Youth Outreach Worker, R.I.T.E.S. Youth Justice Program

Youth Outreach Worker, R.I.T.E.S. Youth Justice Program
Contract Full Time (35 hrs/week; 1 FTE), OPSEU Bargaining unit; Contract ending March 31st, 2027

Reporting to: Manager, Client Services, R.I.T.E.S. Program

Location: 65 Wellesley St. E., Suite 300, Toronto

WHO WE ARE
Central Toronto Youth Services is an award winning non-for-profit community-based accredited Children’s Mental Health organization that serves Toronto’s most vulnerable youth ages 13- 17, young adults ages 18 -24, and their families across Toronto. As part of the community since 1973, CTYS provides equitable evidence-informed mental health services to youth and young adults, their families and the greater community including R.I.T.E.S., Day Programs, Pride and Prejudice Programs, Youth Justice and Family Outreach Programs, Community and School Outreach Programs, Early Intervention Programs, and Transitional Aged Youth Programs.

CTYS programs are primarily funded by the Government of Ontario via the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
We are seeking a Youth Outreach Worker to join our R.I.T.E.S. Youth Justice team. The Youth Outreach Worker will be responsible for engaging Black, African, Afro-Caribbean and/or Afro-Latinx youth residing in Toronto who are at risk of becoming and/or who are actively involved in the youth justice system. This includes engaging with youth who are referred via Probation Services.

This position is a part of the CTYS clinical team (Youth Justice & R.I.T.E.S.) and will provide direct services: including informal counselling, short to medium term interventions, client outreach, facilitation of access to culturally relevant resources, client advocacy, and group work support (virtual / office based). This program places emphasis on building personal successes by focusing on mental health, building practical skills, discussing financial literacy, supporting employment and education goals, and addressing the impacts of anti-Black racism in a holistic manner. It also supports clients to build healthy interpersonal relationships and community connections, to access mentorship through Elders, learn coping strategies and affect regulation skills, and to engage in goal planning.

As our new Youth Outreach Worker, R.I.T.E.S. Youth Justice you will:

• Provide intake services, conduct assessments, and develop individualized service and discharge plans.
• Provide support and interventions to address the complex and unique needs associated with Black youth. Direct service occurs primarily in community, detention centers and occasionally in office. (Evening and weekend work may be required)
• Support Black youth with interventions in the community, detention centers, and occasionally the office (evening / weekend work may be required).
• Contribute to program development, planning, and outreach efforts.
• Enhance youth’s emotional regulation, reduce self-harm, and to decrease high-risk behaviours.
• Assess risk and implement safety plans, including crisis interventions to stabilize youth.
• Advocate for and connect youth and families with necessary resources.
• Promote prevention and build collaborative community networks and partnerships.
• Facilitate transitions to culturally relevant mental health services and resources at the end of service.
• Participate in program evaluation and continuous quality improvement through assessments and surveys.
• Maintain accurate client files, case notes, and reports in compliance with CTYS accreditation standards.
• Other duties as assigned

WHAT WILL YOU BRING TO THE TEAM

• BSW or other relevant degree / discipline or equivalent combination of education, experience and training.
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years’ progressive experience working with young people involved in the youth justice system.
• Identify as a member of the Black / African diasporic community.

Skills, Attributes and Abilities

• Expertise in the Rites of Passage model and Afrocentric program development.
• Strong understanding of the impact of Anti-Black racism on Black youth and families, including its effect on mental health and well-being.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Toronto’s diverse Black communities and services.
• Familiarity with the youth justice system, social service resources, YCJA, and CFSA.
• Commitment to anti-oppressive and anti-racist practices and theories.
• Proficient in assessment, counselling, case management, and coordination with youth facing mental health challenges, using strength-based approaches.
• Experience providing support and interventions for the unique needs of Black youth.
• Skilled in community-based work, including crisis prevention, intervention techniques, and safety assessments.
• Understanding of adolescent development, family systems, CBT, trauma-informed care, relational work, and conflict resolution.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proficiency in case notes and report writing.
• Proficient with computers and software applications.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and management.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Ontario Driver’s License and access to use of a car are required due to outreach nature of the position.
• Ability to work flexible hours in office, in detention centers and within community (some evenings and weekends may be required).
• Proficiency in a second language is an asset.
• Familiarity with youth engagement strategies is an asset.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Vacation: 15 days first year prorated, 20 days after one year of service prorated
• Personal Leave: 15 days
• Religious, Spiritual, Cultural or Observances Leave: 2 days
• Float Days: 1 day
• Educational Leave: 7 days
• Extended Health: Employer pays extended health and dental single and family coverage, employee and family assistance program, and travel insurance at 3 months of employment.
• RRSP: OPTrust Pension: EE-3% and ER -3%. In addition, ER contributes 2.5% towards RRSP at 3 months of employment.
• Compensation: Competitive salary & support during approved medical leave (sick-leave, LTD).
• Flexibility: Flexible work week (includes evenings & limited weekends)

COMPENSATION: $63,108.92 – $75,355.35 per annum

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please submit your cover letter and chronological resume via email to:

Central Toronto Youth Services E-mail: careers@ctys.org

Application Deadline: Until Filled

We thank all interested parties but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION:
We acknowledge that Central Toronto Youth Services is situated on the traditional lands and territories of the Anishanabeg, Haudenosaunee, the Chippewa, the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Wendat Peoples, and is now home to many diverse nations. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit. We respectfully recognize the presence of Indigenous peoples, both in the past and present, as we commit to action, education, meaningful dialogue and necessary change.

As an employer, we are dedicated to cultivating an inclusive workplace and building intervention and management teams that reflect the diversity of our clients and the communities we serve.

We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain talent from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to racialized individuals, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, persons with disabilities, and those from various socio- economic backgrounds. We strive to cultivate an inclusive culture that eliminates barriers, advances equity, and supports the success and well-being of all employees.

ACCOMMODATION:
CTYS is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC), CTYS will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection process to applicants with disabilities. During any stage of the recruitment process, please notify careers@ctys.org of the nature of any accommodation(s) you may require. Any information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.