Social Worker

The Organization

We value and celebrate diversity: We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities and are committed to having a team made up of people with diverse skills, experiences, and abilities. We actively encourage BIPOC and LGBTQ+ applicants to apply and we value the positive impact that diversity has on our teams. We are committed to equity, diversity, and social inclusion within our workforce and in all opportunities provided at StepStones. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

StepStones for Youth is an innovative and dynamic charitable organization in Toronto dedicated to providing intervention and sustainable support for children and youth. Many of these youth are exiting the foster care and group home system or are currently living in foster homes and shelters.

Our goal is to create positive and meaningful connections; increase school engagement, high school graduation, and post-secondary enrolment; and increase stable housing, improved mental and physical health, and strong support networks. StepStones adheres to a “whatever it takes” approach to servicing youth and we go above and beyond to support their needs.

The Opportunity

StepStones for Youth is seeking a Social Worker 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 will 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:

  • Working with youth aged 10-25 connected to child protection/welfare system living in foster care or group homes
  • Engage with youth to help them determine and develop their circle of support.
  • 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.
  • Strong case management skills
  • Working relationships and collaborations with organizations within the GTHA
  • Engagement with vulnerable youth and their circle of supports
  • Experience in crisis intervention and safety planning
  • Collaborates with our Housing and Homelessness prevention coordinator to secure safe, stable housing for youth
  • Establish strong working relationships with foster home and group home providers (agencies), foster parents and CAS workers.
  • 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.
  • This position is predominantly community-based and at our office in Toronto

What we’re looking for:

  • Master’s degree in social work (or related field) from an accredited University and a minimum of five 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-centered 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.
  • 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 principal 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..

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.