Student Development Worker

 

Based in Scarborough, YouthLink provides a range of mental health services proven to build resiliency & improve life outcomes for youth at risk.

 

Last year we reached out to more than 8700 young people and their families, helping youth to build connections with caring adults, develop their strengths, build new skills and pursue their goals for a more promising future. With the right support, guidance and opportunities, we believe that all youth can achieve their potential to succeed.

 

Visit our website   www.youthlink.ca for more information.

DATE:

September 9^th, 2021

POSITION:

Student Development Worker

Full time Permanent 

Bargaining Unit Position 

LOCATION:

1 – 3545 Kingston Road, Scarborough 

REPORTS TO:

Senior Manager, Pathways to Education Program

 

DESCRIPTION:

Student Development Worker:

The Student Development Worker is responsible for building relationships and facilitating communication with students, parents/guardians and secondary school teachers/administration with the objective of supporting students’ academic success. This includes identifying students’ strengths and challenges and working collaboratively with the Pathways team and secondary school partners to ensure that students are appropriately supported both within school and within the Pathways Program.  

The Student Development Worker works closely with the Managers, Program Facilitator, and volunteers to deliver the academic and social support components of the Pathways to Education Program. This includes facilitating scheduled evening academic and social sessions with youth, designing individual and group activities, and acting as a tutor/mentor when required. Student Development Workers research, create, and promote resources to support the development of academic and life skills, employment and training, volunteerism, as well as recreational, career, post-secondary and internship opportunities

 

Key Responsibilities:

Relationships with Students, Parents, Schools and Community Partners       

 

Establish and maintain positive and supportive relationships with Pathways students, parents/guardians and secondary school staff to ensure that students fully participate in the program and in school.  

Become familiar with the strengths and capacities, as well as the barriers and challenges, faced by Pathways students and, refer students to appropriate resources including academic, social and emotional supports within the school system and broader community.  

Act as a liaison for school staff, students, and parents and support strong communication between and among these parties.  This will include ensuring that Pathways students and their parents are aware of student graduation requirements and of their rights and responsibilities within the education system.   

Provide advocacy on academic, post-secondary and/or employment readiness, and other matters relevant to program participants (e.g., participation in programming and school, progress towards academic and future goals, and issues related to the social/emotional wellbeing of students).

Engage and communicate with students regarding course learning levels, course selections and participate in Individual Education Plans (IEP) as necessary.

Ensure that Pathways students participate in Pathways tutoring and mentoring activities as required or in alternative programming, where appropriate.

Academic and Mentoring Support Program Planning and Facilitation  

Develop and maintain academic and social programming routines and expectations within the Pathways to Education program.

Provide support and ensure clear communication with volunteers during programming.

Investigate opportunities that may benefit youth and plan activities that are catered to these goals (ex. study skills, life skills/recreational/career/employment development, etc.).    

Work with other team members, including site support and volunteer tutors/mentors, to ensure a safe and secure environment for students during all sessions (e.g., behavior management, space and student safety, etc.)

Ensure that volunteers and site support are briefed and prepared for sessions, provided materials and opportunities for feedback and debriefing. 

Organize needed resources and handouts for volunteers and students.

Maintain focus on equity and inclusive resources and practices at tutoring/mentoring sessions.

 

Administration and Team Work                                                                                   

Completes and inputs student case notes, financial supports, attendance, credit counselling summaries, referrals, and progress reporting data into the Pathways to Education database (PASS) in a timely manner. 

Documents interactions with students, parents and school staff in accordance with program policies in the database.  

Participates in regular team meetings.

Supports students’ applications for volunteer and employment opportunities, internships, and post-secondary education.

Actively contributes to the Agency’s Strategic Plan and Service Plan by participating in initiatives and committees to support the overall Plans.

Takes all reasonable and necessary precautions to protect his or her own health and safety and that of co-workers by complying with and demonstrating knowledge of the policies, procedures and safe practices established by YouthLink.

Maintains accurate and up to date student documentation and reporting as required by the organization and funders.

 

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

 

EDUCATION:

Undergraduate Degree in Social Work, Education, Community Development or Degree / Diploma in Child and Youth Worker or a combination of directly related education and experience.

EXPERIENCE:

Two (2) years experience working with youth in a variety of different contexts. 

One (1) year experience working in an Ontario High School as a teacher, Child Youth Worker section program staff or within a consistent external partnership is an asset. 

Experience working with youth from culturally diverse, low income communities, as well as demonstrated knowledge of youth engagement practices is an asset.

Experience working with special needs students in the areas of numeracy, literacy, new language learners &/or special education is an asset.

Experience working with volunteers and developing partnerships is an asset. 

Experience working with or for a post-secondary institution is an asset. 

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Informal counselling techniques and case management skills. 

Knowledge of the Ontario secondary school curriculum.

Strong program planning, coordination and facilitation skills with large groups of youth. 

Strong interpersonal, communication and written skills.

Proficient in computer usage skills and social media. 

Ability to speak a second language spoken within the community (Tamil, Urdu, Farsi, Dari, Bangla, Creole, French) is an asset. 

Knowledge of Scarborough and/or the Scarborough Village community is an asset.

A valid G Level license and regular access to a vehicle is an asset.

 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

Must be able to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Police Check.

Proficiency in French is an asset.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

May be scheduled up to three (3) evenings per week and occasional weekends.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  

This position requires the ability to lift tables and program materials when setting up community space on a regular basis. 

Able to work in a hybrid home/office working model for the time being. 

COMPENSATION:

$46,298 - $52,450

APPLY IN WRITING TO: 

http://pathwaysposting@youthlink.ca 

Please quote File #1205 in subject line

 

CLOSING DATE:

September 24^th, 2021

 

YouthLink values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to equity and inclusion.  As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the diversity of our communities.  If you have a disability and require accessibility accommodations with the application process, please contact accessibility@youthlink.ca