Family and Natural Supports Counsellor

Job title: Family and Natural Supports Counsellor

Job description: Family and Natural Supports Counsellor (Youth Reconnect)
Contract until August 2024 (including benefits), with possibility of extension

For forty years, we have maintained a steadfast dedication to our mission: supporting the vulnerable youth who come through our doors. To this day, we remain committed to this duty.

Covenant House helps youth ignite their potential and reclaim their lives. As Canada’s largest agency serving youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk, we offer the widest range of 24-7 services to an average of 280 young people each day.

As a national leader, we educate and advocate for long-term change to improve the lives of vulnerable youth. This includes influencing public policy, leading awareness and prevention programs and continually building and sharing our knowledge. As a learning organization, we strive for excellence and programs with impact.

More than a place to stay, we provide life-changing care with unconditional love and respect. We meet youth’s immediate needs and then we work together to achieve their future goals. We offer housing options, health and well-being support, training and skill development, and ongoing care once youth move into the community.

Thanks to our donors, who contribute 75 per cent of our $40-million annual operating budget, we are able to deliver these comprehensive programs and services.

Since 1982, Covenant House has supported more than 100,000 young people.

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Overview

This position is an amazing opportunity for someone who wants to be part of ground-breaking prevention work, and who has the skills and passion for supporting young people achieve success.

Youth Reconnect is an innovative ‘upstream’ homelessness prevention initiative. The goal is to help young people stay engaged in school by helping to stabilize their living situation, either by addressing issues at home that are producing the risk of homelessness, such as family conflict, or through helping youth who can no longer stay at home find housing and support options in their community. Youth Reconnect serves young people 14-18 years old, who are engaged in school, currently housed, at-risk of homelessness, and focuses on meeting the needs of youth that identify as Black and/or 2SLGBTQ.

As part of the Youth Reconnect program team, the Family and Natural Supports Counsellor provides family and individual counselling, coaching, and skills building to youth and their identified family members. The goal of this position is to help young people mitigate the risk of homelessness by supporting the strengthening of relationships with youths’ immediate, extended and chosen family.

This position will report to the Manager, Prevention Initiatives

Key responsibilities;

• Engagement with 14-18 year old youth who are or at-risk of homelessness, and their families/natural supports
• Develop trusting, helping and therapeutic relationships with youth and their identified family members and chosen supports to address identified goals
• Provide family and individual counselling, coaching and skill building, to support youth and their families/natural supports improve relationships, mitigate risk factors, and resolve conflict
• Provide services in locations convenient to youth and their family members/ chosen supports (such as schools, family homes, and other community settings)
• In collaboration with Youth Reconnect Workers link youth and families to specialized services (e.g., financial support, housing programs, mental health, addictions) as required
• Facilitate group-based activities, workshops and presentations as required
• Work with stakeholders and partners to develop and promote this new specialized youth service
• Contribute to analysis and evaluation of the program
• Maintain all required documentation (including client files, case notes, and assessments and evaluation tools to support the research and evaluation of the program)

Qualifications: * BSW or MSW, or degree in a counseling related field, or equivalent in education and experience.

• Registered, or eligible for registration, with the College of Registered Psychotherapists (CRPO) or The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
• 3 years’ experience working with youth and/or families, preferably in a counselling role
• Sound understanding of family systems theory, family dynamics, adolescent development and attachment theories and an ability to apply them is required.
• Demonstrated ability in working with a trauma informed, harm reduction approach and from an anti-oppression and culturally competent perspective/framework is essential
• Understanding of issues related to youth homelessness, Anti-Black Racism, LGBTQ2S identities, mental health and substance use problems and disorders, and developmental and learning disabilities
• Excellent communication (both oral and written) and organizational skills and ability to work independently
• Knowledge of community resources and systems relevant to youth at-risk of experiencing homelessness
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evening hours is required
• A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle is an asset

Interested applicants please submit a cover letter and resume by November 28, 2022. Please include email title Applicant – Family and Natural Supports Counsellor.

Website:

We thank all applicants however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

As an employer, Covenant House is committed to building an organization that reflects the diversity of our clients and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from qualified individuals who represent diverse communities. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Covenant House Policies on Accommodation, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of Covenant House recruitment process.

To ensure the safety of our staff, youth and volunteers, Covenant House Toronto has implemented a mandatory COVID 19 Vaccination Policy in compliance with the City of Toronto. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, exemptions will only be granted to individuals based on applicable medical/religious grounds.

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Company: Covenant House

Expected salary:

Location: Toronto, ON

Job date: Wed, 02 Nov 2022 01:30:10 GMT

Job Source: Careerjet.ca

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