Contract Peer/House Mentor

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Covenant House Toronto is seeking a House Mentor to implement their mission in youth mentorship within their Supported Lodging Program. This role involves providing support, life skills training, and maintaining a safe living environment for youth transitioning to independence. Candidates will reside on-site in a fully furnished apartment, contributing to a positive communal living experience.

Qualifications

• Experience working with high needs populations.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care models.
• Willingness to attend necessary trainings.

Responsibilities

• Provide mentorship and support to youth.
• Document behavioral changes and communicate concerns.
• Maintain a safe and clean environment.

Skills

Mentoring

Independence

Critical Thinking

Education

Post-secondary education in a helping profession (completed or in progress)

Tools

First Aid

ASIST

Job description

House Mentor

1 year contract

Covenant House helps youth ignite their potential and reclaim their lives. As Canada’s largest agency serving youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk, we offer the widest range of services to hundreds of young people every day.

More than a place to stay, we provide life-changing care with unconditional love and respect. We meet youth’s immediate needs and then we work together to achieve their future goals. We offer 24/7 crisis shelter transitional housing options on-site and, in the community, health and well-being support, training and skill development, and ongoing care once youth move into the community.

For over 40 years, Covenant House has been dedicated to its mission of serving youth on the street and to protect and safeguard all youth with absolute respect and unconditional love. Since 1982, Covenant House has supported more than 100,000 young people.

Overview:

In this position the candidate will be responsible for direct implementation of the Covenant House’s philosophy, mission statement and policies as they pertain to residential care. This successful candidate will focus solely on youth mentorship within the Supported Lodging Program at Covenant House Toronto.

The successful candidate will reside in a private, fully furnished apartment provided and subsidized by Covenant House Toronto. The apartment features 1 bedroom, an office space, full kitchen, an ensuite and will be fully furnished. This space also has its own private entrance and great storage. Please note, no guests are allowed in this space for the safety and privacy of this program as the successful candidate will need to be available to the youth during designated hours; this may include over-nights and week-ends.

• To establish relationships with the youth to provide mentorship, support and life skills to the youth as they engage in their transition into independence
• To document and communicate any behavioral changes/concerns, incidents
• To invite and encourage youth engage in program expectations
• To promote positive shared space activities to create a successful communal living experience for the youth
• To act as mediator for peer challenges and model collaborative problem solving with the youth
• To conduct/participate in house meetings and weekly Community Meals
• To work collaboratively with the Youth in Transition worker to support case planning and engage in post-program, After-Care activities
• To reside in the home and be available to the youth during designated hours; this may include over-nights and week-ends
• To be able to commit to a minimum of 2 - 5 hours weekly to program activities minimum of 25 hours per week
• To ensure that a safe and clean environment is maintained
• To monitor and report any house maintenance issues
• To respond to and manage community relations and issues and report complaints to the manager

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education, preferably in a helping profession (completed or in progress)
• Previous experience with high needs populations in a mentoring role
• Knowledge of trauma informed care models and needs of this specialized population of youth
• Minimum of a 2 year commitment
• Can be employed full/part time or is a full time/part time student
• Demonstrated initiative, independence, maturity and critical thinking skills
• UMAB, First Aid, ASIST, basic computer skills and a willingness to attend other trainings as necessary

Interested applicants please submit a cover letter and resume by June 3, 2025. Please include email title Internal Applicant – House Mentor.

Please note only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

As an employer, Covenant House is committed to building an organization that reflects the diversity of our clients and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from qualified individuals who represent diverse communities. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Covenant House Policies on Accommodation, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of Covenant House recruitment process.

To ensure the safety of our staff, youth and volunteers, Covenant House Toronto has implemented a mandatory COVID 19 Vaccination Policy in compliance with the City of Toronto. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, exemptions will only be granted to individuals based on applicable medical/religious grounds.