Organization: Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Division: Youth Justice Division – Four (4) Direct Operated Secure Custody and Detention Youth Centres
City: Brampton, Sault Ste Marie, Simcoe, Thunder Bay
Job Term: 60 Temporary with possible extension subject to satisfactory job performance and operational needs of the facility
Job Code: 50577 – Youth Worker
Salary: $31.14 – $39.37 Per Hour*
*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.
Understanding the job ad – definitions Posting Status: Open
Job ID: 196510
Purpose of Position :
Provide services and supervision as a Primary Worker and member of a multi-disciplinary team within a youth justice secure detention/custody youth centre. Using a relationship custody approach as the foundation of security, safety and service delivery, perform a full range of duties related to the rehabilitation, supervision and reintegration of youth on an assigned shift, including identification of and participation in appropriate structured rehabilitative programs and services for youth. Promote the well-being, safety and security of youth, staff, youth centre and community through adherence to all policies and procedures.
Duties / Responsibilities :
Within a 24/7 secure custody/secure detention youth centre comprised of male and/or female youth and a multi-disciplinary team service delivery structure, the position is responsible for the following:
1. As a Primary Worker, participate with youth and other multi-disciplinary team members in the identification of the goals for individualized case management reintegration plans (CMRPs); use a relationship custody approach and skills to motivate youth to meet CMRP goals; monitor the youth’s CMRP progress throughout his/her term of custody/detention; coordinate and participate in case management updates and where required prepare or provide input for reports for case management reintegration plans and court reviews.
2. Plan, develop and supervise daily activities within the living unit for meeting individual and group needs of youth; support youth to follow daily routines; participate in unit programs and recreational activities; promote and participate in structured programs consistent with rehabilitation and reintegration goals; advocate on behalf of the youth; assess and recommend changes/modifications to interventions/treatment strategies, etc., that are provided to youth.
3. Provide a supervised, rehabilitative living environment through daily interaction with youth and understanding the strengths and developmental needs of the youth; facilitate both individual and group interventions and counseling to promote development of age appropriate life and pro-social skills in youth; conduct and/or participate in structured group meetings or individual sessions to improve youths’ interpersonal awareness and skills and address/correct individual and group behaviour challenges.
4. Observe relationships among youth and recognize changes in individual and group dynamics; model and reinforce positive interpersonal relationships; select and implement appropriate behaviour management techniques to promote stability and effect change where necessary.
5. Provide constructive feedback and assistance through written and verbal communication to professional staff, colleagues, and team members; use collaborative supervision methods to continuously improve implementation and outcomes of individual and unit programming intervention strategies, interactions, etc.; and participate in program evaluation.
6. Assist in the provision of youth centre programs in support of youths’ rehabilitation and reintegration goals; actively promote school attachment; facilitate and/or participate in group and individual behavioural counseling and other activities in areas addressing criminogenic risk/needs and which proactively manage youth relationship-building and pro-social conduct; conduct pre- and post-testing for evaluation purposes.
7. As a member of the case management team, assist with the development of Case Management/Reintegration Plans (CMRPs) and Reintegration Leaves that address youths’ needs, and advocate/liaise on youths’ behalf with appropriate community agencies and families to assist in effective reintegration into the community upon release.
8. Maintain required written records of all youth behaviours including all significant interaction with the youth; maintain up to date and accurate files for assigned youth in keeping with case management expectations; and prepare documentation that demonstrates use of a relationship custody approach in interactions with youth.
9. Utilizing a relationship custody approach, monitor and direct youth activities and compliance with rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of the youth, staff, youth centre and community according to established ministry policies and procedures.
10. Maintain security requirements of the youth centre such as key control, regular formal/informal counts, and appropriate searching of youth, their living areas, and youth centre property for irregularities affecting safety/security and take corrective action.
11. Use of relationship custody approach, adhere to Youth Criminal Justice Act principles of using least intrusive measures when managing behaviour; and adhere to the Child and Family Services Act. Following the Mental Health Act and other applicable legislation, use of ministry-approved verbal and physical intervention techniques appropriate to address self-injurious behaviours or behaviours by youth that pose a risk of harm to other youth, staff, volunteers and others in the youth centre. Maintain currency in the required and mandatory training that meets legislation, Ministry and Division policy, and youth justice service standards.
12. Respond to emergencies such as fire, medical, escape attempts, disturbances, suicide attempts, suicide-related behaviour, and utility disruptions; prepare written reports for incidents such as inappropriate young person behaviour, accidents or injuries involving staff, youth, and others in the youth centre; and critical or major situations.
13. Perform other related duties as assigned such as program supervision, community escorts, admitting and discharge, representing the youth centre in court proceedings, community contacts and activities.
