Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Youth Outreach Worker Program supports at-risk and high-risk youth and their families to better navigate and connect with services and pro-social opportunities in their communities to improve youth outcomes.

The youth outreach workers provide a continuum of services including intensive one-on-one support to high-risk Black youth ages 12 to 29 and their families to prevent youth from further risk / violence. High-risk youth are youth who may be experiencing challenges related to mental health, addictions, trauma, relationship violence, human / sex trafficking and / or may be involved in criminal activities; and who have been involved in specific incidents or conflicts (fight at school, interaction with the police, sibling in conflict with the law) that increase their risks.

The definition of Black is being used in its most inclusive sense to reflect the diverse ancestry, origins and ethnic identities of individuals of African and Caribbean descent. The term is based on self-identification and is used by Statistics Canada.

This position is part of the Government of Ontario's initiatives to support underserved, high risk Black youth under the Ontario Youth Action Plan. As such, eligibility is limited to individuals who self-identify as Black.

All candidates must be available to work full time, have reliable access to transportation and willing to start immediately

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor of Social Work, Masters of Social Work and/or relevant experience, or Bachelors of Psychology, Counselling Psychology and eligible for certification / membership in a registered professional association Demonstrated proficiency in delivering focused, short-term counseling and crisis support to Black youth, addressing culturally specific challenges and ensuring connection to vital resources through strategic referrals and sustained advocacy. Skilled in coordinating and maintaining case plans for multiple high-risk Black youth and their families, ensuring culturally responsive support Proficient in building trust-based relationships with Black youth, fostering safe spaces for open dialogue, empowerment, and personal growth. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively, contributing effectively to team goals while excelling in self-directed roles and responsibilities. Proven ability to work co-operatively and negotiate effectively with diverse community groups and service providers across sectors, fostering strong partnerships and coordinated support networks. Ability to work full time, in-person (Monday to Friday) including flexible hours as needed Hold a G2 or equivalent driver's license and have access to a vehicle for work.
Cultural Experience:

Extensive understanding of the complex and intersecting needs of Black youth impacted by anti-Black racism, including mental health struggles, substance use, trauma, relationship violence, exploitation through human and sex trafficking, and involvement in criminalized systems. Awareness and cultural sensitivity toward the lived experiences, diverse identities, and distinct needs of Black youth from underserved communities, with a commitment to equity-driven support and inclusive engagement. Strong familiarity with the local community, including cultural dynamics and available programs and services, to effectively connect Black youth to appropriate supports, including mental health care, counseling, and culturally responsive resources. Extensive experience engaging with the Black community, with a focus on empowering Black youth and their families

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working as a part of the Youth Outreach Worker team, the Provincial Youth Outreach Worker will:

Provide short-term counseling and support to Black youth through the Stages of Change intervention model, adapted to align with the principles and structure of the Youth Outreach Worker Program. Collaborate to identify Black youth who may be in need of additional, intensive support services, and work towards aligning support services for individual Black youth. Develop and oversee a short-term case management plan for Black youth clients and support Black youth by: Recognizing their needs, strengths, aspirations, and goals, while actively supporting them in identifying and overcoming systematic and personal barriers to accessing essential services Support Black youth to build resilience, develop pro-social behaviors, and strengthen protective factors to reduce identified risk factors Support Black youth navigating additional risk factors and challenges, such as poor mental health due to anti-Black racism. Help Black youth in addressing the specific incidents and risk factors that may lead them into conflict with peers, family, and / or the law; Empowering Black youth to strengthen resilience, cultivate positive social behaviors, and implement protective strategies that support them in managing and reducing personal risk factors Providing Black youth with accessible information, resource contacts, and tailored referrals as needed to build personal assets and address critical needs (e.g., housing, employment, education, health care, recreation and social- emotional well- being.) Connect Black youth with relevant local resources while providing hands- on support to help them navigate systems and access essential services Provide short-term counseling to parents and family members, when needed, to support youth in addressing their needs, and referring parents and family members to other supports and services available in the community. Foster strong, collaborative relationships with professionals across internal teams and external organizations to ensure coordinated service delivery and holistic support for Black youth and their families. Maintain accurate and current service records within the Outreach system, ensuring compliance with reporting timelines and adherence to data integrity protocols to support effective service delivery and accountability. Assist if needed with other duties assigned by Program Director or Manager of HSDC
In collaboration with the Manager and team: The selected candidate will:

Actively promote the Youth Outreach Worker Program by establishing a strong, visible presence within the community to foster trust, engagement, and connection. Identify emerging issues, service gaps, and opportunities for strategic action to strengthen community capacity and enhance support systems for Black youth and their families. Identify staff development and training needs, and actively engage in professional development initiatives to enhance service delivery, build capacity, and maintain alignment with best practices and organizational goals. Adhere to evidence-based standards of practice grounded in the Stages of Change intervention model and a positive youth development framework, while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation such as the Child and Family Services Act and the Youth Criminal Justice Act.*
Implement evidence-based practices aligned in the Stages of Change model and Positive Youth Development framework, while maintaining compliance with applicable legislation (e.g Child and Family Services Act and the Youth Criminal Justice Act*) to ensure ethical, effective, and youth-centered service delivery.
Carry out other duties as assigned as part of the Youth Outreach Worker Program
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00-$28.00 per hour

Application question(s):

Do you self-identify as Black, as required by the Ontario Youth Action Plan for this position? (Yes/No) Do you have a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling Psychology, or a related field? (Yes/No) Do you have experience providing intensive, short-term counseling and support services to high-risk Black youth? (Yes/No) o Do you have experience working with Black youth facing challenges related to mental health, addictions, trauma, relationship violence, human/sex trafficking, or criminal involvement? (Yes/No) Are you able to work full-time, in-person (Monday to Friday) and have flexible availability as needed? (Yes/No) Do you have a valid G2 or equivalent driver's license and access to a vehicle for work? (Yes/No) Are you willing to provide a clear Vulnerable Sector Criminal Reference Check? (Yes/No)
Work Location: In person