ABOUT THE SUFFOLK CARE COLLABORATIVE:

The Suffolk Care Collaborative (SCC) is an innovative partnership between Wyndham House and Family & Children's Services of Guelph and Wellington County, developed in response to the growing need for high-quality residential care options that keep young people connected to their home communities, natural supports, and local services.

Guided by youth voice and informed by research and community feedback, SCC was created to provide a therapeutic, relationship-based residential environment for youth ages 13–17. The program combines a purpose-built residential setting, individualized care planning, life skills development, family and natural support engagement, and access to integrated health, mental health, and community services.

Through SCC, Wyndham House is expanding its commitment to supporting youth earlier in their journey by providing a protected, nurturing, and developmentally responsive environment where young people can build stability, strengthen relationships, develop essential life skills, and work toward positive long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE:

This position works under the direction of the SCC Program Manager. The purpose is to provide program, administration, and operational support to the Suffolk Care Collaborative Program while ensuring safe, youth-centred, trauma-informed residential services.

The Youth

Care and Connection Worker supports youth through direct service, life skills development, crisis intervention, case planning support, and the implementation of individualized service plans in accordance with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), the Ontario Quality Standards Framework, and Wyndham House policies and procedures.

JOB SUMMARY:

- Providing a welcoming, friendly environment for clients
- Help ensure the safety and security of all clients
- Implement programming and support with administration of the site
- Assist clients with skills development using a strength-based approach
- Participate in case management tasks as identified by the care team
- Support the implementation of Plans of Care, safety plans, and behavioural support strategies as identified
- Provide crisis and behavioural interventions as required
- Act as a resource to staff, students, and volunteers regarding program procedures and service delivery practices
- Support quality assurance, documentation standards, and operational consistency within the residence
- Daily cleaning duties
- Life skill support and development

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: DIRECT CLIENT CARE (Approximately 50%)

- Provide a welcoming, respectful, and youth-centred environment for clients, that reflects the agency values, policies and procedures
- Build positive relationships with youth using a strength-based, trauma-informed, and youth-centred approach.




- Support youth in developing activities of daily living skills including personal hygiene, laundry, housekeeping, meal preparation, budgeting, conflict resolution, transportation, and community integration.
- Participate in the ongoing assessment of clients’ needs, strengths, goals, and service requirements.
- Assist youth in achieving goals identified within their Plans of Care.
- Support the implementation of Plans of Care, safety plans, wellness plans, behaviour support plans, and transition plans.
- Participate in case management activities in collaboration with Case Managers, community service providers, and internal staff
- Participate in case conferences, Circle of Care meetings, and service planning meetings as assigned.
- Provide crisis intervention, behavioural support, de-escalation, and emotional support during periods of crisis.
- Respond to physical confrontations, behavioural escalations, mental health crises, substance use concerns, medical emergencies, and psychiatric emergencies.
- Facilitate and document client access to medication in accordance with agency policies.
- Support admissions, transitions, and discharge planning activities.
- Implement and facilitate life skills, recreational, cultural, educational, and community-based programming.
- Respond to client requests regarding housing, health, education, employment, and community resources.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES (Approximately 25%)
- Complete intake processes and all related documentation for new clients entering the Suffolk Care Collaborative
- Accurately complete and maintain client records, case notes, medication records, communication logs, incident reports, and other required documentation
- Attend supervision meetings and staff meetings.
- Review shift logs, communication records, and client documentation for completeness and accuracy.
- Assist with documentation related to Reliable Occurrence Reports, audits, licensing reviews, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Coordinate, support, and document weekly client allowance records.
- Complete and document fire drills in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Complete and document site security checks, inventory tracking, and operational monitoring activities
- Participate in organizational planning, evaluation, and implementation activities as requested
- Support compliance with the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), Ontario Quality Standards Framework,



Caseworks and organizational policies
- Monitor and communicate operational concerns, service gaps, and program recommendations to the SCC Program Manager.

HOUSEHOLD AND RESIDENTIAL OPERATIONS (Approximately 25%)
- Maintain the safety and security of the residence and supervise residential spaces occupied by youth
- Maintain and clean the residence in accordance with established cleaning schedules, health and safety standards, and infection prevention protocols
- Support youth in maintaining clean and organized personal and shared living spaces
- Participate in the residence's food and nutrition program through meal planning, grocery shopping, food preparation, and cooking.
- Prepare and serve a minimum of three nutritious meals per day and snacks in accordance with program requirements and dietary needs
- Support youth participation in meal preparation and kitchen responsibilities as part of life skills development
- Monitor and maintain food inventory, household supplies, cleaning products, and client resources
- Assist with laundry, housekeeping tasks, seasonal cleaning, and general household maintenance responsibilities.
- Ensure the residence remains safe, clean, welcoming, and compliant with residential care standards.
- Report maintenance, safety, and facility concerns to the property manager or designate.

MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS

- BSW, SSW, CYW, or similar educational experience
- Applicants currently enrolled in school must be no more than two months from graduation and must submit proof of completion
- 2-3 years of residential care facility experience
- 1-2 year working with youth and/or marginalized populations an asset
- Passion and commitment to an inclusive workplace; respecting and valuing the diversity of every individual
- CPR / First Aid level Co
- Criminal Reference Check, including vulnerable persons
- 2X COVID-19 Vaccine

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRE EITHER:

- Relevant education and experience: Individuals require a certificate, diploma, or degree with academic and practical content directly related to the position’s duties, the program offered at the SCC, and the needs of the youth served. These individuals must also have relevant experience and skills.

OR
- Cultural expertise: Individuals can also be a recognized First Nations, Inuk, or Métis Elder, Knowledge Keeper, Healer, Medicine Person, Traditional Person, or Cultural Person with cultural knowledge and skills directly related to the position’s duties, the program offered at the SCC, and the needs of the youth served.
- Any recognized individuals must go through the OHT confirmation process: https://guelphwellingtonoht.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GW-OHT-Indigenous-Identity-Confirmation-Process-OHT-10282025.pdf

Pay: $22.00-$24.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

📌 Youth Care and Connection Worker (Guelph)
🏢 Wyndham House
📍 Guelph