Friends of Ruby

Friends of Ruby is dedicated to the journey and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, aged 16-29 through mental health services, social services, and housing. Friends of Ruby offers Youth Mental Health services, a Youth Drop-In Centre, and a Transitional Home. 

Friends of Ruby recognize that a diverse work force is critical to accomplishing our mission. Our goal is to attract, develop, and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We strongly encourage applications from the 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, and diverse backgrounds that meet the requirements of the job posting.  

Position Summary 

Reporting to the Manager of Case Management and Director of Mental Health and Youth Services, the Case Worker will provide support, engagement and case management services with an interdisciplinary team to high-risk 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Case Management  

• Conduct initial and ongoing assessment of participants needs and revise the plan of care as required  
• Support youth in the community as needed
• Support youth in all areas of community social need including housing, shelter, employment, education, welfare, medical issues, mental health issues, legal/financial assistance, immigration/refugees/newcomer support etc.; advocating for adequate service, treatment models and resources 

• Coordinate inter-disciplinary services for Friends of Ruby clients, making referrals based on appropriate match between youth’s needs and available resources  
• Work collaboratively with youth to address their full range of needs by establishing short-term and long-term intervention goals using strengths based, client centered, anti-oppressive, harm reduction, and youth development approach    
• Facilitate groups and life-skills workshops on subjects such as housing, employment, social assistance, life skills, and system navigation   
• Develop a comprehensive participant discharge plan to address ongoing support needs, crisis contact information, and additional resources to support as required     
• Recognize crisis and provide appropriate intervention as needed while avoiding power struggles and modeling effective problem solving and conflict negotiation skills  
• Develop and maintain professional and trusting relationships with youth that encourage positive social and emotional development  
• Support participants who need to be re-housed to select, rent, and move into the new housing with the assistance of Housing Navigator and support workers in the house, and you will maintain a Housing Locator inventory  
• Work collaboratively with drop-in support workers and Clinical Counsellors to ensure wrap-around supports for each youth  

Community Relations  

• Lead and participate in consultation services and case conferences with service providers to discuss care plans and service needs      
• Advocate with referral agencies when appropriate to facilitate referral for identification of client needs  
• Seek opportunities to be involved in and contribute with partner agencies and community sectors  
• Connect with formal and informal supports, peer support, professional services, and resources to promote their recovery, improve their quality of life, and reduce the likelihood of relapse  
• Attend Community Partner information sessions and external meetings and share takeaways with the team to ensure up-to-date best practices for the Case Management team  
• Research and connect youth to community resources and supports which recognize and can address the unique needs of youth identifying as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community  
• Coordinate internal and external services for the participant and advocate on behalf of the participant  

What You Bring to the Team 

Experience 

• 2+ years of experience providing case management to youth related to issues of homelessness, mental health, trauma, transitioning and/or coming out, substance use, family support, trauma, abuse, accessing legal/financial support, housing, employment, and education 
• 2+ years of experience in crisis support and intervention 
• Experience working in a not-for-profit, 2SLGBTQIA+ community, social justice environment and/or housing/shelter 
• Ability to manage conflict, crisis, and escalating situations calmly and confidently 

Knowledge 

• Knowledge of housing related resources, housing rights issues, the continuum of care for homeless persons. 

• Knowledge of the city of Toronto’s social housing and shelter programs; systems and intake software program will be considered an asset.   
• Knowledge and experience working with 2SLGBTQIA+ youth experiencing marginalization and under representation, racialized communities, newcomers/refugees/immigrant populations, indigenous youth, and those living in poverty 
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Residential Tenancies Act, community agencies, and relevant programs and services.   
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice, harm reduction, anti-racist and anti-oppression practices, and to strengths-based, trauma-informed, participant-centered practices 

Education 

• A degree in Social Work, psychology, or a related program and/or an equivalent combination of education/experience in the social services sector 

Additional Requirements 

• Satisfactory clearance under the Vulnerable Sector Police Check Program
• Must be qualified to legally work in Canada
• Willing to work onsite Monday to Friday at our two locations in downtown Toronto; flexible schedule including evenings on occasion
• Willing to work on a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of the organization including evenings, weekends, and holiday coverage as needed
• Ability to travel to other community-based settings as needed

COVID-19 Protocol

Friends of Ruby believes that immunization against COVID-19 is an individual and societal responsibility and that we must do everything possible to protect our clients, families, employees, students, volunteers and contractors against the spread of COVID-19. As a condition of employment, proof of full vaccination or exemption under the Ontario Human Rights Code must be submitted to Human Resources seven (7) calendar days prior to start date.

Statement on Employment Equity and Diversity

Friends of Ruby strives for inclusion and diversity by attracting extraordinary people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. Candidates with lived experience of homelessness and/or who self-identify as being from the 2SLGBTQIA+ or marginalized community, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and persons, are encouraged to apply and will be prioritized. We ask that these candidates indicate their relevant identities in their cover letters.