Diversion Worker

Our Place Peel; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time off

On-site parking

Training and education allowance

Wellness program

Employee and family assistance program

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Our Place Peel is a community-based nonprofit serving youth ages 16-24 in Peel Region. The Diversion Worker will help youth find safe housing options and prevent homelessness through solution-focused support and coordination with the shelter system.

The role involves day and evening shifts (8:00–16:00 and 15:30–23:30), with 40 hours per week, and requires a strong client-centered approach, crisis intervention skills, and collaboration with community partners.

Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent in related social services field.
• 3+ years experience supporting youth facing homelessness and related challenges.
• Experience in mental health, harm reduction and crisis intervention.
• Experience with evidence-based practices (Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT).
• Cultural competency and commitment to anti-oppressive practice.
• Knowledge of housing first for youth and trauma-informed care.
• Knowledge of Peel Region youth resources.
• Ability to rotate shifts including some weekends/holidays.
• Ontario Driver’s License, vehicle, and $2,000,000 liability insurance.
• Valid CPI/UMAB and First Aid/CPR certifications.
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check.

Responsibilities

• Meet with youth entering the shelter to assess safe housing options.
• Assess diversion versus entry to shelter and coordinate access.
• Use client-centered approaches to empower youth.
• Provide counseling, conflict resolution and mediation.
• Develop relationships with community partners for referrals.
• Help create practices to improve shelter diversion outcomes.
• Participate in care reviews and team meetings.
• Facilitate or support social and emotional skills groups.
• Collaborate with agencies working on youth homelessness.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports.

Skills

Counselling

Crisis intervention

Motivational Interviewing

CBT

DBT

Harm Reduction

Cultural Competency

Education

University degree or equivalent in related social services field

Job description

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
• On-site parking
• Training and education allowance
• 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.
• 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.

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!