WoodGreen Community Services·Toronto, Ontario
Provide direct client care, supervision, and strengths-based interventions to youth residing in the shelter. Maintain accurate client records, facilitate community referrals, and develop group programming to support resident needs.
Competition #2026-334-YPS Youth Worker (Shelter) - FT (2026-334-YPS) Employment Type: Full Time, CUPE Bargaining Unit (1 vacancy) Work Hours: 40 hours/week Work Setting: Exclusively Onsite (Shelter program) Salary: $55,956.22 Application Deadline: September 08, 2026 by 11:59 pm
WoodGreen is a team of diverse and innovative change makers working together to make a difference in our communities. A United Way Anchor Agency with a proven track record and an entrepreneurial mindset, we continuously seek to develop solutions to critical social needs while striving to become a Centre for Equity. Visit www.woodgreen.org to learn more about who we are and to review our Equity Statement. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce, representative of the communities we serve. We encourage, and are pleased to consider, applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, women/women identifying, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and others who contribute towards promoting innovative ideas and solutions. Program Overview – Youth Programs & Services, Youth Shelter & Housing The primary responsibility for a Youth Worker is to provide direct, quality client care and supervision to clients in live-in programs, and to provide client-focused and strengths-based relationship-based interventions. From mental health and housing to employment and youth justice supports, WoodGreen now provides a more robust continuum of care, all under one umbrella. Together, we are better positioned to ensure youth needs are being MET: through Mental health, Employment, and Transitional supports.
What You Will Do Provide care and supervision to residents in the shelter Ensure the safety and well-being of the residents in the facility Complete reports, documentation and data entry as needed, ensuring that client records are accurately recorded in the Shelter Management Information System (SMIS) Ensure that administrative duties are completed within the required timeframes Support youth in the development of case plans (as per City of Toronto Shelter Standards) and provide ongoing case management Facilitate relevant referrals for residents to community-based services Develop, implement and evaluate group programming for residents Participate in the daily operation of the facility Complete all additional duties as assigned What You Bring to the Team Diploma or degree in a related field (i.e.; BSW, CYW, SSW, etc.) Minimum of 1 year of experience working with adolescents or homeless youth, preferably in a shelter setting Demonstrated knowledge and experience with at risk adolescents and young adults What Will Set You Apart Understanding of the complex issues facing our clients Sound knowledge of the issues facing homeless and street-involved youth, as well as community resources 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 as per Shelter Standards Full vaccination (minimum 2 doses) against COVID-19 with a Health Canada approved vaccine series Availability for shift work required.
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 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.
Requires a diploma or degree in a related field such as BSW, CYW, or SSW. Candidates must have at least one year of experience working with adolescents or homeless youth and possess valid First Aid, CPR, and UMAB certifications.
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.