Child and Youth / Social Service Worker

Role Overview

As a Child and Youth Worker, you will provide direct, residential care within a structured group home setting. You will be working alongside a team to support young people with complex needs, including trauma histories, mental health challenges, behavioural difficulties, and developmental disabilities. You will be a consistent, trusted presence in their daily lives, helping to build safety, stability, and life skills.

This position involves rotating shift work, including days, evenings, nights, and weekends. Transporting youth to appointments, school, community activities, and other program-related destinations using your personal vehicle is an essential and regular duty of this role.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Care and Supervision

Provide attentive, trauma-informed supervision and care for youth throughout all hours of your shift

Implement and follow each youth's individualized Plan of Care, Behaviour Support Plan, and Safety Plan

Support youth with daily routines including personal hygiene, meals, homework, chores, and curfew

Model positive coping strategies, conflict resolution, and respectful communication at all times

Administer medications in accordance with the Medication Administration Record (MAR) and agency policy

Behaviour Support and Crisis Response

Apply least-restrictive, trauma-informed approaches to behaviour guidance

De-escalate conflict using CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) techniques

Respond to crisis situations calmly and according to established protocols, including physical restraint when required and when authorized as a last resort

Complete Serious Occurrence Reports (SOR) and incident documentation within required timeframes

Life Skills and Community Support

Facilitate and participate in recreational, educational, and skill-building activities

Support youth in developing independent living skills such as money management, cooking, and job readiness

Accompany youth in the community, supporting positive social engagement and responsibility

Transportation

Transport youth to and from medical and mental health appointments, school, court appearances, family visits, recreational activities, and community programs using your personal vehicle

Ensure all transportation is documented and carried out safely and in compliance with agency policy

Documentation and Communication

Write accurate, professional daily log entries, shift notes, and incident reports

Communicate effectively with CAS workers, family members, educators, and clinical staff

Participate in shift handover briefings and ensure incoming staff are fully informed

Maintain confidentiality of all youth information in accordance with CYFSA and agency privacy policy

Team and Program Participation

Attend all mandatory training, team meetings, and professional development sessions

Uphold and enforce all Arimyl Living policies, including the Program Rules and Expectations, Youth Rights, and Substance Use policies

Support a respectful, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment for all youth and colleagues

Requirements

Education

Diploma in Child and Youth Care (CYC/CYW)
Social Service Work (SSW)
Community Justice Work

Equivalent relevant experience in a residential or social services setting will be considered

Certifications (Required)

Valid Standard First Aid and CPR certification

Vulnerable Sector Check with Broad Record Check (current, within the last 6 months)

Valid Ontario G driver's licence

Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training

Certifications (Preferred or Assigned Upon Hire)

Medication Administration training

Non-Violent Crisis Intervention or similar

Vehicle and Transportation Requirements

Transporting youth in a personal vehicle is a bona fide occupational requirement of this position.

Applicants must be able to meet all of the following before their first shift:

Valid Ontario driver's G licence in good standing

Reliable personal vehicle available for use during all scheduled shifts

Personal auto insurance

Proof of insurance and licence will be required following a conditional offer of employment

Staff must immediately notify management of any licence suspension, revocation, or change in insurance status

Skills and Attributes

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure and in crisis situations

Demonstrated empathy, patience, and genuine commitment to working with vulnerable youth

Ability to adapt to a dynamic, fast-paced residential environment

Experience supporting youth with mental health challenges, trauma histories, or developmental disabilities is a strong asset

Comfort working within a structured, policy-driven environment with clear accountability

What We Offer

A meaningful, community-based role making a direct difference in young people's lives

A team-oriented, supportive workplace culture

Competitive hourly compensation based on qualifications and experience

Opportunities for advancement as our organization grows

Pay: $20.00-$23.00 per hour

Work Location: In person