Position Description:
Reporting to the Child and Youth Services Manager, the Youth in Transition Worker shall deliver culturally safe, trauma informed support to Aboriginal youth transitioning out of the child welfare system and into adulthood. The YITW Program will extend non-financial supports to youth ages 16 to 24 (inclusive). Youth will be connected to educational, employment, housing, life skills, mental health and other supports in their communities and given assistance to navigate the transition from care to adulthood. These services will be delivered within the policy guidelines of Kenora Chiefs Advisory and the mandate outlined by the Ministry of Children and Youth. The Youth in Transition Worker will work within the MHA program to help deliver and improve the services offered to the relevant communities.
Position Title: Youth In Transition Worker
Department: Mental Health and Addictions
Salary: 60,000
Term: Full time
Location: 240 Veterans Drive, 3rd Floor, Kenora, Ontario
Reports to: The Child and Youth Services Manager or designate
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Ensure that program eligibility criteria are met
- Help eligible youth develop and achieve the goals they have set for themselves through the program
- Facilitate individual or group programming to help youth with life skills and daily living
- Support eligible youth leaving care to identify, access and navigate adult service systems relevant to their needs and transition to adulthood
- Facilitate access for youth leaving care to existing supports and resources in the community, by providing information and referrals for individual youth that address individual needs and support/reinforce strengths. Some of the resources and supports may include:
- Housing supports
- Education supports
- Employment services and training
- Life Skills training (e.g. financial management, household management)
- Health and mental health services
- Legal services
- Support eligible youth leaving care to develop and maintain relationships with responsible, caring adults in the community to help them as they transition to adulthood
- Foster communication and linkages with community agencies/organizations to improve access and mitigate barriers to services for youth leaving care
- Work with local CFS Agencis to develop a referral approach and to create awareness of the program among youth leaving care
- Keep accurate, timely client contact records in accordance with program requirements
- All data entry to Mustimuhw cEMR (MIS) should be completed on a weekly basis
External Referrals & Support
- Facilitate linkages to needed services within the broader service community for example: treatment centers, safety/stabilization beds
- Develop networks and partnerships with community resources
- Encourage and support clients in building their own social lives, independence and support systems to reduce dependency on the YITW
- Advocate for client and coordinate case management meetings with relevant partners
- Facilitate access to Anishinaabe knowledge, traditions and cultural beliefs in the healing process (if appropriate)
- Facilitate referrals to OTN for consults and assessments
Monitoring & Evaluation
- Maintain statistics required by the Ministry and the program with regard to qualitative and quantitative aspects of the program
- Contribute to the evaluation of service with respect to its effectiveness in meeting the community needs and achieving our mandate
- Additional duties as required
Qualifications:
- University Degree or College Diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution (Psychology, Social Work/Social Service Worker, Child and Youth Worker), or, the equivalent combination of Lived and/or proven Work Experience
- Eligible for membership in your professional organization, if applicable
- Familiarity with the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the Child and Family Services Act
- Experience with and knowledge of the child welfare services and processes
- Experience and knowledge of social and cultural barriers faced by Aboriginal youth
- Knowledge of community agency support mechanisms: housing, educational, legal, mental health, life skills, general health and wellbeing, etc.
- Ability to network and work collaboratively with First Nations and other agencies
- Ability to work independently and in a team setting
- Excellent skills in the following areas: computer, organization, networking, interpersonal, presentation and communication (written and oral)
- Experience working with and knowledge of Indian Residential School survivors
- Knowledge of the Anishinaabe culture and language and experience in working in First Nation communities
Additional Requirements:
- Valid driver’s license and vehicle
- Must be willing to travel when required
- Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Search
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We’re looking to grow our teams with people who share our energy and enthusiasm for creating the best experience for our clients and within KCA.
Discover What’s Possible!
Please forward resume, cover letter and 3 references to:
Human Resource Department
Kenora Chiefs Advisory
P.O. Box 349- 240 Veterans Drive, 3rd Floor
Kenora ON P9N 3X4
Fax: 807-467-2656
Email: resume@kenorachiefs.org
*We thank all that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted
** Traditional practices involve burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar within the work setting