Contract CFL (Cooking For Life) Youth Worker

Toronto, ON
On-site
Posted Oct 9, 2026
1 position

Opens LinkedIn

Employment type: Contract
Experience level: Mid-level · 2+ years
Minimum education: College diploma
Posting language: English
Working hours: 40 hours per week
Seniority: Entry level

Job summary

Support youth in the Cooking for Life pre-employment program through mentorship, coaching, skills development, wellbeing check-ins, and access to wraparound services. Coordinate cohort activities and workshops, assist with culinary training, respond to participant needs, and maintain accurate program records and documentation.

Job details

CFL (Cooking For Life) Youth Worker Employment Services Department Onsite Full Time, Contract (3 Months) Level 6 Requisition Number: CFL-2026-001 Covenant House helps youth ignite their potential and reclaim their lives. As Canada’s largest agency serving youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk, we offer the widest range of services to hundreds of young people every day. More than a place to stay, we provide life-changing care with unconditional love and respect. We meet youth’s immediate needs and then we work together to achieve their future goals. We offer 24/7 crisis shelter transitional housing options on-site and, in the community, health and well-being support, training and skill development, and ongoing care once youth move into the community. For over 40 years, Covenant House has been dedicated to its mission of serving youth on the street and to protect and safeguard all youth with absolute respect and unconditional love. Since 1982, Covenant House has supported more than 100,000 young people. Overview: In this position the candidate will be responsible for direct implementation of Covenant House’s philosophy, mission statement and policies as they pertain to residential care. Note: This position supports a 24/7 operation; candidates with flexible availability are preferred. We are currently recruiting for 1 Full Time, Contract CFL Youth Worker. This is a replacement role within the organization Overview: The Cooking for Life (CFL) Youth Worker supports youth participating in the pre-employment training program. Working from a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and youth-centered approach, the Youth Worker helps participants develop employment readiness, life skills, and culinary workplace skills while fostering confidence, resilience, and personal growth. In collaboration with the CFL team, the Youth Worker provides direct support, facilitates skill development, coordinates wraparound services, and contributes to the successful delivery of each program cohort. Responsibilities: Youth Support & Skills Development Build positive, supportive relationships with youth and create a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment. Conduct regular individual and group check-ins to support participant wellbeing, goal achievement, and program engagement. Provide coaching, mentorship, and guidance to help youth develop workplace readiness, communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and coping skills. Support youth in accessing wraparound services, including housing, healthcare, mental health, education, employment, and financial supports. Assist youth in navigating internal and external services, scheduling appointments, and addressing barriers to participation. Monitor participant wellbeing and respond appropriately to crises, safety concerns, and emerging needs. Assist the Chef Instructor in the kitchen as youth learn about culinary, food safety, and workplace skills ensuring professional expectations and positive workplace behaviours. Program Coordination & Delivery Coordinate and maintain cohort schedules, including workshops, guest speakers, volunteers, program activities, and special events. Liaise with internal staff, community partners, and volunteers to support program delivery. Plan and facilitate workshops on topics such as wellness and self-regulation Prepare participant resources, lockers, uniforms, and other program materials for each cohort. Support program events, graduations, and participant recognition activities. Administration & Program Operations Maintain accurate participant records, case notes, attendance tracking, and service documentation in ETO and other program systems. Manage petty cash in accordance with organizational policies. Participate in team meetings, program planning, staff training, and professional development activities. Qualifications Diploma or Degree in Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Social Service Work, Community Services, Human Services, or a related field. Minimum two years of experience working with youth facing barriers related to homelessness, employment, mental health, or other complex needs. Experience facilitating groups, workshops, and employment or life skills programming. Experience in culinary training, hospitality, food services, workforce development, or employment programs is an asset. Strong understanding of trauma-informed, strengths-based, anti-oppressive, and harm reduction practices. Excellent youth engagement, mentorship, and relationship-building skills. Strong facilitation, coaching, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution abilities. Strong organizational, administrative, and time-management skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management databases (ETO preferred). Ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team and community-based environment. Don’t meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet all qualifications. If you are excited about the role but your resume doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the description, apply anyway. You may still be the right candidate for this or other roles. What we Offer: Meaningful work. Competitive compensation. Benefits such as Health, Dental, Vision, Personal Days, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement and more. Employee perks which include discounts on gym membership, city bike rentals, auto & home insurance and more. Interested candidates are welcome to apply directly to this posting on or by October 28, 2026. Only those selected to move forward in our recruitment process will be contacted. No agencies or phone calls please. Use of AI and Technology in the Hiring Process Covenant House Toronto does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to make or inform hiring decisions. However, we do use an external applicant tracking system (ATS) to help manage applications efficiently. While our ATS may apply automated filters or sorting functions, all applications are reviewed and evaluated by human recruiters. No hiring decisions are made by AI. Commitment to Equitable Recruitment At Covenant House Toronto we believe in a workplace culture of inclusion that is welcoming, respectful and safe for all staff. It is critical to Covenant House Toronto success to eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups. Equity groups have been, and continue to be, underrepresented and marginalized in the workforce, leadership roles, and in some specific occupations. Equity groups include but may not be limited to Indigenous persons, racialized people, gender diverse people, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Covenant House Policy on Accommodation, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of the Covenant House recruitment process. Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.

What you’ll do

Requirements

A diploma or degree in Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Social Service Work, Community Services, Human Services, or a related field is required, along with at least two years of experience supporting youth with complex needs. Candidates should have group facilitation experience, strong youth engagement and crisis-response skills, knowledge of trauma-informed and related practices, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and case management databases; culinary or employment-program experience is an asset.