Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker

Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre is seeking an Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker to support high-risk youth aged 12-21. You will connect youth and families with community services, provide crisis-informed counselling, and coordinate with an interdisciplinary team to build protective supports.

Applicants should have a Bachelor of Social Work and experience with youth in crisis, with knowledge of Indigenous culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Social Work degree or equivalent required.
• Experience delivering intensive counselling to youth in crisis.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture and history; knowledge of Indigenous language is asset.
• Ability to manage multiple high-risk youth case plans.
• Crisis intervention skills; ability to work with diverse community groups across sectors.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; Driver’s Abstract upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Help high-risk youth and families navigate services and pro-social opportunities in Thunder Bay.
• Provide intensive, short-term counselling and support to youth in crisis.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to coordinate services and supports.

Skills

Crisis Intervention

Case Management

Trauma-Informed Care

Interagency Collaboration

Communication Skills

Time Management

Flexibility

Driver's License

Indigenous Cultural Knowledge

Education

Bachelor of Social Work

Job description

SUMMARY:

The Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker’s primary responsibility is to help high-risk, high-needs youth (ages 12-21) who may be experiencing challenges related to mental health, addictions, trauma, relationship violence, human/sex trafficking, and may be involved in criminal activities. The Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker will help high-risk youth and their families navigate and connect with services and pro-social opportunities in the community of Thunder Bay to improve youth outcomes. This position will use a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach and will collaborate with members of an interdisciplinary team to coordinate services and support in consultation with individuals and partnering programs.

Deadline Date: Monday October 19, 2025

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent and relevant experience and eligible for certification / membership in a registered professional association for social work.
• Familiarity with the specialized needs of youth who may be experiencing challenges related to mental health, addictions, trauma, relationship violence, human / sex trafficking and / or may be involved in criminal activities.
• Demonstrated ability delivering intensive, short-term counselling and support services to youth in crisis, helping to address specific challenges, and referring to access required services.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture and history, with particular emphasis on family violence, child welfare, and impacts of trauma; knowledge of an Indigenous language(s) considered an asset.
• Skill in managing the case plans of multiple, high-risk youth clients and their families.
• Proven crisis intervention skills; ability to identify, assess, and intervene with youth in crisis.
• Knowledge of flexible, diverse, support, advocacy and intervention processes.
• Ability to engage people to build trust and rapport; effective communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work co-operatively and negotiate effectively with a range of community groups and service providers across sectors.
• Excellent time management skills; ability to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Valid First Aid / CPR Certificate and Safe Food Handling certification is an asset.
• A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Clearance Check is a condition of employment.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Will require a valid Drivers Abstract upon hiring.

The Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre is an equal opportunity employer.

Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for all parts of the recruitment process.