Senior Connections Coordinator

The Opportunity

StepStones for Youth is seeking a Senior Connections Coordinator who will work within our Building Connections Program. Our program operates on the premise that establishing and strengthening supportive relationships helps to provide a baseline of stability and support for children and youth that which can mitigate the likelihood of poor outcomes in the long term. We work to transfer the primary supportive role and responsibilities to a relational, non-professionalized/worker entity and help foster a stronger circle of support. We do this by providing necessary training and support to communities and caregivers involved in the program. This is a great opportunity to make a positive impact on the most vulnerable in our society.

What you will be responsible for:

• Initiate and establish strong working relationships with foster home and group home providers (agencies), foster parents and CAS workers.
• Support the promotion of the organization and it’s programming, to a growing network of referral sources.
• Support the onboarding and training of new employees.
• Ongoing support of the Connections Coordinators team.
• Engage with youth to help them determine and develop their circle of support.
• Working with youth aged 10-15 currently in foster care.
• With the youth as the guide, explore possible housing options, mentors, and caregivers within circles of support and determine if positive matches are possible.
• Complete a full investigation into possible support networks and people available to the youth, expand circle of support by connecting youth to culturally appropriate groups and engage the extended family and / or community in the permanency planning.
• Support potential caregivers in exploring the possibility of them becoming a caregiver for the youth, navigating concerns, conduct necessary training which has a unique focus on how to support older youth in a home environment.
• Complete housing assessments and interviews for safety, evaluation and appropriateness of the trained and screened potential caregiver. Ensure that safety and well-being practices are implemented.
• Provide support to both caregivers and youth to ensure a successful placement.
• Provide all services within an understanding of anti-oppression, anti-Black and Indigenous racism, diversity, LGBTQ+ positive and anti-poverty values and principles.

What we’re looking for:

• Master’s degree in social work (or related field) from an accredited University and a minimum of eight years’ successful experience in directly related field, or equivalent education and experience.
• Access to a vehicle and a valid full G Class Ontario Driver’s License with appropriate insurance is required.
• Extensive experience working in trauma-informed facilities and experience with the effects of trauma on behaviours.
• Experience in child protection preferred.
• Experience in working with diverse cultures and communities. A thorough understanding of anti-oppression, anti-Black and Indigenous racism values and principles and an appreciation of and ability to work with diverse communities.
• Strong understanding of the principals of permanency and Family Finding.
• Working knowledge of the fundamentals of Kinship, Foster Care, Forever Families and Adoption.
• Solid knowledge of services and resources available for youth in Ontario.
• Experienced motivational interviewer with the ability to create a comfortable interview environment.
• Sound knowledge of the child welfare system and the principle issues affecting the youth in this system.
• Highly effective written and oral communication skills, problem solving, advocacy and assessment skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills including the ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with internal and external resources and community partnership.
• Ability to manage crisis, conflict and adverse situations with staff, youth and families.
• Strong computer/Internet skills and knowledge of case management systems, reporting procedures and responsibilities and the ability to work within those systems.
• Strong communication, organizational, and time management skills; accountability, reliability, and punctuality; and the ability to work effectively and independently under the pressure of tight timelines, competing priorities and emergent issues.
• Support the onboarding and training of new employees.
• Ongoing support of the Connections Coordinators.
• Advocacy for the prevention and response to issues effecting children and youth foster and/or group homes and transitioning out of care.
• Advocacy for change and improvements to systems supports and services for children and youth in-care.
• Attend conferences and events to advocate for system’s supports and improvements for services for children and youth in-care.

This position will require regular work in the GTA communities and in-office work. 

Equal opportunity

StepStones values the unique skills and experiences each individual has to offer and we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation to participate fully in our recruitment processes, please let us know when we contact you.

StepStones is an equal opportunity employer seeking to live its values in all we do. We are committed to taking proactive steps to provide and create opportunities for historically marginalized groups. We seek applicants who will strengthen our commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from Indigenous, Black, and other racialized persons, 2SLGBTQI+ people, individuals with disabilities, and other members of marginalized communities to consider working with and for StepStones. We recognize that structural barriers shape experiences and job qualifications, and therefore we seek to use employment equity to evaluate candidates who meet the required qualifications.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those applicants will be selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or in person submissions please.