Youth In Transition Worker

Ontario Native Women's Association; Thunder Bay; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Health coverage

Healthcare Spending Account

Lifestyle Spending Account

Pension plan

Paid time off

35 hour work week

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Professional development

Job summary

Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) seeks a Youth In Transition Worker - Housing First to support Indigenous youth transitioning from child welfare into adulthood. You will help youth identify goals, access housing, education, and health services, and develop life skills with culturally informed supports.

Reporting to the Branch Manager, you will collaborate with CAS and community partners to reduce barriers and promote positive outcomes for youth in care, with flexible scheduling to

Qualifications

• Post-secondary diploma or bachelor’s in Social Services or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3–5 years of experience in social services.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to assess situations and consider multiple perspectives.
• Ability to collaborate across sectors and build partnerships for youth outcomes.
• Strong written, verbal, and active listening skills.
• Experience facilitating workshops and group activities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, databases, and internet-based systems.

Responsibilities

• Support youth in successful transition from child welfare to adulthood.
• Identify goals, build independence, and connect to services.
• Navigate adult service systems for housing, education, employment, life skills, health, and legal resources.
• Coordinate connections to culturally appropriate services and Indigenous practices.
• Collaborate with CAS, community agencies, and service providers to improve access and outcomes.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Communication skills

Independent worker

Problem-solving

Relationship building

Workshop facilitation

Active listening

Education

Post-secondary Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Social Services

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Why make ONWA your career choice?

Make a difference in the lives of Indigenous peoples by supporting and advocating for positive change.ONWA prides itself on providing all employees with a total rewards package that is generous and supports our workforce and their family members:

• Competitive salaries
• Generous paid vacation time
• Paid time off at Christmas above paid vacation time
• Additional paid stat and civic holidays
• 35 hour work week
• Comprehensive benefits program including health, paramedical, dental, vision and EAP. All premiums covered by the employer.
• Healthcare Spending Account and Lifestyle Spending Account
• Participate in CAAT defined benefit pension plan and retire with secure lifetime retirement income
• Paid sick days
• Paid cultural/personal wellness days
• Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
• Ongoing professional development.

VISION:

At the Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA), we celebrate and honour the safety and healing of Indigenous Women and Girls as they take up their leadership roles in the family, community, provincially, nationally and internationally for generations to come.

SCOPE:

Reporting to the Branch Manager, the Youth In Transition Worker - Housing First (YITW-HF) is responsible for supporting youth in their successful transition from the child welfare system into adulthood. The position works directly with eligible youth to identify goals, build independence, access services, and develop the skills and supports necessary for long-term success and stability.

The Youth In Transition Worker - Housing First supports youth to identify, access, and navigate adult service systems relevant to their individual needs, including housing, education, employment, life skills development, health and mental health services, and legal resources. The position facilitates connections to culturally appropriate services, community supports, and traditional Indigenous teachings and practices.

The Youth In Transition Worker - Housing First works collaboratively with Children's Aid Societies (CAS), community agencies, service providers, and Indigenous organizations to strengthen access to services, reduce barriers, improve outcomes, and support successful transitions to adulthood.

QUALIFICATIONS

SKILLS:

• Post-secondary Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Social Services, or a related field, or a combination of relevant education and experience.
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of experience in social services.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to assess situations and consider multiple perspectives.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Community Members, community agencies, service providers, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across sectors and build partnerships that support service coordination and positive outcomes for youth.
• Strong written, verbal, and active listening communication skills.
• Experience facilitating workshops, presentations, and group activities.
• Proficient working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, databases, internet-based systems, and general office equipment

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of services, programs, and resources available to youth within the service delivery area.
• Knowledge and understanding of nonprofit organizations and community-based service delivery.
• Knowledge of community resources and referral processes.
• Knowledge of current issues impacting Indigenous women, youth, families, and communities.
• Understanding of youth development, life skills development, and transitional support services.
• Knowledge of housing, education, employment, mental health, healthcare, and legal support systems.
• Understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, teachings, and community-based approaches to healing and wellness.
• Knowledge of child welfare systems and the challenges faced by youth transitioning from care.
• Ability to speak an Indigenous language is considered an asset.

Please know, this is an existing role we are looking to fill.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.