Position Description

Yonge Street Mission (YSM) is a vibrant, non-profit Christian organization leading a collective movement to end chronic poverty in Toronto. Since 1896, we’ve worked to transform the lives of people experiencing poverty, going beyond immediate needs by offering wrap-around support via holistic programs and services, and a pathway which enables street-involved youth, families in need, adults experiencing poverty and vulnerable communities to move from surviving to thriving.

To make this happen, we are passionate about investing in the people we work with, and look for a diverse range of staff who are key for us to advance our mission: Christians who have a heart for neighbours in need, a desire to transform the lives of our community members, and who believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect. 

If you are inspired by our vision and feel a true call to contribute to YSM’s work, we’d love to hear from you.

What We Offer:

As a staff member at YSM, some of the things you can look forward to include a values-based and highly collaborative and engaging work environment with a high value on staff’s mental health and well-being; meaningful, innovative and impactful work, with opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children, families, and the community, as well as flexible hybrid work arrangements. Our competitive Total Rewards compensation package also includes Group RRSP matching, annual leave and paid personal days, comprehensive health and dental care coverage, an Employee and Family Assistance Program that includes counselling services by Christian professionals, and numerous other perks.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking an Access Specialist, who is a qualified and passionate individual. The Access Specialist will be responsible to work closely with children and youth with families that are involved with child protection services. We work holistically and collaboratively with families and all stakeholders to ensure they reach positive outcomes towards family reunification and stability.

Responsibilities:

Reporting directly to the Cornerstone Care Management Supervisor, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Facilitating supervised weekday access visits on site (270 Gerrard St E) between 9am to 7pm.  Availability for two evenings per week of work is required. 
   
• Utilizing our RISE (Respond, Invite, Support, and Engage) Model of care to provide a full wrap-around system of support through referrals, partnerships, collaboration and advocacy.
   
• Working closely with Care Management Specialists and parents to mitigate adverse effects for families who have been involved with the child welfare system, including:
  a) Working collaboratively with CAS-T Service Teams
  b) Able to manage a caseload of 10-15 families
  c) Risk mitigation utilizing action plans
   
• Documenting interventions and outcomes such as:
  a) Case notes (Software platform used is Salesforce)
  b) Service deliveries & resource distribution tracking
  c) Quarterly Transformation Integrated Measurement Evaluation Systems (T.I.M.E.S.) entries to capture positive moves forward
   
• Providing administrative support for coordination of visits and data collection between CAS-T and YSM.  
   
• Adhering to YMS’s overall goal to end chronic poverty in one generation and committed to fulfilling departmental goals and objectives                                                           

Qualifications:

• BSW, SSW, CYW or equivalent certifications with minimum 2 years’ experience
• Able to work with diverse people groups, within a multi-faith, multicultural, multi-disciplinary and anti-oppressive framework
• Knowledge of Anti-Black Racism (ABR) framework and Trauma informed Care
• Understanding of the legislated role of child welfare agencies in maintaining and ensuring child/youth safety
• Ability to make analytical decisions around care management and supervised access support
• A demonstrated passion for poverty alleviation and families in crisis
• Must have strong conflict resolution and crisis management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work within a team and independently
• Ability to travel around the city to assist with families’ appointments
• Must have strong administrative and computer skills

Additional:

• A police check will be required/First Aid & CPI training is an asset
• Demonstrated personal commitment to YSM’s principles of faith, mission and values
• Able to provide flexibility in schedule where required
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends

Deadline for Application: Until position is filled.

Starting Date: ASAP

While we appreciate all responses, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Please note that YSM do not use any form of artificial intelligence (AI) at any stage of the recruitment process. These stages include screening and shortlisting, assessment and selection.

Learn more about YSM at www.ysm.ca

Date Posted: April 15, 2024