YouthLink believes in the potential of every youth. We are dedicated to providing them with the support, guidance and opportunities they need to make positive life choices. We provide youth with brief and ongoing counselling, in-home wraparound support, shelter, housing, educational support, and safe drop-in spaces. YouthLink works towards equitable outcomes for youth in our community and, as such, is committed to equity-based hiring practices.
We welcome applications from candidates who reflect the communities we serve, particularly candidates from Black communities, Indigenous communities, and racialized people, persons with disabilities, members of diverse gender identities and people with lived experiences. We are seeking candidates who demonstrably operate and practice from an equity and trauma-informed lens. We encourage applications from passionate professionals who will help us dismantle systemic barriers and will embrace working outside of Euro-centric practices.
Relief Student Development Worker
(Casual position, 1-year contract)
The Relief Student Development Worker reports to Manager, Student Engagement and Supports and is responsible for building relationships and facilitating communication with students, parents/guardians and secondary school teachers/administration with the objective of supporting students’ academic success. This includes identifying students’ strengths and challenges and working collaboratively with the Pathways team and secondary school partners to ensure that students are appropriately supported both within school and within the Pathways Program.
The Relief Student Development Worker works closely with the Managers, Program Facilitators, and volunteers to deliver the tutoring and mentoring components of the Pathways to Education Program. Relief Student Development Workers promote resources to support the development of academic and life skills, employment and training, volunteerism, as well as recreational, career, post-secondary and internship opportunities.
Highlights of Your Role
Maintaining Relationships with Students, Parents, Schools and Community Partners:
Establish and maintain positive and supportive relationships with Pathways students, parents/guardians and secondary school staff to ensure that students fully participate in the program and in school. Become familiar with the strengths and capacities, as well as the barriers and challenges, faced by Pathways students and, refer students to appropriate resources including academic, social and emotional supports within the school system and broader community. Act as a liaison for school staff, students, and parents and support strong communication between and among these parties. Provide advocacy on academic, post-secondary and/or employment readiness, and other matters relevant to program participants. Engage and communicate with students regarding course-learning levels, course selections and participate in Individual Education Plans (IEP) as necessary.
Academic and Mentoring Support Program Planning and Facilitation:
Facilitates programming sites, supports volunteer tutors and provides any additional support to students if volunteer tutors are not available. Develop and maintain tutoring and mentoring programming routines and expectations within the Pathways to Education program. Work with other members of the program team, including site support and volunteer tutors/mentors, to ensure a safe and secure environment for students during tutoring/mentoring sessions. Organize needed resources and handouts for volunteer tutors/mentors and students.
Administration and Team Work:
Completes and inputs student case notes, financial supports, school and programming attendance, credit counselling summaries, referrals, and progress reporting data into the Pathways to Education database (PASS) in a timely manner. Documents interactions with students, parents and school staff in accordance with program policies in the database. Supports students’ applications for volunteer and employment opportunities, internships, and post-secondary education.
Supports Organization’s Strategy:
Actively contributes to the Agency’s Strategic Plan by participating in initiatives and committees to support the overall Plan.
Takes all reasonable and necessary precautions to protect his or her own health and safety and that of co-workers by complying and demonstrating knowledge of the policies, procedures and safe practices established by YouthLink
Highlights of What You Bring
Education:
- Undergraduate Degree in Social Work, Education, Community Development or Degree / Diploma in Child and Youth Worker or a combination of directly related education and experience.
Experience:
- Minimum experience must include at least one field practicum placement as a front-line working with youth in a variety of different context such as in a community or school setting.
- Experience working with youth from culturally diverse, low income communities, as well as demonstrated knowledge of youth engagement practices is an asset.
- Experience working with special needs students in the areas of numeracy, literacy, new language learners &/or special education is an asset.
- Experience working with volunteers and developing partnerships is an asset.
- Experience working with or for a post-secondary institution is an asset.
Skills:
- Informal counselling techniques and case management skills.
- Knowledge of the Ontario secondary school curriculum.
- Strong interpersonal, communication and written skills.
- Proficient in computer usage skills and social media.
- Ability to speak a second language spoken within the community (Tamil, Urdu, Farsi, Creole, French and Spanish) is an asset.
- Knowledge of Scarborough and/or the Scarborough Village community is an asset.
- A valid G Level license and regular access to a vehicle is an asset.
Additional Requirements:
- Must be able to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Police Check.
- Proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 is required.
Hourly Rate of Pay:
- $19 per hour.
Work Location:
- 1 – 3545 Kingston Road, Scarborough.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
- The position requires some evening hours. Some local travelling required.
- This position requires the ability to lift tables and program materials when setting up community space on a regular basis.
Full job description available here: https://youthlink.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/JD-Relief-Student-Development-Worker.pdf
How to Apply
- Submit application to pathwaysposting@youthlink.ca – Please quote posting #1322 in the subject line.
- As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the diversity of our communities. If you have a disability and require accessibility accommodations with the application process, please contact accessibility@youthlink.ca.
- Job Posting closing date – Open Until Filled