Skip to Main Content

Job Title


Shelter Youth Worker


Company : Youthlink


Location : Scarborough,


Created : 2026-02-11


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

February 9, 2026 Posting #1531 YouthLink believes in the potential of every youth. We are dedicated to providing them with the support, guidance and opportunities they need to make positive life choices. We provide youth with brief and ongoing counselling, in-home wraparound support, shelter, housing, educational support, and safe drop-in spaces. YouthLink works towards equitable outcomes for youth in our community and, as such, is committed to equity-based hiring practices. We welcome applications from candidates who reflect the communities we serve, particularly candidates from Black communities, Indigenous communities, and racialized people, persons with disabilities, members of diverse gender identities and people with lived experiences. We are seeking candidates who demonstrably operate and practice from an equity and trauma-informed lens. We encourage applications from passionate professionals who will help us dismantle systemic barriers and will embrace working outside of Euro-centric practices. YouthLink Benefits are Top of Class Competitive pay Health & dental coverage for you and your family with 100% premium cost paid by employer. *Annual vacation with pay at 1.66 working days for each calendar month to a maximum of 20 working days per year. *5 ''authorized absence'' days for family illness or emergency circumstances that prohibit employees from reporting to work. *3 paid agency days every calendar year after 3 calendar months'' service. Maternity / parental /adoption leave top-up payments (to top-up Canadian government unemployment benefit payments) 100% premium cost for long-term disability coverage paid by employee. Eligibility to participate in pension plan after 2 years of continuous service with generous matching contribution from employer. *(pro-rated for part-time employees according to the employee''s full-time equivalency (FTE)) Shelter Youth Worker (Permanent, Full-time 35 hours per week) Bargaining Unit Position The Youth Worker is responsible for providing direct, quality care and supervision to residents of the Youth Transitional Housing and Shelter Program (YTHSP) as well as the day-to-day operations. Youth workers will be expected to model a collaborative, cooperative approach focused on the personal, social, cultural and educational development of the residents. Staff will be expected to practice within a framework that is a strengths-based relationship-based philosophy of care and a belief in the resilience of youth. Highlights of Your Role Direct Care and Supervision of Residents: Ensure warm welcome of residents, conduct intake interview of potential residents, orient new residents and redirect admissions, when appropriate. Assess and address the immediate needs of the resident, orientation to housing program rules and expectations. Ensure that all administrative duties are completed and entered into the database at time of intake Provides direct care and supervision to residents in the YTHSP and support youth with daily routines. Assist youth in developing both short and long term SMART goals and an action plan to achieve these goals, accompany youth to appointments, and connect youth to resources and community support networks, assist youth in finding more stable housing. Promote and integrate Youth and Family engagement. Communicate effectively with diverse clients and staff, handle confidential information discreetly, and use relevant software proficiently. Safety and Crisis Management: Ensure the safety and well-being of resident by managing crisis intervention, respond to crisis situations following appropriate procedures, ensures debrief process for youth; provides support to other staff if needed. Addresses behavior issues on the spot and consults with team and program manager if need be. Ensures that staff acts in accordance with the Emergency Preparedness and Business Continuity Plan. Work safely in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Agency Health and Safety Manual. Demonstrate strong administrative, organizational, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills. Maintenance and Cleanliness: Maintain the cleanliness of the program area by assisting and maintaining the general cleanliness of the shelter including keeping workspace tidy, laundering of linens, and preparing space for food service, clean up and ensure all supplies are readily available. Keep all programming areas clean and tidy, disinfecting furniture, remake resident rooms after discharge, adhere to health and safety requirements. Identify and respond to issues related to the building and mechanical systems and ensure health and safety compliance with health standards. Monitor building and mechanical systems, address issues promptly and ensure compliance with health standards. Documentation and Reporting: Documents according to professional standards any significant interaction with residents, maintains appropriate documentation in case file and logs, completes incident reports, police reports, under age contact reports, child protection reports, safety plans and medical feedback forms. Complete daily logs, record medications and usage in the client information database (EMHware, SMIS) by the end of each shift. Ensure safety and security of clients, guests, staff and property. Professional Development and Collaboration: Participates in individual supervision meetings, team meetings, case conferences, workshops and committees as required. Actively contributes to the Agency''s Strategic Plan by participating in initiatives and committees to support the overall Plan. Participate in all mandatory professional training provided by the Agency. Represent the Agency in a professional manner when dealing with families, external professionals, general public and community partners. Promote an environment of inclusion that promotes equity and respects diversity Health and Safety Compliance: Follow policies, procedures, and safe practices to protect own and others'' health and safety. Maintain required certifications (First Aid/CPR, CPI/SMG), complete necessary training, and ensure medical clearances. Other duties as assigned Highlights of What You Bring Education (degree/diploma/certifications) Minimum Diploma in Child and Youth Worker or Social Service Worker Diploma or equivalent education and experience. Valid First Aid / CPR certification Valid CPI/SMG certification (Crisis Prevention Intervention). Experience Minimum of 1-year experience as a front-line worker, preferably in a residential, housing, outreach, or shelter setting Knowledge/Skill/Ability Demonstrates a commitment to inclusiveness diversity and anti-oppressive practices Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment. Knowledge of adolescent developmental theory and specific issues related to street youth. Understanding of the complex issues facing our clients Appreciation of the importance of engaging youth and families from a strengths-based relationship-based approach Sensitivity to and ability to work with a diverse client and staff group Sound knowledge of the issues facing homeless and street-involved youth. Sound knowledge of the City of Toronto Hostel Standards and all other applicable legislation (CFSA, YCJA, Mental Health Act, etc.) Knowledge of relevant community resources. Ability to exercise professionalism and sound judgment in conflictual and stressful situations Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills Strong administrative and organizational skills Completion of required suicide prevention and intervention training Flexible person, team player who has strong organizational skills, time management skills, the ability to multi-task, shift priorities, handle interruptions and meet deadlines Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate in both official languages and/or other languages is a definite asset Ability and discretion to deal tactfully with different clientele who can at times be difficult/aggressive Demonstrated proficiency in the range of Microsoft Office products (intermediate Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet mandatory. Proficient and accurate keyboard skills. Ability and discretion to maintain sometimes delicate and confidential information. Attention to details and high level of accuracy Demonstrated competency in using an equity lens, particularly in Anti-Black Racism. Other Requirements Broad Record Police Check required. Medical clearance including tuberculosis testing is required. Ability to work in a pet friendly environment. Salary: Starting $50,105 Work Hours and Working Conditions: 35 working hours per week. Monday to Friday Full-time Evening Shifts (4pm 12 midnight) Full job description available here: How to Apply: Submit application to - Please quote posting #1531 in the subject line. As an organization committed to equity and justice in our community, we believe lived experience and knowledge of equity, diversity, belonging and anti-Black racism is a critical component in our recruitment process. If you have a disability and require accessibility accommodations with the application process, please contact Application deadline: Open until Filled. Job Types: Permanent, Full-time Pay: From $50,105.00 per year Benefits: Casual dress Company events On-site parking Paid time off Work Location: In person