Choices for Youth Inc. (CFY) is a professional service, youth-focused, non-profit, charitable organization that creates spaces and conversations, and operates programs and social enterprises to help vulnerable youth secure stable housing, employment, and education while improving health and family stability. With a focus on prevention, intervention, and support, we help youth and their families break cycles of poverty and homelessness and transition to healthy, stable, and independent lives.
We are seeking to hire 1 full-time Employment Support Worker (ESW) to support young people in The SHOP social enterprise and participants of the ‘Employment Stability Pilot Project’. This is a contractual position valid until March 31, 2024 (with the possibility of an extension).
BUSINESS + PILOT PROJECT SUMMARY
The SHOP is a social enterprise offering young people the opportunity to develop skills and employment experience in a supportive environment. Youth gain a diverse set of skills that include light work in tech, woodworking, textile recycling, sewing, packaging, and product assembly. The goal of this opportunity is to help program participants improve their self-esteem and gain the confidence to (re)-enter the workforce.
Aligning with our commitment to break cycles of poverty, CFY has collaborated with various partners to carry out the ‘Employment Stability Pilot Project’. This project is intended to help people receiving Income Support transition into the workforce and improve self-reliance through new and enhanced initiatives and incentives.
POSITION SUMMARY
The ESW plays a key role in helping young people gain independence, detach from systems, and build confidence. Using strength-based and solution focused approaches, the ESW will work with young people one-on-one to provide wrap-around supports, break barriers, and build new skills, as they work toward their goals of entering competitive employment or returning to school.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Using assessment tools as a method to help identify program participants' barriers to education and employment (e.g., PRIME).
Meditation of crisis/conflict situations using supportive conversations, problem-solving, and clear communication.
Collaborate with Training Team and Employment Leads to assess program participants workplace performance, progress, and employment readiness.
Work with program participants to explore their needs, set goals, and create action plans.
Connecting program participants to additional resources through providing information, systems navigation, and submitting referrals.
Using a social justice lens to advocate on behalf of program participants to community employers, services, and programs to move them closer to their employment goals.
Ability to work with young people from a person-centered, trauma informed, harm reduction and strengths-based approaches.
Transport and accompany program participants to scheduled appointments.
Complete case note documentation and handle confidential information in accordance with CFY standards.
Collaborate with other members of the Support Team for problem solving, sharing best practices, and self-care.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Degree or diploma in the social science field
1-3 years experience working with vulnerable populations
Demonstrated conflict resolution and de-escalation skills
Thorough knowledge of community resources and support for young people
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Versed in career assessment and exploration
Experience using database systems
Use of own vehicle is required
Valid Standard First Aid/CPR & ASIST
Satisfactory Criminal Record Check & Vulnerable Sector Check
WORK HOURS
The position will work 37.5 hours per week and flexibility in work hours will be required to accommodate youth and program needs and to accommodate higher work volumes and organizational requirements.
COMPENSATION
The salary for this position is $45,669.00 – 50,368.50 annually. Choices for Youth offers a competitive compensation package, including a health and dental program, employer-matched RRSP, and four weeks’ vacation to qualifying employees.
Reference ID: ESWSH-09-2023
Deadline to Apply: September 25, 2023
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your cover letter and resume explaining how you meet the criteria and using the reference ID in the subject line.
Email:
Recruitment Lead,
Recruitment@choicesforyouth.ca
Heather Mallay, Employment Support Coordinator,
Fax: (709) 726-3125
Choices for Youth (CFY) strives towards a culture of inclusion and empowerment, one where there’s a sense of belonging and safety while prioritizing diversity across the organization, including in its Board of Directors composition, employment practices, staff, policies, programming, and services. CFY values lived and living experience and invites everyone interested to apply for available opportunities. CFY actively seeks applications from Indigenous Peoples; members of Black, racialized, and other equity-seeking and/or religious, cultural, and other communities; members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community; people with disabilities; and people from a variety of social and economic backgrounds. Should you require support or accommodation(s) to better enable your ability to participate in the employment or recruitment process, please let us know at any point. This information will be kept confidential.
To view all current job postings, please visit http://www.choicesforyouth.ca/join-cfy.