Position Description:Reporting to the Operational Manager, the Youth Worker (YW) provides consistent, relationship-based care and supervision to youth residing in Binesi Waziswon, a 24-hour live-in mental health treatment program for youth aged 12-17. YWs create a protected, structured, engaging, and culturally respectful living environment where youth can practice skills, develop independence, and strengthen connections to themselves, others, and the land.Working in 12-hour shifts, YWs play a central role in supporting youth outside of clinician and Knowledge Keeper-led sessions. Through daily routines, positive presence, shared responsibilities, and intentional engagement, YWs support youth healing in practical, relational, and culturally grounded ways.The YWs will be a part of Kenora Chiefs Advisory and will deliver services in accordance with KCA policies, and the mandate outlined by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.Position Title: Youth Worker – Binesi Waziswon (existing position)Department: Binesi WaziswonLocation: 37 Strecker Road, Kenora ONHourly: $28.85 per hourReports to: Operational Manager or designateDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESDirect Youth Care, Supervision, Engagement- Provide consistent supervision and relational support and guidance to program youth who are experiencing emotional and/or behavioural difficulties which impact their ability to function- Provide safe medication assistance to youth in accordance with program policy, training, and scope of practice. Demonstrate knowledge of documentation requirements and safety protocols.- Build therapeutic relationships grounded in trust, respect, positivity, and clear professional boundaries.- Maintain a calm, confident, and balanced presence, demonstrating the ability to be assertive when needed while remaining regulated and supportive.- Actively engage youth in daily routines, recreation, life-skills development, and community living.- Ensure youth remain meaningfully engaged during non-clinical programming times.- Model respectful, cooperative approaches to shared living through communication with peers.Life Skill Support- Involve youth in cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and other household responsibilities when appropriate,



using these moments as opportunities to:- Teach responsibility and independence,- Build confidence and practical skills,- Reinforce teamwork and contribution.Daily Operations- Support daily household operations, including:- House cleaning and upkeep,- Laundry support,- Meal preparation and clean-up,- Maintaining house logs and reporting items that require maintenanceTeam Collaboration & Communication- Work professionally and positively within a multidisciplinary team.- Participate in shift handovers, team meetings, and case discussions.- Share relevant observations regarding youth strengths, challenges, and progress.- Maintain respectful communication and teamwork across shifts.- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all health-related mattersCare Plan Support- Help support youth in working toward their goals as outlined in their individual care plans – treatment plan created in collaboration with the youth, their caregivers, Care Coordinators, Clinicians, CYWs, and Teachers.- Reinforce skill use through daily interactions, routines, and activities.- Assist youth in identifying emotions, triggers, and coping strategies in real time- Model emotional regulation, problem-solving, and respectful communication in all interactions – with youth clients and staff.- Implement therapeutic life skills programs designed for the youth- Support youth and their families regarding specific ways to recognize, address and resolve mental health and wellness challenges- Observe youth for potential side effects or concerns and communicate appropriately with clinical staff.- Keep timely, detailed, and accurate daily records and logs in accordance with program requirements. Track significant interactions and observations.



Report concerns/incidents promptly to the Program Manager.- Ensure that each oncoming shift is updated on any issues that require immediate consideration/attention.- Contribute to the evaluation of service with respect to its effectiveness in meeting the community needs and achieving our mandateCrisis Intervention & Behaviour Support- Respond calmly and effectively to youth distress, conflict, or crisis situations.- Use trauma-informed de-escalation and crisis intervention strategies.- Maintain emotional regulation and clarity during high-stress situations.- Follow safety plans, incident protocols, and documentation requirements.- Know when to seek additional clinical or leadership support.Cultural Participation, Ceremony, and Events- Facilitate clients’ access to Anishinaabe knowledge, traditions and cultural beliefs in the healing process when appropriate- Directly support youth and families to connect with traditional Knowledge Keepers, Healers and Elders for the purposes of accessing ceremony and any other cultural engagements- Support and participate in cultural activities, land-based programming, ceremonies, Feast Days, and program celebrations in a respectful and appropriate way.- Assist with preparation for Ceremony Days, Feast Days, and program events (e.G., setting up spaces, preparing food, supporting logistics).- Model humility, curiosity, and respect in cultural spaces.Qualifications:- Experience working with or supporting youth in a helping role- Ability to work well within a team dynamic- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills- Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress situations- Lived experience as a youth navigating the social service systems, and/or having experienced overcoming adversity, is an asset- Knowledge of the Anishinaabe culture and language and experience working with First Nations communities considered an assetEducation/Experience:- Post-secondary education in a social science or health field is an asset- Experience working with youth is an assetAdditional Requirements:- Valid driver’s license and vehicle- Must be willing to travel when required- Broad Sector Criminal Records Search**We thank all that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted* Traditional practices involve burning sacred medicines including tobacco, sweetgrass, sage and cedar within the work setting#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Resident Services Youth Worker (Toronto)
🏢 Covenant House
📍 Toronto