Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

This job posting will run concurrently for internal and external applicants. However, for the first ten (10) calendar days, current employees of York Housing & Support Services that are members of UFCW Local 175 will receive hiring preference.

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY:

The provincial Youth Outreach Worker (YOW) Program supports marginalized and at-risk youth and their families to better navigate and connect with services and pro-social opportunities in their communities to improve youth outcomes.

This position provides a range of outreach services to youth participants and their families to support at-risk youth to make healthy life choices. This position is responsible for community outreach, prevention and intervention with at-risk youth ages 12-21 and building neighborhood and community capacity to engage and serve youth better.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Written and Verbal Communication

• Attend regular supervision meetings
• Attend regular staff and team meetings
• Maintain responsibility for Salvation Army Microsoft 365 and outlook accounts

Reporting

• Responsible for regular completion of HIFIS and file notes on individual client supports
• Responsible for York Region service statistics as required by supervisory and management
• Responsible for the Ontario Ministry ‘Operating Record’ (“O.R.”) and relevant Ministry quarterly and yearly reports, through our lead agency partner, 360Kids.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Performs specific client support in coordination with aftercare and caseworker staff teams at Sutton Youth Services
• Works directly with clients, staff teams, management team, community partner agencies and community employers

Governance Boards and Councils: None

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

Service Responsibilities

• The incumbent will promote positive and supportive attitudes towards youth
• Promote programs and activities that empower youth to work towards their goals
• Act as an advocate and be a positive role model for the youth in the community
• Develop effective working relationships and partnerships with community members, representatives of other departments, agencies and co-workers
• Represent the Salvation Army and youth we serve at community meetings

Organizational Responsibilities

• The incumbent will adhere to standards that are consistent with the values & philosophy of The Salvation Army.
• Participate fully and constructively in staff meetings and in-service training
• Engage in formal evaluation sessions with Program Director at 3 months during first year of employment and annually thereafter
• Read and follow the Policy & Procedures Manual and the Employees Handbook
• Maintain confidentiality in all matters pertaining to clientele and coworkers of The Salvation Army Sutton York Housing and Support Services.
• Become familiar with the provision of the position description & operations manual, which will be provided for each job position
• As required and is applicable, make suggestions that will improve efficiency, working conditions or procedures to Program Director; and represent the Organization in a professional manner

Program Responsibilities

• Reach out and engage at-risk youth in accordance with the Stages of Change intervention model adapted for the Youth Outreach Worker Program.
• Support youth to connect with programs, services and opportunities for healthy development by:

a. Helping youth to identify their needs, goals, aspirations, skills and abilities as well as barriers to accessing services.

b. Providing youth with general information, contacts, referrals and support as needed to build assets and address needs (e.g., housing, employment, education, health care and recreation; social and emotional issues).

• Engage parents and family members through self-referrals, parent groups, faith communities, etc., and provide information on parenting and other supports and services available to youth and families.
• Maintain collaborative working relationships with other professionals within and outside of the organization.
• Work with youth, parents and family members, schools, police and youth service providers to advocate for and improve access to programs, services and opportunities for youth.
• In collaboration with Youth Outreach Worker Supervisor and team:

a. Develop a composite picture of neighborhood demographics and build maps of services, programs and community assets available in the local community.

b. Promote community awareness of the Youth Outreach Worker Program and maintain a recognizable community presence.

c. Build partnerships with community agencies, businesses and informal community groups to offer programs that engage youth to develop their knowledge, skills and interests (e.g., arts and culture, volunteering, civic engagement, recreation, life skills).

d. Identify emerging issues, service gaps and opportunities for action to build community capacity.

e. Identify staff development/training needs and participate in staff development/training programs as required.

• Enter and maintain accurate and complete service data in the Outreach Record in a timely manner.
• Maintain professional and evidence-based standards of practice in accordance with the Stages of Change intervention model, a positive youth development framework and relevant legislation (e.g. Child and Family Services Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act).
• Carry out other duties as assigned as part of the provincial Youth Outreach Worker Program.

MANAGERIAL/TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY:

• Reports directly to: Program Services Coordinator, Sutton Youth Services.
• Direct reports for this position: No Direct Reports for this position.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• Responsible for employee computer, cell phone, and program vehicle (when in use)
• Responsible, from time to time, for providing small petty cash, gift cards and bus passes to clients for appropriate program use

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Youth Outreach Worker (PYOW) works onsite at Sutton Youth Services facility; approximately 60%. Regularly, Youth Outreach Worker will leave premises for work related tasks (client meeting, training, supplies purchasing, appointments, meetings with employers/agencies etc), approx. 40%

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, exemplifying Christian standards of conduct.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

• College diploma in Social Services or related field
• Must have certificate in first Aid/CPR and Crisis Intervention/Conflict Resolution
• WHIMIS Training
• Valid Unrestricted Class G Driver’s License is a requirement for this position
• Previous experience working with homeless (one to three years)
• Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.
• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening.
• Ability and willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (Processing/Desktop, Publishing, Spreadsheet/Graphing, Database computer skills essential).
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Must have good interpersonal/time management skills.
• Problem solving skills essential. The responsibilities associated with this position demand a high degree of confidentiality.

Vulnerable Sector Check & Drivers Abstract: an original copy of a current Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) and Drivers Abstract that are less than six (6) months old are required by your start date, and the results of the checks must be acceptable to The Salvation Army in its sole discretion. The cost of the VSC and Drivers Abstract are borne by the employee.

Compensation: Please note that this job falls under a collective agreement. The hourly rate for the PSW position is set at $21.41, and wage increments are provided based on collective agreement language.

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $21.41 to $21.41 with a maximum of $21.41.

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email

Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca

if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.