Job Posting – Youth Support Worker (Full-Time AWAKE Nights)

Do you want to make a meaningful difference in the life of a young person?

Do you want to be part of an organization that supports Perth County youth aged 14–24 who are experiencing homelessness ?

Are you passionate about supporting young people through mentorship, positive decision-making, school engagement, housing and employment goals, and the many steps involved in building a better future?

If so, this may be the career opportunity you’ve been waiting for!

About the Role

Shelterlink is committed to a Housing First for Youth approach. We believe that young people experiencing homelessness deserve access to safe, stable housing and the supports they need to maintain it. Our role is to meet youth where they are, build trusting relationships, support their goals and choices, and help them move toward greater stability and independence.

Our on-site Youth Support Workers are an important part of this work. Working overnight from 12:00 am until 8:00 am in our 24/7 shelter, you will help create a safe, welcoming, respectful environment where youth can rest and receive the support they need.

This is a hands-on, overnight role. Along with providing direct support, you will contribute to the everyday life and upkeep of the shelter. This may include preparing meals or snacks, doing laundry, tidying common areas, completing routine cleaning, and helping maintain a clean, healthy, and welcoming home environment. These practical tasks are an important part of creating a space where youth feel comfortable, respected, and cared for.

We are looking for someone who understands that supporting youth includes meaningful conversations about their housing future.

What You Would Bring to the Role

· Successful completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree in Child and Youth Care, Social Work, Social Service Worker, Psychology, or a related field.

· A minimum of one (1) year of related experience supporting youth, marginalized or vulnerable populations, and/or individuals experiencing homelessness.

· Knowledge of Housing First for Youth initiatives and perspectives is an asset.

· Demonstrated skills in client assessment and advocacy.

· Ability to engage creatively with youth around housing goals in individual and group settings.

· Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with tact, discretion,



and diplomacy.

· Flexibility, adaptability, comfort with ambiguity and change, and the ability to remain calm in escalated situations.

· An inclusive, anti-oppressive, harm reduction, client-centred, collaborative, solution-focused, strengths-based, and trauma-informed perspective.

· A willingness to contribute to the practical, day-to-day work of maintaining a welcoming and healthy shelter environment, including meal preparation, laundry, tidying, and routine cleaning.

How You Would Know You Are a Good Fit

· Your work ethic demonstrates an alignment with our values of excellence, integrity, respect, kindness, and responsibility.

· You understand the unique needs of youth and can balance support with appropriate personal and professional boundaries that promote independence and self-determination.

· You understand and value a Housing First for Youth perspective and are committed to helping young people move toward safe, stable housing.

· You are resourceful, able to take initiative, and comfortable with the practical aspects of working in a residential shelter environment.

· You understand that creating a safe and welcoming space includes the everyday tasks of preparing food, keeping shared spaces clean and organized, doing laundry, and contributing wherever needed.

· You can create an environment of safety while providing youth with opportunities for voice and choice.

· You enjoy helping youth work toward their housing goals and setting them up to succeed.

· You are comfortable being part of a team where no task is “beneath” anyone and everyone contributes to making the shelter feel welcoming and home-like.

What We Offer

· The opportunity to support youth in a 24/7 facility on a full-time basis, averaging 35-hours-per-week.

· Shifts scheduled on a rotating basis of four working shifts on and two days off.

· A competitive rate of $26.25/hour.

· Time-related benefits, including paid vacation and sick time.

· A benefits package.





· Access to a library of comprehensive training resources.

How to Apply

If this opportunity feels like a good fit for you, please send your cover letter and resume to:

Eliesha Richardson

Shelter Services Manager [email protected]

References will be required at the interview stage for selected candidates.

Employment is dependent on a negative Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Check.

About Shelterlink

With a history dating back to 1989, Shelterlink is a non-profit agency providing shelter and outreach services to youth. Our outreach program offers prevention, diversion, trusteeship, family mediation, and reunification supports.

Our shelter program provides youth-specific, housing-focused case management, diversion, and basic needs such as meals, clothing, personal care items, showers, laundry facilities, and respite from the elements.

Shelterlink operates 15 temporary, short-term shelter beds and is located at 130 Youngs Street on the 3rd floor of Stratford General Hospital.

We are seeking a Youth Support Worker to join our on-site team who cares about the same things we do. As a team, we value excellence, integrity, respect, kindness, and responsibility. If this resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you!

Shelterlink is committed to reflecting the community we serve and fostering an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applicants of all faiths, ages, races, ethnic origins, abilities, gender identities, and sexual orientations.

Shelterlink is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a kind, respectful, accessible, and inclusive work workplace. Accommodations for the hiring process are available upon request.

We accept applications on an ongoing basis and are always looking for great people to join our team. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Pay: $26.25 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Benefits

- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Ability to commute/relocate:
- Stratford, ON N5A 1J7: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:
- AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate (required)

Language:
- English (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Youth Support Worker (Full-Time Nights) (Stratford)
🏢 Shelterlink Youth Services
📍 Stratford