Do you want to be part of an organization that supports Perth County youth aged 14-24 who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness through prevention, advocacy, shelter, and community connection services?

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people, providing mentorship, supporting positive decision-making, encouraging school engagement, helping them find housing and employment, and moving towards a better future?

Are you someone who wants to make a difference in the world? If so, this may be the career opportunity you’ve been waiting for!

Our on-site Youth Housing Support Workers are important contributors to our organization and play a critical role in supporting vulnerable youth in our community.

With a history dating back to 1989, Shelterlink is a non-for-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 the Stratford General Hospital.

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

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, or related field.
- A minimum of one (1) year of related experience supporting youth, marginalized or vulnerable populations, and/or individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Previous experience in case management and service coordination.
- Understanding of housing-focused shelter and Housing First for Youth principles.
- Organizational and time management skills.
- Demonstrated skills in client assessment and advocacy.
- Ability to engage creatively with youth 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.

How you would know you are a good fit:

- Your work ethos 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 are resourceful and able to take initiative.
- You can create an environment of safety while providing youth with opportunities for voice and choice.




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

What we would offer:

- The opportunity to support youth in a 24/7 facility on a full time, averaging 35 hours per week.
- Shifts are scheduled on a rotation of day and afternoon shifts consisting of four (4) consecutive working days or afternoons followed by two (2) days off.
- A competitive rate of $27.25/hour.
- Time related benefits, which include paid vacation and sick time.
- A benefits package is also included with this position.

How to apply: If this opportunity feels like a good fit for you, please send your 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.

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 are committed to a kind, respectful, accessible, and inclusive work environment. 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: $27.25 per hour

Expected hours: 35.0 per week

Benefits

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

Work Location: In person

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