The Diversion Worker assesses youth at risk of homelessness to secure safe housing alternatives and prevent emergency shelter entry. They provide counseling, mediation, and coordinated access to community services while maintaining accurate client records and reports.
Requirements summary
Requires a university degree in social services and at least 3 years of experience supporting youth with homelessness, mental illness, and substance use. Mandatory requirements include a valid Ontario Driver's License, vehicle access, CPI/UMAB and First Aid/CPR certifications, and a Vulnerable Sector Police Check.
Our Place Peel is a growing, community-based, non-profit charitable organization that is focused on providing shelter and outreach support for homeless and disadvantaged youth aged 16-24 in the Region of Peel. We are a leading organization recognized in the community for our commitment to providing youth in need with a safe environment and access to services to help them achieve independence and foster growth.
Our Place Peel’s mission is to empower youth through prevention, intervention, shelter, and community partnerships – fostering healing, growth, and lasting housing stability. Our vision is to ensure every youth has a safe, stable place to live.
What We Can Offer You
Paid Time off
Casual dress
On-site parking
Training and education allowance
100% employer-paid benefits
Wellness program
Employee and family assistance program
Opportunity for Growth!
Position Profile
The Diversion Worker provides diversion support for youth experiencing, who are or at-risk of homelessness to secure safe housing alternatives to emergency shelter that is appropriate to their circumstances including acquiring or to maintain existing housing. The Day/Evening position will be a 40 hours, 5 days a week day and evening rotational shift. The hours for a day shift is from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The evening shift is from 3:30 pm to 11:30 pm.
Role Overview
Responsibilities
Meet with youth entering the shelter to assess and explore safe alternative living arrangements through solution focused support and diversion services.
Work within a system of care approach to assess diversion or entry to the shelter, and provide coordinated access to the shelter system if appropriate.
Apply client-centered approach when working with youth to achieve positive outcomes and empower them through strength-based practices.
Provide counseling, conflict resolution and mediation to youth, their ‘families’ and/or landlords to prevent homelessness.
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community partners and support youth with referrals to appropriate professional services.
Benefits
Wellness program
Employee and family assistance program
Opportunity for Growth
On-site parking
Casual dress
Paid Time off
100% employer-paid benefits
Training and education allowance
Assist in creating practices and protocols that promote positive shelter diversion outcomes.
Participate in client care reviews and team meetings to ensure effective delivery of support services and continuity of care.
Facilitate and/or support social and emotional skills groups for youth.
Collaborate with other agencies that work in the areas of youth homelessness.
Utilize assessment tools to provide accurate care planning, outcomes and client centered goal development.
Compiles statistical information and prepares monthly reports as required for program evaluation and development.
Maintain accurate records, including Housing Technology, and entering client data for monthly, quarterly and annual funding reports.
Actively network within the community to promote the program and services by conducting presentations, attending information sessions and sitting on committees.
Qualifications
University degree or equivalent in related social services field.
3+ years experience within the social service sector supporting youth experiencing homelessness, mental illness and substance use in obtaining housing, employment, educational and community opportunities.
Experience in mental health, harm reduction and crisis intervention.
Experience supporting youth through evidence-based practices and frameworks (Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT, Harm Reduction).
Cultural competency sensitivity and commitment to working through an anti-oppressive, anti-racism framework.
Knowledge of housing first for youth, trauma informed care, and counselling.
Knowledge of resources within the Region of Peel, specifically for youth.
Ability to work rotating shifts including some weekends and holidays.
A valid Ontario Driver’s License, access to a vehicle and $2,000,000 (minimum) liability car insurance coverage are mandatory
Valid CPI/ UMAB and First Aid/ CPR certifications.
Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check that meets the standards of Our Place Peel.
How to Apply
If you are a compassionate, highly motivated and results-oriented individual, with a passion for supporting youth, please send your updated resume and cover letter by clicking "Apply Now". We thank all applicants for their interest in Our Place Peel. We thank everyone that applies. Only qualified candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Our Place Peel is an equal-opportunity employer. Accommodations for disabilities will be provided to support participation in all aspects of the recruitment process upon request.
We are dedicated to providing an atmosphere free from barriers in order to promote equity, inclusivity and diversity. We celebrate and welcome the diversity of all employees!
Disclaimer
This job description is general in nature and is not designed to contain or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.
