Youth workers provide direct client care, supervision, and strength-based interventions within a congregate care setting for youth involved in the justice system. They are responsible for maintaining client records, facilitating life skills programming, and ensuring a safe, therapeutic environment.
Requirements summary
Candidates must possess a university or college degree/diploma in Child and Youth Work, Social Work, or an equivalent field. At least one year of relevant work experience, preferably in a live-in setting, is required along with valid First Aid, CPR, and UMAB certifications.
Competition #2026-209-YPSTPYS - Youth Worker (Congregate Care) - FT (2026-209-YPS)Employment Type:(Until March 31, 2027) Contract Hourly, CUPE Bargaining Unit (1 vacancy) Work Hours:40 hours per week (Days/Evenings/Alternate Weekends)Work Setting:Exclusively Onsite – Redwood ProgramSalary:$24.54/hourApplication Deadline:April 29, 2026 by 11:59 pm
Program Overview - Redwood Program Turning Point Youth Services (TPYS) is an accredited, non-profit agency serving youth (12 to 18 years of age) and their families in the east end of Toronto. Turning Point’s mission is to empower youth to make positive change, an to accomplish this, it offers a continuum of services for youth and their families with a focus on mental health, housing/sheltering, and youth justice. Turning Point Youth Services and WoodGreen Community Services announced on July 2, 2024 the integration of the two organizations. The combination of these two agencies will enable a more effective and integrated approach to the provision of comprehensive support services for youth in the GTA.
The Redwood Program is our new youth justice, congregate care program.
It is a 6-bed, gender specific, structured, live-in program for young males involved in the justice system and living with mental health challenges.
The goal of the program is to prevent and reduce youth involvement in the criminal justice system and support their reintegration to the community.
Youth Workers provide direct, quality client care and supervision to program clients.
They provide client-focused and strength-based relationship-based interventions.
This program is staffed by at least two Youth Workers at all times.
What You Will Do
Promote a safe and therapeutic environment and establish therapeutic relationships
with clients through role modeling consistent with the Agency Mission, Vision and Values.
Incorporate into your work a strengths-based relationship-based philosophy of care and a belief in the resilience of youth.
Provide direct, client care and supervision to clients in the live-in program.
Perform the duties of a Primary Worker for assigned clients.
Promote and integrate Youth and Family Engagement.
Promote an environment of inclusion that promotes equity and respects diversity.
Assess and understand client mental health needs through a developmental and trauma informed lens, offer and actualize methods of intervention not considered psychotherapy, in compliance with relevant legislation and the CRPO guidelines regarding the Controlled Act of Psychotherapy which identify, limit and control the means of psychotherapy techniques delivered through a therapeutic relationship.
Ensure that client records are maintained as per agency standards and in accordance with privacy policies and legislation.
Ensure that administrative duties are completed within required timeframes.
Effectively utilize communication systems to convey client and program related information.
Develop, implement, evaluate and fully participate in life skills and recreational programming, where necessary.
Maintain responsible oversight of agency finances and assets.
Maintain adequate upkeep of the physical plant and property (interior and exterior).
Assist with meal preparation as required.
Assume the role of Student Placement Supervisor as required (as assigned by the Supervisor based on skill and experience level).
Reconcile client medication for the program prior to supervisory signoff (as assigned by the Supervisor based on skill and experience level).
Liaise with other detention sites and the court system in order to support the level determination process of all youth in the Greater Toronto Area remanded to a detention facility by the courts (as applicable).
Perform other duties as required
What You Bring to the Team
University or College Degree/Diploma in Child and Youth Work, Social Work or equivalent
At least one year of relevant work experience, preferably in a live-in setting
What You Set You Apart
Demonstrated knowledge and experience with at risk adolescents and young adults
Understanding of the complex issues facing our clients
Appreciation of the importance of engaging youth and families from a strengths-based
relationship-based approach
Sensitivity to and ability to work with a diverse client and staff group
Ability to exercise professionalism and sound judgement in conflictual and stressful
situations
Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team
Ability to resolve issues with supervisors and co-workers in a manner that is respectful and cooperative in accordance with the agency culture and philosophy
Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
Excellent communication skills – verbal and written
Strong administrative and organizational skills
Good computer skills
Valid First Aid/CPR certification
Valid UMAB certification
Completion of required suicide prevention and intervention training
This is a collective bargaining unit position with CUPE Local 3501
WoodGreen is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free selection process and work environment. If contacted in relation to an employment opportunity, please advise our People & Culture representatives at careers@woodgreen.org [http://careers@woodgreen.org] of the accommodation measures required. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.
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