Full-Time Youth Justice Officer -Recreation - Secure Custody

Ray of Hope Inc.; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization is looking for a full-time Youth Justice Officer – Recreation in Kitchener, Canada. This role involves implementing programming to help youth in custody develop conflict resolution skills and positive relationships. Candidates should have a diploma/degree in a related field, solid experience working with youth, and understanding of relevant policies. The position entails bi-weekly pay and additional benefits after probation.

Benefits

Employee Wellness Program

Benefits and Registered Pension Plan

Bi-weekly pay

Qualifications

• 1-2 years experience in a youth justice worker position.
• Experience with multicultural programs and event management.
• Understanding and Managing Aggressive Behaviour Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Implement preventive programming for youth.
• Collaborate with community partners.
• Engage in case management and documentation.

Skills

Commitment to ongoing personal development

Excellent writing skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Knowledge of Ministry policies

Education

Completion of post-secondary education (3 Year Diploma/Degree)

Job description

Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of male youth in custody, particularly planning and leading recreational activities? We are looking for an individual who can continually engage our youth in prevention programs that promote conflict resolution, resiliency, and the development of positive relationships. You will work collaboratively with community partners to help our youth successfully reintegrate back into their community.

Maybe this is you.....come, join our team!

FULL-TIME YOUTH JUSTICE OFFICER –RECREATION

Shift Schedule: Monday to Thursday, 1500-2300 & Friday, 0900-1700 *some flexibility based on Programming or Recreation-related events.

Please proceed to the Application Form for a Youth Justice Self-Assessment tool and further position details.

Position includes bi-weekly pay, access to our Employee Wellness Program and Staff Committee initiatives, along with enrollment in Benefits and Registered Pension Plan [DCPP] following completion of the 3-month probation period!

Based on interview availability, applications may be reviewed asap upon submission and qualified candidates, contacted immediately. This posting will remain open for 2 weeks (Deadline: November 21, 2025) OR until capacity, so please apply at your earliest convenience for consideration - Thank you!

Overview

Under the direction of the Secure Coach Officer, the Youth Justice Officer –Recreation position is responsible for implementing/facilitating all types of prevention programs that aim to provide important life skills to manage conflict, build resiliency, and engage positive peer relations. More specifically, the incumbent is responsible for consistently ensuring the delivery of programming that re-engages youth and introduces them to developing skills in the hospitality and construction sector. This position collaborates with other partners on prevention, awareness, intervention, diversion, etc. The position will establish and work with the community partners in appropriate learning, trades/technical programs, and recreation. Through their active engagement in the community, they identify emerging opportunities and partnerships in the business and tech community. The Youth Justice Officer –Recreation position works in close collaboration with the school board, apprenticeship/trades programs, social services, and a variety of other sectors and stakeholders to help youth successfully reintegrate back into society. The Youth Justice Officer –Recreation position will ensure that directives of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and Ray of Hope Secure Policy and Procedure (ROHS P&P) are applied appropriately and consistently.

Specific Responsibilities

Program Responsibilities

• Administer, collect and record data including youth/program surveys and MCCSS outcome measures
• Ensure any security and emergency procedures are completed and comply with ROHS P&P
• Provide Case Management Coordinator with relevant feedback and information on young person progress through observation/interaction in activities, and maintaining accurate daily report writing
• Collaborate, when needed, with the Case Management Coordinator in young person needs/goals areas and complaints
• Ensure the Rights of Young Persons are being respected and Complaint Procedure (debriefing, mediation) and Ombudsman process is supported. Maintain documentation including young person attendance, participation reflection and other records related to activity (module, lesson) and objective
• Maintain confidentiality of young person information in accordance with YCJA

Staff Responsibilities

• Serve as a model of integrity and performance for frontline staff and co-workers
• Monitor, assist and interact with young persons while using equipment such as computers (other IT equipment), recreational and vocational equipment
• Ensure that all health and safety instruction and implementation is communicated and practiced by staff, volunteers, and young persons as per Ministry legislation and Agency policy
• Actively participate in leadership and unit meetings, as required
• Work cooperatively with agency partners, community professionals, young persons, and staff

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

• Minimum 1-2 years previous experience in a youth justice worker position or equivalent position
• Experience with multicultural programs, event management, youth programming

Certifications

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

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required To Be Successful In This Position

• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing personal and professional development
• Familiar with policies of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, Child, Youth and Family Services Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act
• Excellent writing skills including proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Demonstrated ability to motivate staff team to ensure they work productively, cooperatively and with a sense of satisfaction in their work
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook)
• Proficient in reading, writing, speaking and comprehension in the English language

Requirements

• Vulnerable Sector Check/Police Check
• Valid, unrestricted Class "G" Ontario Driver's licence
• Ministry of Transportation Drivers Abstract through Service Ontario
• Employment Medical Form including immunization record

Physical Demands

• Constant standing (33%), sitting (33%) and walking (33%)
• Frequent use of mental capabilities and concentration
• Possible exposure to hazards such as harassment, physical or verbal aggression or aggressive behaviours, witness to harassment or violence, and similar variables
• Possible risk of vicarious trauma
• Infrequent exposure to environmental hazards, including Hot/Cold and regular environmental variables
• This position requires the person to consistently work with and around others
• Incumbent will be required to physically intervene with aggressive male youth using an approved restraint program

Work Contacts

• The Youth Justice Officer – Recreation position will have significant contact with internal parties such as Youth Justice Officers, Secure Coach Officers, and other members of the facility staff. They will also have contact with family members of the young person as well as with community professionals such as Youth Reintegration Program (ROHS), Police Services, YJS Probation Officers, medical professionals, etc. Significant collaboration with the Case Management Coordinator, Social Worker and Supervisor Team of ROH-Secure is required.