Youth Mental Health Worker

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto; Toronto; Hybrid; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in Toronto is seeking a Youth Mental Health Worker to provide crisis management and support services to Indigenous youth. This full-time contract role focuses on cultural well-being and community-driven solutions, requiring a strong background in social services and experience with youth. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by Indigenous youth.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in youth work or related setting.
• Ability to connect with First Nations/Metis/Inuit youth.

Responsibilities

• Provide crisis management support and informal counseling.
• Assist youth to connect with cultural resources.
• Facilitate group activities and conduct community outreach.

Skills

Crisis Management

Counseling

Communication

Problem Solving

Advocacy

Education

Post-secondary education in social services

Job description

Hours: M-F 35 hrs/wk.

Range: $31.02-$44.97 per hour

Location: 30 College St., Toronto (Hybrid Model)

Classification: Full-Time Contract (Maternity Leave)

Position: Unionized

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, (NCFST) strives to provide a life of quality, well-being, caring and healing for our children and families in the Toronto Indigenous Community. We do this by creating a service model that is culture-based and respects the values of Native people, the extended family, and the right to self-determination and through the integration of holistic, culturally based prevention services that are child centered, family focused, and community driven.

At Native Child, we are guided by our purpose: Honoring Our Roots, Embracing Our Future. We are inspired to be and do our best, recognizing the profound impact we have on our communities, our people, and our shared heritage. Our commitment to preserving and celebrating Indigenous culture drives us to be a leading force in our region. Here, you are welcomed into an inclusive and supportive environment that values each individual's contributions and fosters collective success.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Supervisor Case Management, the Youth Mental Health Worker will:

Key Responsibilities

• Provide crisis management support, risk reduction, pre-treatment addictions counselling and aftercare support, informal counseling, referrals and advocacy.
• Perform intensive case management and stabilization to support the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional cultural well-being of Indigenous youth experiencing problems related to mental health and/or substance misuse.
• Assist youth to connect with cultural resources/supports to help First Nations/Metis/Inuit youth to establish and maintain balance in their lives.
• Provide support services to Indigenous youth involved with the justice system.
• Provide life skills support and goal planning, including educational and job readiness.
• Facilitate group activities (circles) and related events.
• Conduct community outreach.
• Work as part of a team and collaborate with other service providers to create culturally safe supports for youth.
• Complete ongoing assessments and service plans with youth.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Accompaniment to appointments as needed.
• Other related duties and responsibilities as required.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications And Skills

• Post-secondary education in the social services field (CYC, SSW, BSW)
• 1 to 2 years of experience in youth work or a related setting.
• Alternatively, a combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Excellent ability to connect with First Nations/Metis/Inuit youth.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues faced by indigenous youth aged 16-14.
• Understanding of harm reduction, addictions, mental health, Indigenous healing practices and history, developmental issues and high-risk situations faced by youth.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, informal counselling, and de-escalation skills.
• Understanding of systemic barriers faced by First Nations/Metis/Inuit youth and ability to advocate within these systems.
• Knowledge of local community agencies and other professional services available for youth.
• Excellent assessment, crisis intervention and problem-solving skills
• analytical, time management, organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently with flexible hours (some evening shifts required).
• Please note that the successful candidate is required to complete a background check.
  
  

Work Environment

• Standard office environment; minimal physical demands.
• Position requires staff to be highly accessible to the youth they serve.
• Must be flexible to meet youth in the community.
  
  

To Apply, Please Provide

• Cover letter outlining how you how meet the qualifications of the role.
• Current resume and include three work related references
• As a multi-service urban Indigenous agency providing holistic, culture-based programs and services to Indigenous children, and families, NCFST will give priority to applicants who identify as First Nations, Inuit, Metis, and those with close affiliations.
• NCFST is committed to providing a barrier-free work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. As such, NCFST will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the recruitment process.
  
  

Closing Date: May 26, 2025