Full-Time Team Lead - Youth Justice Services - Secure

Ray of Hope Inc.; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A community service organization in Kitchener is seeking a Full-Time Team Lead for its youth justice services program. The role involves supervising staff, ensuring program compliance, and providing support to at-risk youth in custody. Candidates should have relevant post-secondary education and experience in supervisory roles, particularly with at-risk youth. This position offers the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of young individuals.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of supervisory experience required.
• 3-5 years of experience working with at-risk youth, preferably in detention/custody settings.
• Willingness to obtain First Aid Level-C CPR & AED certification prior to employment.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction in the daily operation of residential units.
• Supervise and coach staff in engagement with youth.
• Conduct staff orientation and training.

Skills

Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development

Excellent writing skills and grammar

Ability to motivate staff

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Good communication and leadership abilities

Education

Post-secondary education (Minimum 3 Year Diploma/Degree)

Job description

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of youth in conflict with the law? Ray of Hope - Secure is a great place for youth in custody to focus on their lives, making changes for the better. In this leadership role, we need individuals who can be a role model, who are driven to provide opportunities to support youth in learning new skills and who are connecting to Community resources. We know that our person is out there…maybe it’s you?

Come join OUR YOUTH JUSTICE SERVICES program as a FULL-TIME TEAM LEAD!

Overview

Under the supervision of the Manager of Quality and Compliance, the Team Lead will focus on coaching and providing formal supervision to staff while ensuring fidelity to Ray of Hope Secure program standards. The Team Lead is also responsible for completing administrative records for Staff Supervision/Development, Unit Meetings, Active File Audit/Management, and Serious Occurrence reporting. The Team Lead will coach staff in engagement and intervention strategies, supervise staff in youth engagement and supervision, manage crises, and support incentive programs and behaviour management. This position will facilitate unit safety huddles to promote a supportive, respectful, and collaborative workplace for staff. The Team Lead will implement the performance management system for their assigned group of staff and ensure directives of the MCCSS and ROHS P&P are applied consistently.

Specific Responsibilities

Program Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction in the daily operation of residential units and for staff ensuring programs are operating in compliance with Ministry legislation and Agency policy and procedures
• Facilitate a trauma-informed practice for the young persons maintaining therapeutic relationships and boundaries
• Supervise new hires during Probationary Period
• Coach and educate the YJO staff through debriefing, situational awareness, unit safety huddles and small group meetings
• Facilitate and complete supervision to YJO staff, including documentation and file reviews in accordance with Accreditation and Licensing standards
• Facilitate weekly review of YJO staff for File Audit goal setting and progress of competency
• Prepare, complete and review Logbooks, Incident Reports and related documentation
• Initiate, complete, and submit Serious Occurrences for reporting to MCCSS
• Conduct timely and random searches of person, facility, and property as directed
• Ensure Emergency Preparedness and Fire Safety Plan compliance
• Attend committee, public, educational and MCCSS meetings on behalf of Ray of Hope
• Collaborate with the Manager of Quality and Compliance on staff/young person complaints
• Ensure the Rights of Young Persons are respected and support complaint procedures
• Review monthly/quarterly Incident and Serious Occurrence Reports and provide staff goal/training reports as needed
• Coordinate petty cash requests for residential program delivery
• Participate in annual/scheduled planning sessions
• Serve as a model of integrity and performance for frontline staff and co-workers
• Provide direct supervision to frontline staff and complete formal documentation for assigned staff
• Ensure health and safety instruction is communicated and practiced
• Conduct staff orientation and training
• Participate in leadership and unit meetings
• Support a culture of teamwork, quality, continuous improvement, and high performance
• Encourage staff to use their talents in delivering quality programming
• Implement provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Participate as designate Provincial Director in the on-call system as an On-call Manager
• Participate as designate Provincial Director for assessment and placement of youth in secure detention with MCCSS approval
• Other duties as assigned by the Manager of Quality and Compliance

General Program Responsibilities

• The Team Lead will have significant contact with internal parties such as Youth Justice Officers, Manager of Quality and Compliance, and other facility staff, with some contact with families and community professionals. Significant collaboration with the ROH-Secure Management Team is required.

Qualifications

Education

• Completion of post-secondary education (Minimum 3 Year Diploma/Degree) in a related field; or a combination of education and progressively responsible experience

Experience

• 1-2 years of supervisory experience
• 3-5 years of experience working with at-risk youth, preferably in detention/custody settings

Preferred Certifications (ongoing Training Provided)

• Understanding and Managing Aggressive Behaviour (UMAB) Certificate
• Standard First Aid Level-C CPR & AED or willingness to obtain prior to employment

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development
• Familiar with MCCSS policies, Child, Youth and Family Services Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act
• Excellent writing skills and grammar
• Ability to motivate staff and promote productive, cooperative work
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Strong English reading, writing, and comprehension
• Good communication and leadership abilities
• Training skills

Requirements

• Vulnerable Sector Check/Broad Police Check
• Valid, unrestricted Ontario Class G Driver’s licence
• Ministry of Transportation Driver’s Abstract
• Employment Medical Form including immunization record

Physical Demands

• Constant standing, sitting, and walking (balanced)
• Frequent mental work and concentration
• Possible exposure to harassment or aggression
• Possible risk of vicarious trauma
• Exposure to environmental hazards occasionally
• Ability to work with others consistently
• May require to intervene physically with a youth using an approved restraint program

Deadline: September 26, 2025; posting remains open until capacity is reached. Applications reviewed as received.