Youth Support Services Connection Worker

StepStones for Youth

The Organization

We value and celebrate diversity: We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities and are committed to having a team made up of people with diverse skills, experiences, and abilities. We actively encourage BIPOC and LGBTQ+ applicants to apply and we value the positive impact that diversity has on our teams. We are committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion within our workforce and in all opportunities provided at StepStones. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

StepStones for Youth (www.stepstonesforyouth.com) is an innovative and dynamic charitable organization in Toronto dedicated to providing intervention and sustainable support for children and youth. Many of these youth are exiting the foster care and group home system or are currently living in foster homes and shelters.

Our goal is to create positive and meaningful connections; increase school engagement, high school graduation, and post-secondary enrolment; and increase stable housing, improved mental and physical health, and strong support networks. StepStones adheres to a "whatever it takes" approach to servicing youth and we go above and beyond to support their needs.

Why Work With Us:

• Comprehensive Benefit Package: includes 2K to paramedical services, and Short Term and Long-Term Disability  including  Employee Assistance Program (EAP) & Grief counselling available free of charge (in addition to benefits) for work related incidents  
• Time-Off: 3 weeks-vacation with a 1-day vacation increase per year worked, up to 25 days vacation 
• Leave: 8 sick days, 1 personal day, 1.5 medical appointment days, bereavement allowance 
• Professional Development: Training allowance of $700 per year 
• Reimbursements: Mileage provided at a competitive rate and all staff are given a petty cash budget
• Tools you need to succeed: All staff receive a MacBook, iPhone, Headphones and access to our mobile friendly CRM system! PPE is also provided.
• Flexible work hours: Work on your time when needed
• Extended Break: 1.5 lunch break healthy living program when you exercise for 30 minutes during lunch

The Opportunity

StepStones for Youth is seeking a Youth Support Services Connection worker. In this position you will be working with youth exiting the foster care and group home system to develop skills, work on personal goals, and match youth with caring long-term adult support people. This role is responsible for seeking natural supports within the community for youth involved in child protection services. 

We are seeking an individual with training and experience working with marginalized youth who have lived in custodial care arrangements and/or who have minimal levels of support in their lives. This program focuses on building a circle of long-term support for these youth; engaging these youth in a trusting relationship with an adult mentor/support person; and effectively referring these youth to other services that assist with housing, healthcare, counseling, education, employment training, and basic needs support. 

The Youth Services Connection Worker involves working with youth currently involved in the program and those identified by our partner agencies, as well as working directly with their mentors. Through creative, patient, and persistent outreach, the successful candidate will engage the youth and provide effective support and advocacy. The worker will develop and sustain up-to-date knowledge of relevant community support resources and create effective working relationships with key partners to promote a responsive and supportive approach to assisting youth in the program. 

This position involves working flexible hours and occasional weekends. This position also requires assistance in the collection and presentation of program statistical information and on-going documentation when required. 

What we’re looking for:

• 2+ years of successful experience working with youth who are considered high-risk and vulnerable.
• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (or related field) from an accredited University 
• Valid full G Class Ontario Driver’s License, reliable access to a vehicle and the appropriate insurance are required.
• Experience and/or working knowledge of adolescent development, community outreach, and engagement strategies for marginalized youth.
• Strong communication, time management, and organizational skills.
• Respectful of and sensitivity to race, culture, religion, and sexual orientation, and experience working with a diverse youth population.
• Knowledge of resources available within the Greater Toronto community including Child protection services.
• Experience in negotiating with other service providers and advocating on behalf of youth.
• Strong computer/Internet skills and knowledge of case management systems, reporting procedures and responsibilities and the ability to work within those systems.
• Ability and willingness to work Mon, Thurs, Fri 9am-5pm and Tues, Wed 11am-7pm.  Flexibility required depending on the needs of the youth. A cell phone will be provided to the worker for correspondence with youth.

Salary Range: $52,000 - $62,000 annually

This position will require regular in-office work, a hybrid work model is not available due to the nature of this position.

StepStones for Youth requires that all employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as per current Canada Public Health guidelines. All employees will be required to show evidence that they are fully vaccinated.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those applicants will be selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or in person submissions please.