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

The Residential Worker in the Youth Transitional Housing Program plays a crucial role in supporting male youth aged 16 to 21, living in the Oshawa or Whitby House. The programs are designed to provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment for youth who are working towards independent living. Staff work with youth to support their goals in areas such as financial literacy, health and wellness, hygiene and housekeeping, time management, job readiness and other skills that support successful independent living. Staff may work a variety of day, evening and weekend shifts, and the schedule is dependent on the House to which they are assigned. This postiion will support the Whitby House.

Case Management and Support:

• Build trusting, safe relationships with youth in program.
• Integrate cultural competency, trauma-informed care, and anti-oppressive practices into daily interactions and programming to promote equity, safety, and empowerment for all clients.
• Provide conflict resolution support between youth in house or with external relationships.
• Support youth in adhering to established program guidelines and discipline/teach as appropriate.
• Support youth in the initial and ongoing development of individualized service plans and goals that speak to the multiple facets of their life.
• Conduct formal and informal check in meetings with youth to follow up and review service plans; provide feedback and support regarding progress.
• Work with ancillary contacts and advocate for youth with programs, professionals, and systems as needed.
• Utilize brief counselling skills to provide support and counselling in areas such as communication, emotional regulation, substance use, relationships, and personal responsibility.
• Make referrals to appropriate community supports as needed.

Life Skills Support:

• Facilitate weekly life skill groups, house meeting and grocery shopping with youth.
• Support the youth in the development of essential day to day life skills through hands-on experiences, mentoring and coaching.
• Support youth with resources and options for independent living or next steps.

Documentation and Administrative Responsibilities:

• Support client intake process as needed.
• Complete move-in and move-out documentation and procedures.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation in client files, staff logbooks, tracking forms, planning information, etc.
• Follow program and agency policies and procedures.
• Report and document serious occurrences and other incidents as required.
• Complete administrative tasks such as balancing cash, updating forms, answering phones, and processing receipts and cash request forms in a timely manner.
• Attend and contribute to staff and agency meetings and trainings as required.

Housing Operations:

• Support the ongoing upkeep of the houses and encourage and work with youth to do same.
• Assist with food preparation, housekeeping, and maintenance activities as required.
• Ensure health and safety policies and procedures are followed, and situations are reported appropriately.
• Ensure the house is secure: opening and closing procedures are followed.
• Conduct regular house and room checks and implement safety procedures such as fire and alarm protocols.
• Support continuous improvement plans by providing information and feedback to supervisors regarding trends, needs, and improvements.
• Enforces program rules and expectations.

Community Engagement:

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

• Minimum two-year college diploma in related program such as Social Service Worker, Child and Youth Worker, etc.

• Previous experience working with at-risk youth
• Previous experience in a residential setting (asset).

• Ability to provide a safe, respectful and engaging living environment for youth.
• Ability to effectively use de-escalation and active listening skills.
• Ability to adhere to policies and procedures.
• Good understanding of typical and atypical youth development.
• Excellent written and verbal skills.
• Ability to apply trauma-informed, anti-oppressive and culturally responsive practices.
• Strong problem solving and conflict resolution abilities.
• Basic understanding of common mental health disorders.
• Knowledge of group dynamics and group facilitation skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Understand current youth culture.
• Able to work independently.
• Open to feedback and supervision.
• Experience acting as a positive role model for youth.
• Able to operate tools and equipment safely.

• 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.