WoodGreen Community Services·Toronto, Ontario
The youth worker will provide direct care and supervision to youth in a live-in program while promoting a safe, therapeutic, and inclusive environment. Responsibilities include maintaining client records, assisting with daily living tasks, and utilizing a strengths-based approach to support youth mental health and justice needs.
Competition #2026-213-YPSTPYS - Awake Overnight Youth Worker (2026-213-YPS)Employment Type:(12 months) Contract Salary, CUPE Bargaining Unit (1 vacancy)Work Hours:40 hours/week, Monday - Friday 12am - 8amWork Setting:Exclusively On-Site (Clifton Program)Salary:$51,279.44Application Deadline:May 11, 2026 by 11:59 pm
Program Overview – Youth Justice 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.
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.
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.
Provide direct, client care and supervision to clients in the live-in program.
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.
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.
Represent the Agency in a professional manner when dealing with families, external professionals, general public and community partners.
Perform other duties as required
What You Bring to the Team
University or College degree and/or diploma in Child & Youth Work and/or Bachelor of Social Work.
Some relevant experience, preferably in congregate care child and youth work.
Demonstrated understanding of the complex issues and challenges facing our clients.
Good communication skills – verbal and written
Good administration and computer skills.
Able to work well as part of a team
Valid “Understanding and Managing Aggressive Behaviour” certification.
Valid “First Aid/CPR” certification
Completion of required suicide prevention and intervention training.
Ontario G driver’s license, and comfort driving agency vehicle, considered an asset.
What Will Set You Apart
Demonstrated experience in the youth justice sector considered an asset.
Appreciation of the importance of engaging youth and families from a strength-based relationship-based approach.
Sensitivity to, and ability to work with, a diverse client and staff group.
Ability to demonstrate an anti-oppression approach to practice and work from a client-centered, anti-racism, harm reduction, and trauma informed approach is required.
Demonstrate knowledge of issues affecting marginalized communities, policies, legislation, programs, and other issues related to scope of practice and social determinants of health.
Experience working with diverse and marginalized communities, including ethno-cultural and religious groups, LGBTQSS+ youth and youth adults, those impacted by poverty and those involved in youth justice.
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.
This public job posting uses AI-powered tools to screen, assess, or select applicants.
Candidates must hold a degree or diploma in Child & Youth Work or Social Work and possess valid First Aid/CPR and suicide prevention certifications. Experience in congregate care and a demonstrated understanding of the challenges facing marginalized youth are required.
Market context
In Ontario, behavioral-health roles are typically driven by ongoing need in community, outpatient, and support settings serving people with mental health or substance use challenges. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for experience with diverse populations plus a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s in social work or a related field preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show relevant client-facing experience and readiness to work with varied needs.