The STAY (Supportive Transitional Apartments for Youth) Transitional Support Worker will provide assessment

and case management services to youth living in the apartment complex who are transitioning into independence.

• The Transitional Support Worker will provide collaborative, client-driven assessment; strengths-based, case management; referrals and warm transfers;
• life skills programming (e.g. workshops on health, cooking, budgeting, problem solving, conflict resolution, community living skills);

assistance connecting with wraparound services; and assistance finding appropriate, affordable, and stable housing.

Key Responsibilities :

• Assist and provide support in the development of youth action plans. Coordinate action plan activities and monitor progress.
• Coordinate and facilitate life skills sessions, provide ongoing life skills support, mentoring and provide access to direct services to address issues youth are presently facing.
• Provide client focused informal counselling skills and role modelling in an adaptable and flexible approach taking into consideration the unique qualities of each client.
• Encourage and support clients to secure suitable housing within the community and assist youth to access various community programs regarding housing, mental health, etc.
• Work with youth to develop long term individual housing plans
• Advocate on youth’s behalf and act as a positive role model for youth.
• Facilitate regular house meetings to focus on empowering youth to participate in communal living and take ownership of the environment they live in.
• Work with youth on developing a space to practice conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Refer youth to community resources and conducts warm introductions / transfers to help the youth develop strong networks and lasting relationships.
• With the Manager of Community Housing Programs support, create, and implement approved strategies and plans that will result in the achievement of the program’s goals and objectives.
• Report on a regular basis to regarding issues of need and / or concern.
• Perform intakes, explain occupancy agreements and performs discharge duties and documentation.
• In the event of a crisis or critical incident, immediately report to appropriate level.
• Oversee the daily operations of the STAY Program apartments.
• Monitor health and safety of apartments, including ensuring maintenance and cleanliness of shared spaces.
• Assist youth in maintaining and cleaning their spaces though life skills and skill building.
• Represent the organization and program as required with various aspects of the community including; but not limited too;

property management staff, schools, ODSP, York Regional Police and Children’s Aid Society and client family members.

• Connect with client family members to support and assist with family reintegration if / where possible.
• Liaise with neighbours, as necessary, to facilitate positive relations. Develop positive relationships with the communities being served by the program and with the general public.
• Collaborate with other departments to support STAY, including but not limited to Housing Workers, Youth Hub Staff and Transitions Program staff.

Education and Skills Required :

• Post-Secondary degree / diploma Child / youth related field (e.g. Child and Youth, Social Service Worker, Social Worker, Psychology, Sociology) or the equivalent combination of education and experience working with youth.
• Minimum of three years’ experience working with at-risk or street involved youth.
• Current First Aid / CPR certification, current vulnerable sector screening (criminal background check), car and valid driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract.
• Demonstrated extensive knowledge of working with youth, including understanding of the regulatory environment (e.g. CFSA).
• Demonstrated client focused counselling skills and role modelling.
• Must possess excellent communication skills and have the ability to be adaptable with a flexible approach taking into consideration the unique qualities of each client.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills that promote positive team building, negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Will possess a broad knowledge of community resources and the ability to strongly advocate for clients and professional referrals.