevant to youth.

• Experience facilitating activities and culturally based programming, with youth centered anti-oppressive, trauma-informed framework.

• Ability to respond to crisis and post-crisis situations.

• Willingness to engage in mental health, substance use and other necessary training to increase capacity and skills.

• Ability to develop collaborative working relationships with other staff members.

• MS Office and database computer skills.

• Current First Aid/CPR certification.

• Ability to work independently, multitask and remain calm in situations that involve multiple demands, demonstrating teamwork, flexibility, and initiative.

• A champion for DEI & 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.
• Must be qualified to legally work in Canada.
• Willing to work onsite Monday to Friday at the Drop-In Youth Centre.
• Willing to work at a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the Drop In, working evenings and weekends on occasions.
• Ability to travel to other community-based settings as needed.

FoR 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.

How to Apply

Job Categories: LGBT. Job Types: Full-Time. Job Tags: 2SLGBTQIA+, crisis intervention, Drop In, Friends of Ruby, Housing, Mental Health, social services, social work, social worker, youth, and Youth Program Worker. Salaries: Not Disclosed.

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