Employment Counselor, STEP (Success Through Employment Program)- Contract until August 2025

360°kids is a vitally important community agency serving all of York Region. We have been a leader in the delivery of innovative support services for more than 35 years as we work to improve the lives of unhoused and marginalized youth and families in York Region. At 360°kids, we provide a unique continuum of care approach with programs and services that are essential to the health and well-being of youth. These proven strategies help to keep youth safe by providing stable housing options with 360° wraparound supports.

An Employment Counselor (STEP) at 360˚kids provides one on one support through pre-employment counselling and employment placement opportunities to higher needs youth between the ages of 15 and 30 whom self-identify with Mental Health barriers.  The Employment Counselor (STEP) promotes the 360˚kids STEP program to employers and the community, bringing awareness to the benefits of mentoring youth to attaining their goals; researches and cold calls employers to obtain job leads and community information; and builds relationships creating access for youth to employment while ensuring successful job matching and participant needs are met.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Marketing, outreach, and promotion of program to employers and community at large.
• Assist youth with employment/employability skills including but not limited to: job search skills and interview techniques, resume preparation, career exploration, budgeting, time management, and soft skills such as communication, problem solving, self-care/awareness, stress management and leadership.
• Research and cold calling to obtain employment leads and community information.
• Relationship building and assessment of youth to ensure successful job matching.
• Work alongside Employment Counsellor(s), Workforce Specialist(s) and Employment Specialist(s) to ensure job opportunities reflect youth needs, abilities, employment goals, and overall suitability.
• Coach and support youth and act as a support to employers.
• Assist in implementing programming and employer database.  Update and maintain records/activities and case notes.
• Collaborate with the team in building an employer education component specific to supporting mental health in the workplace

• Works with program and 360°kids’ staff to ensure program success while positively contributing to 360°kids as an organization.

•  Other duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS OR SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Post-Secondary degree/diploma in a mental health/social services field of study (e.g. Addictions and Mental Health, Social Worker, Social Service Worker, Psychology) or the equivalent combination of education and experience working with higher needs youth 
• Experience working with vulnerable or street involved youth/youth with mental health/addictions barriers
• Knowledge of the job market and the Employment Standards Act
• Counselling and case management experience in terms of life skills and behaviour management
• Exceptional relationship building skills, excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Assessment, intake, and case management skills
• Motivated, has a strong work ethic, empathetic, and must be able to work with a team
• Excellent communication skills and have the ability to be adaptable with a flexible approach taking into consideration the unique qualities of each client
• Exceptional interpersonal skills that promote positive team building, negotiation and conflict resolution
• Working knowledge of York Region services, possesses a broad knowledge of community resources and the ability to strongly advocate for clients and professional referrals .
• Current First Aid/CPR certification, current vulnerable sector screening (criminal background check), car and valid driver’s license with a clean driver’s abstract

360°kids is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible organization. We are dedicated to having a workforce that reflects the diversity of York Region with a variety of perspectives and lived experiences. We welcome and encourage applicants from equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous, Black and racialized people, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities and individuals with lived experience of homelessness.

Accommodation will be provided throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants that require accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to notify the People and Culture Department when contacted for an interview. We will work with you to meet your access needs in an equitable and inclusive way.

Upon joining 360°kids, you'll be welcomed into a fun and collaborative environment where we truly value our employees and want to see them succeed. We thank everyone for their interest and appreciate the time put into applying, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.