14. Perform other related duties as assigned inclusive of program supervision, community escorts, admitting and discharge, representing the youth centre in court proceedings, community contacts, and youth activities involving community groups.
Staffing and Licensing :
Successful completion of post-secondary education from a college or university of recognized standing with emphasis in social/human services, adolescent development, and knowledge of family group dynamics, plus one year of relevant experience OR a recognized secondary school diploma with supplementary courses in human behaviour plus three years relevant experience. Current emergency first aid and CPR/AED Heartsaver Certificates.
Successful completion of the Ministry’s Youth Services Officer basic training program. Completion of Ministry-approved model of training in physical intervention on an annual or as required basis that meets legislative requirements and youth justice service standards.
A criminal record check/Vulnerable Sector Screening is a requirement of the position.
A valid driver’s license is a requirement for escort-trained staff.
Knowledge :
Knowledge of case management and group work principles and techniques, effective discharge planning as a key component of the care continuum; knowledge of rehabilitative approaches and behavioural interventions that improve outcomes for youth and reduce risks associated with re-offending; knowledge of program content and desired goals and objectives; knowledge of court procedures and requirements.
Knowledge of various sociological issues impacting on youth (e.g. poverty, family violence and abuse, sexual abuse, substance abuse, gang involvement, peer-on-peer violence; racial issues; and societal issues that put youth at risk of offending behaviour; and human rights issues); knowledge of mental health and behavioural disorders, abnormal psychology, symptoms and causes of non-normative, anti-social and exceptional behaviours, human sexuality, general physiology (developmental, abnormal); knowledge of concepts and techniques for cognitive-behavioural interventions, knowledge of theories of change; knowledge of philosophy and techniques for motivational interviewing; knowledge of philosophy and techniques for strengths-based and collaborative problem-solving.
Ability to interpret and apply the following: Ministry vision, youth justice mission and principles, ministry and youth justice policies, local operating policies and procedures and various relevant legislation (e.g. Human Rights Code, Youth Criminal Justice Act, Child and Family Services Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act, PIPEDA, FIPPA, fire codes, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Policy); knowledge of security requirements; knowledge of characteristics, skills and behaviours reflecting a relationship custody approach; knowledge of verbal de-escalation techniques and other non-physical interventions, critical incident management; knowledge of policies, procedures, and techniques for escorts and reintegration leaves; knowledge of emergency procedures (e.g. fire, suicide, evacuation, medical, utility disruption).
Requires awareness, knowledge, respect and sensitivity to the diverse social, cultural, linguistic, developmental, and interpersonal needs of youth who are in the youth centre.
Skills :
Advanced communication skills – written (e.g. formal and informal reports; court submissions; logs), verbal (e.g. ability to succinctly describe situations, report, give directions in an appropriate manner), and non-verbal (e.g. body language, gestures); interpersonal skills, and the skills necessary to develop successful relationships (e.g. active listening skills, empathy skills).
Cultural competency skills and the ability to be inclusive of diversity.
Interviewing, coaching and counseling skills; facilitation and team building skills; analytical, interpretive, reasoning and collaborative problem-solving skills.
Skills in maintaining security and safety through a relationship custody approach and skills in anticipating, de-escalating and defusing potentially hostile situations. Ability to engage where required in the application of approved physical interventions and restraints.
Basic computer skills including familiarity with various business software (e.g. Windows operating system, youth centre word processing software, and Ministry-approved search engine functions). Ability to learn and operate YOTIS (Young Offender Tracking Information System).
Proficiency in oral and written French at the Advanced level is required of those positions that are identified to provide French Language Services.
Freedom of Action :
The incumbent participates in daily interactions, supervision and provision of services to address youths’ emotional, clinical, educational, physical, family, spiritual, social, legal and cultural needs. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the incumbent contributes knowledge, observations and assessments to develop and maintain case management and scheduling that provide appropriate programs and unit monitoring to improve outcomes for youth.
The incumbent has discretion in developing activities/events for youth and in directing the movement and activities of the youth.
The incumbent is responsible for maintaining security and operating within the policies, procedures and protocols of the Ontario Public Service, Ministry, Division and youth centre. Use of a relationship custody approach places the onus directly on the incumbent to maintain constant and ongoing interaction with youth in every situation for the purpose of a safe, positive environment, the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of youth, and community safety.
The incumbent must be aware of legislative and policy requirements and exercise judgement when deciding on appropriate intervention in response to: (a) youth crisis or behavioural situation; (b) a hostile or aggressive situation involving one or more youth; and (c) other known risks to the youth centre, staff, and youth.