The John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area is seeking a full-time Youth Worker to deliver the Youth at Risk Development (YARD) program—a community initiative providing targeted support, early intervention, and dynamic outreach for youth.
Operating fully in person in partnership with the HWDSB and HWCDSB, this role works directly within an elementary and secondary Care and Treatment Education Partnership classroom in Hamilton. The Youth Worker collaborates closely with school board staff to deliver collaborative, wrap-around supports for students navigating complex challenges, negative peer influences, or high-risk behaviors.
Qualifications
- University degree / college diploma in a related area (3-year Child and Youth Care/Worker diploma or degree preferred) with a minimum of 3 years of work experience supporting high-risk youth and their families.
- Strong experience working with youth at risk (those navigating complex behavioral challenges, exposure to violence or criminal activity, and negative peer group involvement).
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate directly with school staff to provide holistic, wrap-around services in classroom and educational settings.
- Able to deliver/facilitate in-person individual and group programming in school, agency, and community settings.
- Experience working with and providing support to families of youth navigating complex risk factors.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and experience utilizing cognitive/behavioral and trauma-informed interventions.
- Strong skills in:
- Group facilitation
- Crisis intervention / de-escalation
- Case management / documentation
- Organization / time management skills
- Problem solving / decision making
- Capacity working from a Trauma-Informed and Restorative Practice perspective
- Committed to assisting and supporting youth and families to make positive life changes.
- Experience working with and supporting youth facing substance misuse and mental health barriers.
- Strong knowledge of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), and relevant community support frameworks.
- Experience using developmental and risk assessment tools (e.g., YLS/CMI) is an asset.
- Ability to work flexible hours that include days, evenings, and occasional weekend work.
- Valid class G driver’s licence, access to a reliable vehicle, clean driver’s abstract
- Provision of a satisfactory Broad Sector / Vulnerable Sector Check
- Additional language capacity is an asset.
- Computer and technology skills that support the position (Office 365, MS Teams, Zoom).
- Valid First Aid / CPR certification or willingness to attain.
Duties & Responsibilities
In-School Support & Wrap-Around Care
- Work fully in person in elementary and secondary classrooms, collaborating with teachers and school teams to deliver integrated wrap-around care plans.
- Support youth in maintaining positive engagement within educational and treatment environments.
Case Management & Counseling
- Provide intensive case management, functional assessments, and individualized support plans to help youth achieve goals.
- Deliver individual counselling, mentoring, and life-skills development using cognitive/behavioral approaches.
- Connect youth and families to relevant community resources, services, and external supports.
Group Facilitation
- Facilitate evidence-based group programming (in-school, in-house, or off-site) following established guides.
- Prepare program materials and collect participant evaluations to monitor effectiveness.
Documentation & Program Evaluation
- Maintain accurate, timely file documentation and program statistics in line with agency and funder standards.
- Participate in outcome tracking, program reviews, and data reporting.
Community & School Board Liaison
- Build strong working relationships with school boards, community partners, and service providers.
- Represent the agency at community events and conduct active outreach and recruitment.
Additional Responsibilities
- Uphold agency values, working within restorative, anti-oppressive, and Health & Safety frameworks.
- Actively contribute to team cohesion, meetings, supervision, professional development, and other duties as assigned.
Application Instructions:
Submit a resume and cover letter outlining your skills, education, experience, and fit for the position to:
Erin Buckle
Program and Service Manager
John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area
Email: [email protected]
Note: Posting closes on August 17, 2026 @ 4:30pm.
Pay: $26.79-$30.81 per hour
Work Location: In person
