Overnight Youth Worker - HOPE Program

360°kids is a vitally important community agency serving all of York Region. We have been a leader in the delivery of innovative support services for more than 35 years as we work to improve the lives of unhoused and marginalized youth and families in York Region. At 360°kids, we provide a unique continuum of care approach with programs and services that are essential to the health and well‑being of youth.

These proven strategies help to keep youth safe by providing stable housing options with 360° wraparound supports.

The HOPE Program provides voluntary, individualized supports for youth who have been victims of sexual exploitation via human trafficking. Services are offered across a variety of settings and tailored to meet the needs of distinct populations within this population, with the ultimate goal of journeying alongside youth as they move away from experiences of exploitation and toward safety, stability, and independence.

The program builds on the strengths and skills youth already possess, supporting them as they continue their life journey. Youth Workers provide mentoring, crisis support, and case management in order to support youth to meet their goals.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct in-person meetings with youth to assess needs, set goals, and begin movement towards minimizing crisis and increasing stability.

Coordinate and facilitate life skills sessions, provide ongoing life skills support, and mentoring and provide access to direct services to address issues youth are presently facing.

Provide youth-focused counselling skills using a trauma-informed approach and role modelling in an adaptable and flexible approach taking into consideration the unique qualities of each youth.

Coach and support youth and act as a positive role model, mentor, and support for youth as they learn new skills.

Respond to and investigate enquiries, complaints, and emergency situations involving youth; assess the situation, implement short-term and long-term solutions, and document outcomes.

Resolve conflict situations including youth complaints and disputes. Listen, mediate, negotiate, and provide support and guidance to resolve issues and document outcomes.

Encourage and support youths to secure suitable housing within the community and assist youth to access various community programs regarding housing, mental health, etc.

Ensure effective delivery of service to the youth by documenting information, observations, and impressions that may impact a youth’s case plan where appropriate.

Advocate on behalf of youths for support, services, and benefits with internal and external resources, and engage in active problem-solving around each youth’s needs.

In the event of a crisis or critical incident, immediately report to appropriate level.

Coordinate and collect monthly program fees from youth. Ensure program fees are secured and transferred to Finance in a timely manner.

Follow appropriate policies and procedures of 360°kids. Ensure that the program operates in line with 360°kids’ mission, vision, and values, and activities comply with applicable standards and laws. Report on a regular basis to the Team Lead regarding issues of need and/or concern.

With the Team Lead and Manager of HOPE support, create, and implement approved strategies and plans that will result in the achievement of the program’s goals and objectives.

HOPE is expanding and may include multiple service components (e.g., crisis beds, stage-based support, and related programming).

Depending on final staffing design, Youth Workers may be assigned to a consistent component OR rotate between components. Flexibility is required as the model evolves.

Complete all mandatory recording and reporting including daily documentation and statistical data collection. Provide reports and related information to the Manager of HOPE Program as required and in a timely manner.

Other duties required.

Educational and Skills Required

CYW Diploma/Degree, or post-secondary education in a human services field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

Experience supporting street-involved youth is required; experience supporting youth impacted by trafficking is a…