Child & Youth Case Manager (Bilingual Mandatory)

Position Title: Child and Youth Case Manager
Program: Families First
Status: Regular Full-time
Hours: 35 hours/week (70 hours bi-weekly)
Salary: $31.201/hr - $36.706/hr
Who are we?
Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre is an innovative community-based, multi-service centre. We strive to meet the needs of the diverse communities we serve. We work in partnership with individuals, families, and communities to achieve their full potential, paying particular attention to those who are most vulnerable and at risk. PQCHC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. If at any stage in the selection process you require accommodation due to a disability, please let us know the nature of the required accommodation.

Job Summary:
The Families First Program provides intensive support to families leaving the City’s Shelter System and/or who are housed but at risk of homelessness. The goal of the program is to have families establish themselves in communities, develop resources that will support stability and prevent homelessness.
This position provides housing-based case management to families as well as offering expertise in child and youth resources and services to colleagues. The position will hold a primary case load as well as respond to requests from program staff for support to families with child and youth issues. This involves direct service provision and partnership building with agencies that provide child and youth services.
Job Specific Responsibilities

• Provides intensive, direct support to families (in their homes and virtually) who have been referred to the Families First Program.
• Assesses the needs and strengths of families using intake and point in time assessment tools to be able to coordinate and implement a plan of support/ service delivery.
• Balances and prioritizes the competing demands of a caseload.
• In partnership with the client, develops and review clients individual goal plans.
• Maintains electronic client records and protects the confidentiality of the information.
• Works with colleagues through a team approach to apply coordinated, multi-disciplinary support to families in the program.
• Refer clients to appropriate community resources and groups based on assessed needs.
• Assist clients to access services, make appointments and complete forms.
• Participates in regular chart reviews and case conferences.
• Participates in data collection and analysis as required.
• Assists in the development of procedures and guidelines for the Families First program and in the overall planning and development of the Families First program.
• Performs chart audits other related duties as requested.
• Provides support to other Families First Case Managers in identifying resources and services for children and youth.

Knowledge and Key competencies

• Knowledge of, and experience working with community resources, with a strong knowledge of resources for children and youth in the areas of education, recreation, mental health, child protection and disabilities, among others.
• Must be familiar with the developmental, and educational, emotional, social and recreational needs of children and young people as well as the family system.
• Creative use of community resources to maximize opportunities to meet client goals.
• Ability to work in a team environment with children, youth, and families, and other professionals.
• Provides resources and support to Families First staff pertaining to child and youth issues, including parenting.
• Establish trusting and meaningful one-to-one relationships with children, youth and families.
• Implement strategies such as planned daily activities and organized recreational and social activities.
• Mentor, coach and support children and youth to facilitate personal, social and educational growth, as well as encouraging greater community integration.
• Work in partnership with professionals from other organizations that support young people such as social care, health, police, education, youth offending teams and other agencies.
• Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings that bring together practitioners from different sectors as part of a team around the housing first approach.

Qualifications and experience

• Undergraduate degree in health or social science from a recognized university or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Diploma in Child and Youth Services and/or a combination of relevant education and experience working with children and youth desirable.
• A minimum of three years’ experience in a community-based setting with an emphasis in community outreach and working with homeless or high-risk populations.
• Previous experience in case management with individuals and families facing barriers, including immigrants, refugees and those experiencing abuse.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and sensitivity to people from diverse cultural, mental health and socio-economic backgrounds.

Personal Suitability/Other Requirements

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and sensitivity to people from diverse cultural, mental health and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Fluency in French and English essential, other languages including Somali or Arabic desirable.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle required.
• Proficiency in use of computers and various software applications.