Light Patrol Social Worker

Are you desiring to integrate your social work career in a faith-based environment? Light Patrol, a specialized program of Youth Unlimited, is hiring a Social Worker to walk alongside and support young people experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

About Light Patrol

Light Patrol is a specialized program of Youth Unlimited and exists to offer whole-person care and support to young people experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness. We offer unique programming for homelessness prevention, crisis response, and transition out of homelessness, all providing opportunities for youth to have trustworthy, stable adults and community walk alongside them through the ups and downs of their lives.

The Light Patrol Social Worker will work closely with all our program’s initiatives - the youth, staff, and volunteers that are involved - providing practical support, as well as access to resources that will help our young people feel less alone in their lives, as well as help them achieve more whole-person transformation.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Build relationships with the youth who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness involved in our initiatives.
2. Provide whole-person support for youth: spiritual, emotional, relational, physical, intellectual and social.
3. Consult with staff and volunteers about supports and resources the youth in our program need, including while youth are in crisis.
4. Develop or provide access to resources youth in our program need, such as mental health support or housing retention strategies.
5. Liaise with other social service agencies to help youth build a larger network of support and access critical resources, like housing, education, and employment.
6. Develop and maintain a database of relevant social service organizations and programs in order to provide youth with useful referral information.
7. Participate in multidisciplinary teams and meetings regarding, for example, child protection or mental health.
8. Provide training and education to staff and volunteers around relevant issues youth in our program are facing, such as addictions or trauma.

Key Requirements:

We are looking for someone with:

1. Bachelor of Social Work degree.
2. Understanding of social services available for youth, particularly in Toronto and Durham Region.
3. Strong knowledge of working with individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness, including those with mental health and addiction issues and those involved in child protective services.
4. Frontline experience working with individuals who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness is an asset.
5. Pursue a vital spiritual life and growing relationship with God as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.
6. Be a faithful and contributing member of a local church.
7. An entrepreneurial spirit is an asset as this position requires some program development.
8. Willingness and ability to work flexibly, including some evenings.
9. A G Driver’s License and ability to travel throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

Position Information:

This is a part-time position (20 - 30 hours/week), with the potential of increasing hours as the program grows and develops. The salary of this staff position is determined on a scale based on education and experience and is 100% funded on a missionary basis – requiring the successful applicant to fundraise and gather a personal support team.

To Apply: Please submit a resumé and cover letter. Your resumé should note (1) your employment experience; (2) your ministry experience, whether volunteer or paid; and (3) any relevant certification. Your cover letter should include a description of (a) How you would integrate your faith with this role, (b) your heart for youth (particularly those experiencing homelessness) and (c) any experience you have working with youth. (Each response should be 150 - 200 words.)

If you have any further questions, please contact David at dannesley@yugta.ca or (416) 383-1229, ext.7316. Only those applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.