Native Child and Family Services of Toronto Looking for Youth Mental Health Worker at Toronto, Ontario, Canada Full Time

Range: $54,808-$79,460

Location: 30 College St., Toronto

Classification: Full-Time Regular

Position: Unionized

Summary

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, caring and healing for our children and families in the Toronto Native Community. We do this by creating a service model that is culture- based and respects the values of Native people, the extended family, and the right to self-determination and through the integration of holistic, culturally based prevention services that are child centred, family focused, and community driven.

Primary Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Supervisor, Healing Team, the Youth Mental Health Worker will:

• Perform intensive case management and stabilization to support the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional cultural well-being of Indigenous youth experiencing problems related to mental health and/or substance misuse.
• Provide accessible culturally-based support and intervention to help First Nations/Metis/Inuit youth to establish and maintain balance in their lives.
• Provide crisis intervention, harm reduction, pre-treatment addictions counselling, aftercare support, cultural support, advocacy and referrals.
• Provide support services to Indigenous youth involved with the justice system.
• Provide life skills support and goal planning, including educational and job readiness.
• Conduct community outreach.
• Facilitate group activities (circles) and related events.
• Work as part of a team and collaborate with other service providers to create culturally safe supports for youth.
• Complete ongoing assessments and service plans with youth.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Knowledge And Skills

• Post-secondary education in the social services field (CYC, SSW, BSW)
• At least 2 years of experience in youth work or a related setting.
• Alternatively, a combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Excellent ability to connect with First Nations/Metis/Inuit youth.
• Knowledge of the issues faced by Indigenous youth aged 16-24 which can include culture loss and intergenerational trauma.
• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to integrating the Native Child and Family Services of Toronto Mission and values into practice, service and relationships.
• Understanding of harm reduction, addictions, mental health, Indigenous healing practices and history, developmental issues and high-risk situations faced by youth.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, counselling and de-escalation skills.
• Understanding of systemic barriers faced by First Nations/Metis/Inuit youth and ability to advocate within these systems.
• Knowledge of local community agencies and other professional services available for youth.
• Good assessment, crisis intervention and problem solving skills.
• Excellent analytical, time management, organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently with flexible hours (some evening shifts required).
• Demonstrated understanding of workplace Health and Safety practices and understanding of an employee’s responsibility under current legislation.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, to maintain effective communication and working relationships, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, tact, sensitivity and build strong internal relationships.
• NCFST requires all employees, contractors, students, and volunteers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, absent of a valid medical exemption or other reasonable consideration pursuant to the Human Rights Code of Ontario.

About Native Child And Family Services Of Toronto

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, caring and healing for our children and families in the Toronto Indigenous Community. We do this by creating a service model that is culture-based and respects the values of Native people, the extended family, and the right to self-determination and through the integration of holistic, culturally based prevention services that are child centred, family focused, and community driven.