Youth Engagement Specialist - Maternity Replacement

Job city: Etobicoke 

Job terms: Fixed-Term Full time Contract (35hrs/Week) - Maternity Replacement 

About ACCT 

The Arab Community Centre of Toronto (ACCT) registered in 1974 is a not-for-profit organization with charitable status and is non-political and non-sectarian. The ACCT's mission is to enable and empower individuals, families, and communities to lead informed, productive, and culturally sensitive lives.  As a non-profit model of excellence, we honour our Arab Canadian heritage through community building and service to those in need of every heritage.   

Position Title: Youth Engagement Specialist 

Summary: 

ACCT is currently recruiting a full-time Youth Engagement Specialist on a fixed term contract as a maternity replacement to work from our Etobicoke office. In this position you will be required to provide holistic support to youth who have been identified as being at risk of violence involvement.  You will engage with young people to assist them to make more positive and fulfilling choices through training, positive role modelling, mentoring, and providing practical support. As a Youth Engagement Specialist, you will be responsible for building and maintaining a positive atmosphere that allows youth to build their sense of belonging and connection to their peers, their school, and their community. Because this program supports Somali youth, applicants with lived experience in the Somali community are strongly encouraged to apply. 

• Conduct outreach activities to identify, recruit and engage at risk/hard-to-reach youth.
• Conduct intake and needs assessment for program participants.  If necessary, work with other relevant adults in the youth’s life, including family, teachers, probation officers, outreach workers, youth service organizations, etc.
• Develop, monitor, and implement individual care plans to meet youth self-identified needs and goals.
• Support youth to achieve goals identified in their care plans and help them navigate the various system.
• Maintain contact with youth to identify additional needs or barriers to service access; to provide support and encouragement; and to follow up to ensure successful outcomes.
• Coordinate and facilitate violence awareness sessions and support groups as needed.
• Maintain up to date client case notes and meet monthly reporting and other deadlines.
• Advocate for youth and work with community, educational, and support service agencies to overcome access barriers.
• Maintain client confidentiality.
• Provide age and culturally competent services.
• Attend weekly case consultation and/or team meetings.
• Participate in local community, youth, and safety network meetings.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with educational, social, legal and health service community programs to ensure successful referrals.  

Qualifications: 

• University degree in social work, psychology, or related field
• Minimum two years of experience working with individuals and families that have experienced trauma, violence, or mental health issues.   
• Demonstrated experience providing culturally competent services among ethnically diverse population. 

• Experience working with Somali youth or lived experience within the Somali community is considered a strong asset. 

• Skill in managing the case plans of multiple, high-risk youth clients and their families.

• Knowledge of and sensitivity to the life experiences and diverse needs, identities, and cultural backgrounds of at-risk and high-risk youth in underserved communities
• Knowledge of the community including knowledge of local programs and services to refer high-risk youth, such as mental health and counselling supports.
• Strong understanding of the root causes of youth violence.   
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrate high degree of initiative, judgment, and problem-solving ability.
• Proficiency in planning, implementing, and evaluating group activities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes occasional evenings to accommodate clients.
• Police Record Check for Vulnerable Sector is required as part of the hiring process.
• Preference will be given to applicants who reside in the East Mall/West Mall/Capri areas of Etobicoke.