Youth Advocate - Toronto, Canada - Covenant House Toronto

Covenant House Toronto

Verified Company

Toronto, Canada

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Anti-Human Trafficking Advocate
**Full

Time, Permanent**
Downtown Toronto, Onsite

Covenant House helps youth ignite their potential and reclaim their lives.

As Canada's largest agency serving youth who are homeless, trafficked or at risk, we offer the widest range of services to hundreds of young people every day.

More than a place to stay, we provide life-changing care with unconditional love and respect. We meet youth's immediate needs and then we work together to achieve their future goals.

We offer 24/7 crisis shelter transitional housing options on-site and, in the community, health and well-being support, training and skill development, and ongoing care once youth move into the community.

For over 40 years, Covenant House has been dedicated to its mission of serving youth on the street and to protect and safeguard all youth with absolute respect and unconditional love.

Since 1982, Covenant House has supported more than 100,000 young people.

Overview:

Covenant House's Anti-Trafficking Urban Response Model includes initiatives in prevention/early intervention, direct services to survivors and incorporates research and evaluation.

We have established an advocacy service, crisis bed (2 beds), transitional housing (12 beds) and a peer facilitated group program for survivors.

As established leaders we have shared our expertise through trainings, consultations, and online resource materials such as Traffick Stop.

Responsibilities / Duties:

Utilizing a traumainformed approach to assessing and determining appropriate service needs of client including, but not limited to, treatment planning, safety planning, support referrals and housing
Supporting staff in identifying survivors of human trafficking/sexual exploitation in our programs and in the community; acting as the primary contact for survivors residing in the Crisis bed program within the Shelter program
Active case management for a highvolume case load; preparing and sharing case notes and plan updates in a timely manner to appropriate programs/partners
Providing counseling support to young people through a trauma informed framework
Supporting young people to navigate connected systems. This may include acting as a liaison with outside agencies and referral sources to coordinate service plans for young people
Responsible for escorting young people to court, legal proceedings and supporting them through victim impact statements
Actively engaging in monthly Advocate case review meetings and participates in case reviews, team meetings, shift changes and program meetings as required in other Covenant House Toronto programs that young people supporting are active in
Documentation in participant's record, including items such as assessments, participant goals, referrals and collaboration with participant support network, activities and progress related to plan elements, session notes, risk management and safety plans in Efforts to Outcomes (ETO)
Facilitation and creation of community workshops, presentations and consultations (will include local and occasional out of town travel)
Provide input and feedback on both internal and external referrals to the Rogers Home and Avdell Home
To respond with Crisis Intervention in situations of physical confrontation, and medical and psychiatric emergencies for youth who have recently experienced trauma
Responsible for facilitating family engagement where appropriate
Responsible for assisting youth through immigration/refugee process as required
Provide services in locations deemed to be safe and convenient to youth (such as online, in shelters, in family homes, and other community settings)
Work with stakeholders and partners to develop and promote this new specialized youth service
Maintain client files and complete all required documentation in a timely manner.
With support from the Anti-Human Trafficking Manager, monitor program data to identify trends and gaps in services, including participating in assessment and evaluation tools and measures to support the research and evaluation of the program's work
Monitor that confidentiality, professional ethics and professional standards are maintained through the case management process. And ensure all participant files are maintained according to agency and professional standard
Perform related duties as assigned by the Anti-Human Trafficking Manager

Skills / Qualifications:

Bachelor of Social Worker, MSW or degree equivalency is required. Registration in the OSWSSW college is an asset
Demonstrated ability in working with a trauma responsive, harm reduction approach and from an antioppression and culturally competent perspective/framework is essential
Knowledge of community resources and systems relevant to youth homelessness and antihuman trafficking
Working knowledge of Resiliency theory and Stages of Change
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with intense, acute youth situat