Murray McKinnon Foundation, Enhanced Youth Worker, Temporary Full time

McKinnon Attendance Centre (MAC), Oshawa

Are you a passionate Advocate who is committed to contributing to positive change related to interrupting youth/gang violence? Are you somebody who understands that their actions have impact and are seeking new opportunities to contribute to your community? Murray McKinnon Foundation (MMF), is the recipient of a grant aimed at interrupting youth gang violence through the Durham LEAVE (Lived Experience Anti-Violence Engagement) project.

This project strives to interrupt violence/gangs and promote social development, empowerment and resilience among the identified youth with moderate to high risk of involvement. Pro-social connections for youth will be provided with privileged experiences to even the playing field of opportunities for self-advocacy and success.

We are seeking one Enhanced Youth Worker (EYW) Full-Time who will be providing active engagement and assistance to the children/youth in Durham Region. This temporary position will end on March 31, 2027. This position was in existence during a previous grant which ended on March 31, 2026.

The Enhanced Youth Worker will be expected to work scheduled and predictable 8 hour shifts; these will include Days (e.g. 9 am to 5 pm) and Evenings (e.g. 1 pm to 9 pm), both weekdays and occasional weekends for planned events. A valid G level driver’s license and reliable vehicle will be required to transport youth to various local activities. The candidate will be expected to provide proof of an acceptable driver’s abstract, as well as liability insurance in the amount of $2,000,000.00.

MMF’s Vision is that Youth are inspired through opportunities to learn, grow and succeed and our Mission statement aspires to encourage and support the potential of the young persons in our care.

Why choose MMF?

- We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, together with anti-oppressive and anti-racism practices. Our employees are expected to demonstrate this commitment as well as make a commitment to the agency’s Vision, Mission, Core Values and our Strategic plan
- We provide outstanding career opportunities - we're growing and pushing ourselves every day to be greater than yesterday - we're open to your ideas and trying new things
- OPSEU representation

We Offer: Competitive rates of pay and as a FT contract employee, you will receive:

· Pay rate $30.00 per hour

· A safe work environment adhering to all Ministry licensing and Public Health standards

· 8% on gross pay in lieu of benefits

· paid vacation time, paid sick time

· Employer-paid professional development opportunities





Successful Candidates will be expected to:

· Process intake of potential referrals to the Durham LEAVE Program.

· Orient youth to the program.

· Develop a beneficial, trust-based rapport with youth by:

o Forming meaningful professional relationships with the youth through sharing activities and discussion of feelings and thoughts, always respecting and role modelling diversity, equity and inclusion;

o Actively listening and responding professionally, both verbally and non-verbally to the youth to ensure mutual understanding between the worker and the youth;

o Establishing a helping and supportive relationship;

o Offering support and resources;

o Using a trauma informed, strength-based approach in programming and interventions;

o Using a Cognitive Behavioural Approach to promote pro-social thinking;

o Acting as a role model.

· Encourage youth voice and ensure point of view is continually heard.

· Act as an advocate for the youths' needs.

· Be flexible to meet with the youth in places and at times so as not to disrupt the youth's usual routine.

· Acknowledge and support youth’s strengths and continue to enhance these.

· Identify areas of growth and assist youth with setting of attainable goals and the means to successfully achieve them.

· Encourage youth to become involved in decision-making.

· Assist youth in registering for and facilitating their attendance at various activities and programs.

· Plan and participate with youth in weekly recreational activities based on their interests (drop-in sports, boxing, culinary, etc.).

· Observe and maintain security and safety of youth during youth program attendance.

· Assist youth in putting learned skills into practice through guided volunteer opportunities in the community.

· Assist youth with resume building, job fairs and links to mentors and employment.

· Ensure that the youth's progress within the program is properly monitored, documented and relayed to youth.

· Responsible for ongoing data collection and documentation for reporting purposes.

The Successful Candidate must:

- Have a valid G driver’s license & willingness to transport youth within Durham Region in own vehicle (mileage reimbursement provided) and carry $2,000.000.00 liability insurance
- Provide proof of Immunization records, must have physician’s note (fitness to work)




- Provide a current Broad Record Check
- Have proof of post-secondary education, Bachelor of Child and Youth Worker is preferred; or a minimum level of education required in a 2 year diploma in a related field (social services diploma, mental health & addictions, corrections, police foundations as examples) (For persons who identify as having lived experience, the absence of education will be taken into consideration)
- Have a minimum of 3 years of experience in a related field

Preferred Experiences and Skills: · Knowledge of legislation related to youth justice

· Displayed competencies of self-care practices, personal/qualified boundaries & commitment to growth of interpersonal skills

· Sound understanding and ability to apply some of following counselling approaches: cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, anti-oppressive frameworks, strength-based, motivational interviewing, cultural competency

· Demonstrated ability to work with neurodiverse persons, have a creative approach, excellent verbal and written communication skills and be open to working within an environment of both ‘grey’ and rigid structure

· Background in recreation and leisure, either through formal education, volunteer work, or personal interest/activities

· Demonstrated experience with data collection and report-writing

· Lived experience with successfully exiting from gang/violence The Successful Candidate may have these additional assets:

· Indigenous Perspectives and Designations

· Certifications such as ASIST, First Aid/CPR-C, and UMAB

· Previous work experience in youth justice, out of home care, youth outreach

If interested, please submit your cover letter and resume to:

The Hiring Committee at [email protected]

PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING SUBJECT LINE: MAC EYW Full-Time – YOUR LAST, FIRST NAME by no later than 4:30 pm on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

We thank you for your interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Murray McKinnon Foundation is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment. We will accommodate candidates and employees with disabilities throughout the hiring process and employment, in accordance with the AODA and the Ontario Human Rights Code. If you require any accommodation, please notify the Manager of Community Based Programs or Human Resources to ensure your needs are met.

Pay: $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits

- Casual dress
- On-site parking

Education:
- Secondary School (preferred)

Experience:
- field related: 3 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:
- Broad Record Check (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Enhanced Youth Worker (Oshawa)
🏢 The Murray McKinnon Foundation
📍 Oshawa