Job Title Facilitator

Department Youth Services, Community and Justice

Location Bowmanville

Posting Start Date November 18, 2024

Posting End Date November 29, 2024, or until the position is filled

Employment Group CUPE 2938.13

Salary Grid Rate $23.32 per hour subject to annual and anniversary increases

Standard Weekly Hours of Work 28 - 9am to 2:30pm - Monday to Friday (Sept to June)

Shift Work Required Flex hours may occasionally be required

Work Environment All JHS Durham Office Locations and Community locations

Additional Benefits Extended Health, Dental, Life, LTD, EAP, Mileage reimbursement, Accident coverage, RRSP

Start Date As soon as possible

Work Term Program delivery is September to June based on the academic school calendar

John Howard Society of Durham Region Mission Statement:

To reduce the impact of crime and its causes by providing a spectrum of effective prevention and intervention programs.

Position Summary

The CASS program, administered by the John Howard Society of Durham Region (JHS) in collaboration with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR), aims to support suspended and/or expelled students within the KPR district. As the JHS CASS Facilitator, the primary responsibility entails offering non-academic assistance to these students. The support framework is customized based on the individual needs of each participant, emphasizing a blend of one-on-one and group sessions. These sessions cover a spectrum of essential life skills, including but not limited to decision-making, conflict resolution, communication, and employment readiness. Furthermore, the facilitator oversees and coordinates community service hours by creating volunteer opportunities with local nonprofit organizations, thereby fostering community engagement and personal development among program participants.

Key Relationships

Manager of Community and Justice Services, Senior management team, agency employees, service seekers, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, and other community agencies, organizations, and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Client Support:

• Offer personalized counselling and support to tackle the challenges and root causes experienced by students in relation to school suspension or expulsion.
• Participate in intake and re-entry meetings with school staff as needed to ensure seamless transitions for students.
• Adhere to predetermined deadlines for reporting to both the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPR) and the John Howard Society (JHS), ensuring accurate and timely documentation.
• Effectively navigate and implement program and agency changes in a constructive manner, fostering a positive environment for both clients and colleagues.
• Demonstrate proficiency in working with a diverse range of children and youth, ensuring inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in all interactions.

Advocacy, Mediation, Community Liaison:

• Remain current with the legislative frameworks including the Safe Schools Act (2000), the Provincial Code of Conduct, and School Board Codes of Conduct (2012), as well as the policies and procedures established by the school board. Utilize this knowledge to inform program strategy effectively.
• Foster collaboration and cooperation by liaising with the Safe Schools teacher, other school board personnel, students, and caregivers to ensure seamless delivery of the CASS program within the Municipality of Clarington.
• Actively participate in scheduled Partnership meetings, contributing insights and updates relevant to program objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships while also establishing new partnerships within the community, particularly with organizations offering volunteer opportunities for students.
• Conduct research and outreach to identify and engage potential community partners, expanding the network of support available to program participants.
• Help and support to other agency programs as necessary, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to contribute across different initiatives.
• Serve as a representative of the agency in community engagements and events as required, promoting the organization's mission and values effectively.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Develop and organize life skills workshops and materials to enhance the effectiveness of program delivery, ensuring alignment with program objectives.
• Demonstrate a non-judgmental approach and schedule regular meetings with parent(s)/guardians to evaluate student engagement and progress within the CASS program.
• Generate and maintain comprehensive case notes, progress reports, and client files, providing clear rationale for intervention methods and documenting statistical information in compliance with program standards.
• Curate and update a repository of community placements and contacts pertinent to the non-academic aspects of the program.
• Compile both statistical and narrative reports for submission to the John Howard Society and the School Board, summarizing program activities and outcomes accurately.
• Employ agency-approved technology for efficient record-keeping, including the creation, processing, and maintenance of various documents and administrative records.
• Oversee financial tracking as required, ensuring adherence to budgetary guidelines and regulations.
• Meet all prescribed deadlines for documentation and reporting, upholding accountability, and program integrity.

Resource Development and Information Management:

• Innovate and create resource activities that cater to diverse client needs within the parameters set by the John Howard Society, such as workshops on conflict resolution, job readiness, and financial literacy.
• Conduct comprehensive intakes for clients, assessing their needs and circumstances to provide personalized referrals to relevant services, including mental health support, educational programs, and community resources.
• Collaborate with external organizations and agencies to expand the range of resources available to clients, such as establishing partnerships with local businesses for job placement opportunities or arranging guest speakers for skill-building workshops.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of community resources and service providers, ensuring that clients have access to accurate and relevant information to support their goals and aspirations.
• Develop informational materials and resources, such as brochures or online guides, to empower clients with knowledge about available services, rights, and responsibilities.
• Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of resource activities and intake processes, soliciting feedback from clients and stakeholders to inform continuous improvement efforts.

Technology and Research:

• Use of the internet, social media platforms, and research tools to identify relevant and up-to-date supporting resources for program participants, such as online educational materials, community events, and counselling services.
• Demonstrate proficiency in accurate data entry, statistical analysis, and report generation using specialized software applications, ensuring the integrity and reliability of program data and documentation.

Educational Support:

• Collaborate with KPR teachers to facilitate the delivery of course materials, workshops, and activities, aiding as needed to enhance student learning experiences.

Education & Skills

• Possess a post-secondary diploma or degree in a related field of study such as social work/social services, demonstrating a solid foundation in areas relevant to youth support and advocacy.
• A minimum of two years of practical experience working directly with youth (asset), showcasing a proven ability to connect with and support young individuals effectively.
• Demonstrate proficiency in providing brief counselling and crisis support, with the capacity to comprehend and implement various instructions and intervention strategies as needed.
• Exhibit strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, coupled with a flexible and adaptable approach to work, enabling effective navigation of diverse challenges and situations.
• Display competence in maintaining accurate records, organizing filing systems, and managing basic databases, ensuring efficient documentation and retrieval of essential information.
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders, coupled with proficient computer skills, including familiarity with Office 365, MS Teams, and Zoom for effective communication and collaboration.

Requirements

• Possession of a vehicle with a minimum of $2,000,000 liability insurance coverage or access to reliable transportation is essential.
• Ability to provide an acceptable vulnerable sector police check as part of the employment screening process.

Knowledge & Experience:

• Demonstrated familiarity with the programs and services offered by JHS Durham.
• Previous experience in counselling, social work, or providing support to a diverse clientele is preferred.

Commitment:

• Non-judgmental, adaptable, and dedicated to achieving the service outcomes and standards set by the agency.
• Willingness to represent the John Howard Society in community committees and meetings.

Work Conditions:

• Potential exposure to infectious waste, diseases, and related conditions may occur.
• Regular interaction with the public, clients, staff, visitors, and representatives from other organizations is expected.
• Ability to engage in ongoing physical activity, including walking, standing, sitting, and lifting objects up to 25 lbs.
• Proficiency in manual dexterity required for operating desktop computers and peripherals.
• Flexibility in working hours as required to meet the demands of the position.

Application Instructions:

Submit a letter of interest and your resume which outlines your skills, education, experience and fit for this position through this link: https://jhsdurham.bamboohr.com/careers/386