Residential Worker in Oshawa, Ontario at John Howard Society Of Durham

The Residential Worker plays a crucial role in supporting male youth aged 15 to 18 years in the Whitby Residential Program. This program is designed to provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment for young individuals who are motivated to make constructive changes in their lives. The Worker assists youth in developing essential life skills to live independently in the community.

Youth Support and Supervision:

• Provide round-the-clock support and supervision to youth within the residence.
• Monitor the behaviour and progress of residents to ensure a safe and positive environment.

Life Skills Development

• Facilitate the development of essential life skills such as budgeting, time management, menu planning, job keeping, food preparation, communication skills, goal setting, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Work with youth on daily living skills through hands-on experiences and coaching.

Counselling and Guidance:

• Offer counselling and guidance in areas such as anger management, substance abuse, family and relationship issues, and personal responsibility.
• Provide emotional support and interventions tailored to individual needs.

Case Management and Documentation:

• Participate in intake, reference checks, and move-in and move-out duties.
• Develop and implement individual service plans and counselling sessions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation in client files and staff logbooks.

Housekeeping and Maintenance:

• Encourage and work with youth to maintain cleanliness and organization in the residence.
• Assist with food preparation, housekeeping, and maintenance activities.

Security and Safety:

• Ensure the residence is secure and maintain safety standards within the program.
• Conduct regular house and room checks and implement safety procedures such as fire and alarm protocols.

Administrative Support:

• Complete administrative tasks such as balancing cash, updating forms, answering phones, and processing receipts.
• Attend staff and agency meetings as required.

Client/Customer Service:

• Facilitate the daily living skills program and supervise residents' activities.
• Work with clients to accomplish their daily tasks and address any challenges that arise during shifts.
• Dispense medications upon request and document accordingly.

Team Collaboration:

• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team, including training and mentoring newly hired staff and students.
• Participate in staff meetings and agency meetings to stay updated on program needs and changes.

Community Engagement:

• Represent the program in the community when required.
• Liaise with community partners, including probation, social services, and other ancillary services.

Client Advocacy and Liaison:

• Advocate for the needs of youth residents and work to ensure they receive appropriate services and support.
• Maintain professional relationships with community resources to facilitate access to services for residents.

• Minimum two-year Social Service Worker Diploma or equivalent in a related field such as psychology, counselling, or social work.

• Previous employment experience working with at-risk youth in a residential setting.
• Experience working with marginalized youth and understanding their specific needs.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Effective counselling and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to resolve conflicts and problems effectively.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of residential program practices and life skills facilitation.
• Patience, empathy, and a positive attitude towards working with youth.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Critical and analytical thinking skills.
• Openness to feedback and supervision.
• Initiative, leadership, and punctuality.

• May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc.
• Interacts with the public, clients, staff, visitors, and staff from other organizations.
• Ongoing physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, lifting.
• Some seasonal duties: (shovelling snow, salting driveway and walkways, taking garbage out to curb, yard work)
• Able to lift items as heavy as 35 lbs.
• Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
• Flexible hours as required.