Job Description

June 23, 2025

Posting #1493

YouthLink believes in the potential of every youth. We are dedicated to providing them with the support, guidance and opportunities they need to make positive life choices. We provide youth with brief and ongoing counselling, in-home wraparound support, shelter, housing, educational support, and safe drop-in spaces.

YouthLink works towards equitable outcomes for youth in our community and, as such, is committed to equity-based hiring practices.

We welcome applications from candidates who reflect the communities we serve, particularly candidates from Black communities, Indigenous communities, and racialized people, persons with disabilities, members of diverse gender identities and people with lived experiences. We are seeking candidates who demonstrably operate and practice from an equity and trauma-informed lens. We encourage applications from passionate professionals who will help us dismantle systemic barriers and will embrace working outside of Euro-centric practices.

YouthLink Benefits are Top of Class!

Competitive pay

Health & dental coverage for you and your family with 100% premium cost paid by employer.

*Annual vacation with pay at 1.66 working days for each calendar month to a maximum of

20

working days per year.

*5

'authorized absence' days for family illness or emergency circumstances that prohibit employees from reporting to work.

*3

paid agency days every calendar year after 3 calendar months' service.

Maternity / parental /adoption leave top-up payments (to top-up Canadian government unemployment benefit payments)

100% premium cost for long-term disability coverage paid by employee.

Eligibility to participate in pension plan after 2 years of continuous service with generous matching contribution from employer.

(pro-rated for part-time employees according to the employee's full-time equivalency (FTE))*

Shelter Youth Worker

(Temporary Full-time 35 hours per week)

Starting ASAP - August 30, 2026)

Bargaining Unit Position

The Shelter Youth Worker is responsible for supervising and assisting residents during overnight shifts, ensuring their safety, well-being, and adherence to agency policies. Overnight Youth workers will be expected to model a collaborative, cooperative approach focused on the personal, social, cultural and educational development of the residents. This role involves intake and reception duties, crisis intervention, maintaining cleanliness, documenting interactions, participating in meetings and training, promoting inclusivity and diversity, and representing the agency professionally. Staff will be expected to practice within a framework that is a strengths-based relationship-based philosophy of care and a belief in the resilience of youth.

Highlights of Your Role

Supervision and Assistance (Bedtime/Morning Routine, Crisis Intervention, Safety Checks):

Supervise bedtime and morning routine activities of all residents, arrange for wake up calls for residents who request them; development of temporary case plan based on identified needs, respond to crisis intervention in situations of medical/physical emergencies and for youth who have experienced trauma.

Ensure the safety and well being of resident through conducting safety checks. Manage crisis intervention, respond to crisis situations following appropriate procedures, ensures debrief process for youth. Addresses behavior issues on the spot and consults with team and on-call manager if need be. Ensures that staff acts in accordance with the Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity Plan. Work safely in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Agency Health and Safety Manual

Intake and Orientation:

Ensure warm welcome of residents, conduct intake interview of potential residents for emergency shelter, orient new residents and redirect admissions, when appropriate. Assess and address the immediate needs of the resident, orientation to shelter rules and expectations. Ensure that all administrative duties are completed and entered into the database at time of intake.

Intake and reception function on a 24 hour basis; admit and discharge as required; Facilitate intake and triage processes for clients; make necessary referrals to case management services or external services; store and properly document belongings of clients who have booked out or been discharged; monitoring building to ensure safety, management of external environment, completing building and bed checks and searches, if required.

Documentation and Administrative Tasks:

Documents according to professional standards any significant interaction with residents, maintains appropriate documentation in case file and logs, completes incident reports, police reports, under age contact reports, child protection reports, safety plans and medical feedback forms. Log and record medications and usage. Ensure information regarding service delivery is logged and recorded into the client information database by the end of each shift. Ensure safety and security of clients, guests, staff and property

Maintenance and Cleanliness:

Maintain the cleanliness of the program area by assisting and maintaining the general cleanliness of the shelter including keeping workspace tidy, laundering of linens, and preparing space for food service, clean up and ensure all supplies are readily available.

Keep all programming areas clean and tidy, disinfecting furniture, remake resident rooms after discharge, adhere to health and safety requirements.

Identify and respond to issues related to the building and mechanical systems and ensure health and safety compliance with health standards.

