Youth Worker - York Region Pop-Up

360°ree;kids has been a leader in the delivery of innovative support services for over 30 years, working to improve the lives of homeless and at-risk youth and families in York Region. We are a vitally important community agency serving all of York Region. At 360°ree;kids, we provide a unique continuum-of-care approach with a range of programs and services that are essential to the health and well-being of youth and proven strategies for helping to keep youth off the streets by providing safe housing options.
The York Region Pop-Up works with mostly moderate- to high-risk youth to provide client-centered, hands-on support for all youth accessing programs and services at designated community spaces. The Youth Worker delivers ongoing life skills support and mentoring, including registration and daily documentation, while promoting an empowering, positive, and safe environment. The Youth Worker also works to promote the programs and services throughout York Region.
This a contract role until February 2026.
Key Responsibilities:

• Provides ongoing life skills support, mentoring, and access to direct services to address issues youth presently face (e.g., employment, family issues, life skills, shelter, food security, informal counselling, recreational activities, and clothing).
• Works with community staff at various locations in York Region and within the established policies and procedures of the community centre space to provide services and programming for youth.
• Coordinates, develops, and facilitates life skills programming as clients and locations require.
• Coordinates activities and special events for youth in program.
• Engages youth with programming and builds strong therapeutic relationships; provides informal one-on-one counselling to youth in program.
• Advocates on youth's behalf and acts as a positive role model for youth.
• Resolves conflict situations, including client complaints and disputes; listens, mediates, negotiates, provides support and guidance to resolve issues, and documents outcomes.
• Consults with coworkers and placement students to share feedback and establish goals that support growth and development.
• With the Team Lead/Manager of Programs, supports, creates, and implements approved strategies and plans that will result in the achievement of the program's goals and objectives.
• Monitors all youth while engaged in service in accordance with 360°ree;kids' policies and procedures.
• In the event of a crisis or critical incident, immediately reports to appropriate level.
• When required, prepares the plan and shops for food and other supplies to provide youth in the program with a healthy and nutritious snack/meal.
• Facilitates community collaboration with key partners and/or builds capacity for partnerships with populations such as 2SLGBTQ+, mental health, addictions, diversity councils, faith-based assemblies, education bodies, justice panels, police, and community committees.
• Connects with staff from other programs and community agencies (e.g., schools, hospitals, social workers, doctors, courts, immigration, shelters, drop-ins, health clinics, legal programs), as well as local businesses, to provide program information or advocate for transfers/placements of clients.
• Represents the organization and program as required with various aspects of the community, including community centre staff, schools, City of Markham/York Regional Police, Children's Aid Society, and client family members.

Reporting and Other Activities:

• Pick up and drop off the vehicle at 80 F Centurian at the start and end of each day.
• Ensure the vehicle is in good working condition at the start of every day (please see vehicle checklist).
• Maintain vehicle maintenance within dealers/manufacturer warranty.
• Maintain adequate levels of fuel for the vehicle.

Education & Skills Required:

• Post-secondary degree/diploma in a child/youth-related field (e.g., Child and Youth, Social Service Worker, Social Worker, Psychology, Sociology) or equivalent combination of education and experience working with youth.
• Minimum of three years' experience working with “at-risk” or street-involved youth.
• Experience using a case management system or HIFIS and VI-SPDAT is an asset.
• Current safe food handling certification is an asset.
• Current WHMIS certification and training is an asset.
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training, suicide prevention training is an asset.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification.
• Current Police Background Check (Vulnerable Sector).
• Valid driver's license with a clean driver's abstract.
• Thorough understanding of issues pertaining to youth and knowledge of relevant legislation.
• Client-focused informal counselling skills with the ability to be adaptable and flexible, taking into consideration the unique qualities of each client.
• Broad knowledge of community resources and the ability to strongly advocate for clients and professional referrals.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy within our organization. Apply today – we review applications as they come in!
360°ree;kids is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible organization. We are dedicated to having a workforce that reflects the diversity of York Region, with a variety of perspectives and lived experiences. We welcome and encourage applicants from equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous, Black, and racialized people, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and individuals with lived experience of homelessness.
We recognize that lived experiences shape the way individuals navigate the workplace, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment. If you are a member of an equity-deserving group and feel comfortable sharing this with us, we welcome you to do so. This information is completely voluntary and will be used solely to help us improve our hiring practices and workplace inclusivity.
Accommodation will be provided throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants that require accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to notify the People and Culture Department when contacted for an interview. We will work with you to meet your access needs in an equitable and inclusive way.
Upon joining 360°ree;kids, you'll be welcomed into a fun and collaborative environment where we truly value our employees and want to see them succeed. We thank everyone for their interest and appreciate the time put into applying, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.