Youth Justice MH Access Coordinator - Open Custody & Detention

This is an exciting opportunity to be a member of a YJ Mental Health ACCESS, a collaborative between CTYS and WoodGreen Community Services that supports youth and families involved with the youth justice system. The purpose of the position is to engage youth referred from Open Detention/Custody sites across the greater Toronto Area. You will provide brief mental health assessments and interventions. Flexibility is required to work some evenings to accommodate youth and family. This is a brief service model which will include outreach to meet youth at the detention sites. As employers, we are committed to building intervention and management teams that reflect the diversity of our clients. Priority will be given to qualified applicants who identify with and have experience supporting BIPOC communities.

Responsibilities:

• Provide mental health assessments and counselling intervention for youth referred by 3 open detention/ custody facilities across the GTA
• Work collaboratively with youth, parents and detention staff by developing individualized assessment and service/treatment plans using a strength based and trauma informed approach
• Provide youth with a clear pathway to access a psychological or psychiatric assessment when needed
• Provide psycho education to youth and/or families regarding mental health diagnosis and services
• Develop and facilitate monthly mental health psycho-educational workshops to staff at participating custody/ detention sites
• Provide consultation and support to staff in Open Custody and Detention facilities on a case-by-case basis
• Work with youth and families to follow up on assessment recommendations and/ or connect with ongoing therapeutic supports
• Advise Program Manager of any serious occurrence and ensure documentation
• Provide case coverage/support for other team members due to vacation/illness/emergency when assigned
• Participate in supervision, program meetings, all-staff meetings, clinical consultations, peer consultations and committee/partnership meetings when required
• Ensure that all recordings and documentation meet CTYS Policy and Procedures requirements, accreditation standards and are completed in a timely manner
• Participate in agency committees, special events or community activities when determined appropriate in consultation with the Program Manager
• Participate in training and professional development activities as required
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• A graduate degree in Social Work or related helping profession
• Membership in the appropriate professional regulatory body (R.SW or R.P) (Registered Social Worker or Registered Psychotherapist)
• Demonstrated experience working from an anti-oppressive framework with youth and families from diverse ethno-cultural and socio-economic backgrounds including youth with diverse intellectual abilities and racialized communities
• Minimum three years' experience working in children’s mental health
• Knowledge of and experience working in the Youth Justice system
• Experience working with youth with complex concurrent disorders
• Experience in strength based and trauma informed mental health assessments, brief intervention modalities and CBT
• Demonstrate skills in assessment, counseling, case planning and coordination with marginalized, youth, their families and detention staff
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport and engage with detention staff and marginalized youth
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development and crisis intervention techniques
• Knowledge of community resources to support youth
• Experience working from a community outreach model
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with the Youth Justice system and collateral service providers
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• A valid Ontario driver’s license and daily access to a vehicle
• Proficient in use of computers and software applications
• Proficiency in a second language an asset