Monitor building and mechanical systems, address issues promptly and ensure compliance with health standards.

Documentation and Reporting:

Documents according to professional standards any significant interaction with residents, maintains appropriate documentation in case file and logs, completes incident reports, police reports, under age contact reports, child protection reports, safety plans and medical feedback forms.

Complete daily logs, record medications and usage in the client information database (EMHware, SMIS) by the end of each shift.

Ensure safety and security of clients, guests, staff and property.

Professional Development and Collaboration:

Participates in individual supervision meetings, team meetings, case conferences, workshops and committees as required.

Actively contributes to the Agency's Strategic Plan by participating in initiatives and committees to support the overall Plan.

Participate in all mandatory professional training provided by the Agency.

Represent the Agency in a professional manner when dealing with families, external professionals, general public and community partners.

Promote an environment of inclusion that promotes equity and respects diversity.

Health and Safety Compliance:

Follow policies, procedures, and safe practices to protect own and others' health and safety.

Maintain required certifications (First Aid/CPR, CPI/SMG), complete necessary training, and ensure medical clearances.

Other duties as assigned

Equity, Diversity and Belonging:

Proactively stays updated on best practices as it relates Equity, Diversity and Belonging. Works collaboratively with ABR Committee and Director of Anti-Racism, Equity, Inclusion and Community to embed best practices into all operational goals and processes.

Supports Organization's Strategy:

Actively contributes to the Agency's Strategic Plan by participating in initiatives and committees to support the overall Plan.

Takes all reasonable and necessary precautions to protect his or her own health and safety and that of co-workers by complying and demonstrating knowledge of the policies, procedures and safe practices established by YouthLink.

Highlights of What You Bring

Education (degree/diploma/certifications)

Minimum Diploma in Child and Youth Worker or Social Service Worker Diploma or a combination of directly related education and experience.

Valid First Aid / CPR certification is an asset.

Valid CPI/SMG certification (Crisis Prevention Intervention) is an asset.

Experience

Minimum of 1-year experience as a front-line worker, preferably in a residential, housing, outreach, or shelter setting.

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

Demonstrates a commitment to inclusiveness diversity and anti-oppressive practices

Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.

Knowledge of adolescent developmental theory and specific issues related to street youth.

Understanding of the complex issues facing our clients

Appreciation of the importance of engaging youth and families from a strengths-based relationship-based approach

Sensitivity to and ability to work with a diverse client and staff group

Sound knowledge of the issues facing homeless and street-involved youth.

Sound knowledge of the City of Toronto Hostel Standards and all other applicable legislation (CFSA, YCJA, Mental Health Act, etc.)

Knowledge of relevant community resources.

Ability to exercise professionalism and sound judgment in conflictual and stressful situations

Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills

Strong administrative and organizational skills

Completion of required suicide prevention and intervention training

Flexible person, team player who has strong organizational skills, time management skills, the ability to multi-task, shift priorities, handle interruptions and meet deadlines

Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate in both official languages and/or other languages is a definite asset

Ability and discretion to deal tactfully with different clientele who can at times be difficult/aggressive

Demonstrated proficiency in the range of Microsoft Office products (intermediate Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet mandatory. Proficient and accurate keyboard skills.

Ability and discretion to maintain sometimes delicate and confidential information.

Attention to details and high level of accuracy

Other Requirements

Broad Record Police Check required.

Medical clearance including tuberculosis testing is required.

Ability to work in a pet friendly environment.

Work Hours and Working Conditions:

35 working hours per week.

Sunday to Thursday (12midnight - 8am)

Must be able to obtain a Broad Record Police Check.

Proof of 2 Step TB tests required.

Ability to work in a Pet Friendly Shelter.

Salary:

Starting $50,105

Full job description available here

: https://youthlink.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/JD-Shelter-Youth-Worker-Day-Full-time-Overnight.pdf

How to Apply:

Submit application to

shelterposting@youthlink.ca - Please quote posting #1491 in the subject line.

As an organization committed to equity and justice in our community, we believe lived experience and knowledge of equity, diversity, belonging and anti-Black racism is a critical component in our recruitment process. If you have a disability and require accessibility accommodations with the application process, please contact accessibility@youthlink.ca

Job Posting Closing Date is: Open until Filled.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: $50,105.00 per year

Schedule:

8 hour shift Night shift
Work Location: In person