Young Parent Counsellor/Caseworker

The Young Parent Counsellor/Caseworker acts as an advocate working to support and encourage adolescent parents using creative, strength-based strategies and approaches within a well-being and resiliency framework.  Provides case management, navigation, coaching and supportive counselling to empower, equip, increase knowledge, and reach goals.  Plans and implements therapeutic programming to build capacity.  Active team member and a resourceful community networking enthusiast.

• Mentor, coach, and support participants to facilitate personal, social, and educational growth.
• First point of contact for all program inquiries by individuals and/or service providers.
• Respond to all telephone and email inquiries providing an overview of all programs and services.
• Receive and process all incoming referrals.
• Conduct initial eligibility screening and needs assessment of individuals seeking services.
• Schedule and facilitate all intake interviews and tours for potential participants.
• Present all potential intakes to Program Manager and Program Team for review.
• Complete all aspects of the intake process, create client file, complete intake forms, participant profile, and participant orientation, including welcome and introduction to staff.
• Meet with all new program participants within the first week to develop short- and long-term goals and identify and prioritize needs.
• Provide supportive counselling, crisis support and safety planning.
• Provide support in person, via telephone, text and email to participants who are facing challenges, crisis, or extended absences from program.
• Collaborate and build positive relationships/rapport with children and youth.
• Provide referrals and support to access community services.
• Schedule weekly Plan of Care session with each participant either on site, in community or virtually to review progress, address any immediate needs, provide referrals, and evaluate goals.
• Develop, monitor, review and evaluate progress for all individual Plans of Care.
• Complete accurate case notes, daily documentation, daily log, progress notes, reports, incident reports, serious occurrences and record and submit all stats.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to delicate or emergency situations with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Provide behavior management of participants as required, providing skilled and appropriate de-escalation intervention when needed.
• Attend and present all participant profiles/case updates at case review meetings.
• Attend all case conferences and ensure ongoing communication and service coordination with other service providers/agencies.
• Complete program planning, implement therapeutic and support programs/groups in person and virtually.
• Maintain up to date and accurate community resource/referral database and supportive resources to address and support the varying needs of participants.
• Make appropriate referrals to other services, both in-house and to partner agencies in the community, as necessary.
• Assist with the planning, preparations and implementation of special events and community outreach initiatives and accreditation.
• Actively participate in ongoing community outreach, networking, and collaboration with community partners.

• The successful candidate with have completed a Diploma or degree in Social Service Work, Addictions and Mental Health, Child, and Youth Care.   NOTE: Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered
• Certified in First Aid/CPR and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.

• Minimum of two (2) years’ prior experience in a social service setting.
• Working knowledge of issues related to the complex needs of adolescents and adolescent parents.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in case management, life skills coaching, counselling, crisis management, program planning, group work and group facilitation program.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with program promotion, program planning and outcome evaluation.
• Experience in supportive counselling skills using culturally sensitive practice and trauma-informed, strength-based approaches.
• Knowledge of addictions and mental health, infant and child development, adolescent behaviors, and parenting is an asset.
• Strong-oral and written communication skills, active empathetic listener, self-motivated and self-directed.
• Strong problem-solving skills and demonstrated experience in conflict resolution.
• Ability to apply creativity and innovative ideas to programming.
• Strong organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong networking ability to develop healthy partnerships with new and existing groups and organizations within the region.
• Enthusiasm for furthering the mission and vision of Grace Haven.
• Solid knowledge of community services and resources.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and popular social media platforms.
• Model positive, respectful, inclusive, and appropriate interactions and behaviors and engage all participants with enthusiasm and encouragement.
• Responsible to work safely and report all unsafe or unhealthy working conditions to the Health and Safety Committee.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Valid Ontario Driver’s License, personal vehicle required and insurance, current copy of driver’s abstract
• Original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector
• Screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry is required.
• Develop an understanding of the Mission of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.