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OVERVIEW
The Diversion Worker provides diversion support for youth experiencing, who are or at-risk of homelessness to secure safe housing alternatives to emergency shelter that is appropriate to their circumstances including acquiring or to maintain existing housing. The Day/Evening position will be a 40 hours, 5 days a week day and evening rotational shift, The hours for a day shift is from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The evening shift is from 3:30 pm to 11:30 pm.
EDI-B VALUES
The success of an organization stems from a team that is aligned with its mission and vision, where decisions are made in the best interests of the clients they serve and the marginalized and vulnerable populations across our communities. Through this effort, all team members embrace their roles in the organization with respect and dignity for all stakeholders. Through these partnerships, everyone is focused on ensuring a commitment and responsibility toward anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity, diversity, inclusivity, and belonging.
MISSION
The candidate will empower youth through prevention, intervention, and support in accessing safe and sustainable housing. The Pod Group is partnering with this organization to place a trauma-informed, compassionate, and hands-on leader to fulfill the role of the Family Support Counsellor.
PRIORITIES
- Meet with youth entering the shelter to assess and explore safe alternative living arrangements through solution focused support and diversion services.
- Work within a system of care approach to assess diversion or entry to the shelter, and provide coordinated access to the shelter system if appropriate.
- Apply client-centered approach when working with youth to achieve positive outcomes and empower them through strength-based practices.
- Provide counseling, conflict resolution and mediation to youth, their 'families' and/or landlords to prevent homelessness.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community partners and support youth with referrals to appropriate professional services.
- Assist in creating practices and protocols that promote positive shelter diversion outcomes.
- Participate in client care reviews and team meetings to ensure effective delivery of support services and continuity of care.
- Facilitate and/or support social and emotional skills groups for youth.
- Collaborate with other agencies that work in the areas of youth homelessness.
- Utilize assessment tools to provide accurate care planning, outcomes and client centered goal development.
- Compiles statistical information and prepares monthly reports as required for program evaluation and development.
- Maintain accurate records, including Housing Technology, and entering client data for monthly, quarterly and annual funding reports.
- Actively network within the community to promote the program and services by conducting presentations, attending information sessions and sitting on committees.
Requirements
TALENTS & EXPERTISE
- University degree or equivalent in related social services field.
- 3+ years experience within the social service sector supporting youth experiencing homelessness, mental illness and substance use in obtaining housing, employment, educational and community opportunities.
- Experience in mental health, harm reduction and crisis intervention.
- Experience supporting youth through evidence-based practices and frameworks (Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT, Harm Reduction).
- Cultural competency sensitivity and commitment to working through an anti-oppressive, anti-racism framework.
- Knowledge of housing first for youth, trauma informed care, and counselling.
- Knowledge of resources within the Region of Peel, specifically for youth.
- Ability to work rotating shifts including some weekends and holidays.
- A valid Ontario Driver's License, access to a vehicle and $2,000,000 (minimum) liability car insurance coverage are mandatory
- Valid CPI/ UMAB and First Aid/ CPR certifications.
- Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check that meets the standards of Our Place Peel.
- Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to applicable legislation.
THE POD GROUP
- The Pod Group (PG) is a creative consulting group that provides customized and innovative solutions to support our client's growth and ultimate success while promoting the integration of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in creating culture and engagement.
- We balance strategy and people to help community organizations make better use of their resources by focusing on building the competencies to promote people-centric organizations.
- The Pod Group has great success in serving a number of community sectors, including health, social services, developmental, housing, mental health, and community health care.
- We promote a unique approach while incorporating marketing and human resources as an integral component of strategy, mission, and vision. This focus aligns strategy with the development of a culture that embraces all stakeholders and a community spirit while ensuring an effective plan that meets the requirements of the organization.