Homes for Good Aftercare Worker

Job Title:                        Homes for Good Aftercare Worker
Reports to:                     Youth Program Manager
Employment Term:        Full-time, Permanent
Work Hours:                  40 hours/week
Work Location:              16 Spadina Road, Toronto          

Native Canadian Centre of Toronto

The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto (NCCT) is a non-profit, charitable organization located in the heart of downtown Toronto. The NCCT offers a wide range of Indigenous programs and services based on Indigenous cultural traditions and teachings.

Mission: To empower the Indigenous community in Toronto by providing programs that support their spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental well-being.

Mandate: To nurture an inclusive environment where all people respect Indigenous knowledge.

Vision: The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto is dedicated to working with all of our relations toward a better future.

Values: Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth.

The Position

The Youth Program Homes for Good Aftercare Worker is part of the Aftercare Team to provide care and support for the youth who are independently housed or as they prepare for independent living. This position must work in a manner that preserves confidentiality and seeks to minimize risk.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide support and housing to Aboriginal Youth living with or at risk of mental health and substance use challenges by assisting with cooking and cleaning, room monitoring, and programming;
• Providing a wide range of services that supports the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being of youth who are living independently;
• Work as part of a team, ensuring a safe and supportive atmosphere in the homes (i.e. assisting youth (via education and modelling) with their activities of daily living);
• Carry out pre-established support plans with youth, and provide crisis intervention as needed in order to ensure a safe living situation;
• Working in partnership with various community agencies to coordinate and facilitate access to support and health services for youth;
• Community referrals and networking;
• Ensuring a clean, safe, and secure environment;
• Assisting in the implementation and monitoring of the youth’s plan of residency using pre-established Pirouette and other data collecting procedures;
• Providing individual and group counselling/support to youth;
• Other related duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications:

• Degree or diploma in social work, human services, or related.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience providing support to vulnerable youth living with or at risk of mental illnesses, problematic substance use and/or addictions.
• Knowledge of cultural sensitivity to Aboriginal communities and cultures.
• Experience working in an on-site housing setting and providing services in this environment.
• An understanding of the therapeutic relationship, and an ability to come to an agreement with clients on goals/priorities while respecting their autonomy and individuality.
• Ability to perform physical duties (i.e. lifting, cleaning) as required.
• Ability to practice active listening skills and ability to interact with clients in a positive and supportive manner.
• Crisis intervention skills, with well-developed problem solving abilities.
• Driver’s license or ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through another means is an asset.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills including the ability to contribute to the creation of positive team and workplace dynamics.
• Demonstrated empathy, approachability, and an understanding of others.
• Successful community experience working with both Indigenous and diverse populations.
• Experience working within an Indigenous organization or with the Aboriginal community an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to earn and maintain trust and show discretion at all times.
• Knowledge and ability to work with standard operating programs (i.e, word, excel).
• Ability to write and communicate clearly and effectively.
• Well organized and able to streamline, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Working in a manner that preserves confidentiality and seeks to minimize risk;
• Experience working within an Indigenous organization or with the Aboriginal community an asset;
• Knowledge of Indigenous Languages and Culture represented in NCCT community;
• Ensures the NCCT response is consistent with current local, provincial, and federal health guidelines and orders;
• Commitment to learn and use an Indigenous Language reflective of NCCT community;
• Ensure practices and procedures exist to maintain the confidential storage and security of all staff files and other related information;
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations;
• Contributing to the centre’s activities to collect, analyze, and report on data and relevant information, and participate in research;

The successful candidate is expected to contribute positively to the implementation of the NCCT’s vision and mission, operate in a collaborative team setting and maintain high and professional productivity levels and quality of service.

This is a full-time position.  Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.  Although preference will be given to Indigenous applicants (First Nations, Metis and Inuit), all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

We thank all applicants for their interest however only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. 

If this position interests you, and you meet all of the above requirements, please submit your resume and a cover letter.

The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto is an equal opportunity employer.  We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free selection process and work environment.  If contacted in relation to an employment opportunity, please advise our HR Consultants at nstaffen@pesceassociates.com or lvandenberg@pesceassociates.com of the accommodation measures required.  Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.