August 28, 2026 Posting #1572
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.
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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 of20 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))
The Diversion Case Manager provides direct support for youth experiencing, or who are at-risk of homelessness to secure safe housing alternatives to emergency shelter that is appropriate to their circumstances including acquiring or to maintain existing housing. The Diversion Case Manager coordinates case management and support planning with youth and the team.
The Diversion Case Manager is expected to practice within a framework that is a strengths-based, relationship-based philosophy of care and a belief in the resilience of youth. This role also brings an advanced understanding of equity issues that impact a young person, with a particular competency around issues impacting Black youth.
Assessment and Diversion Services
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Meet with youth entering the shelter to assess and explore safe alternative living arrangements through solution focused support and diversion services.
- Work within a system of care approach to assess diversion or entry to the shelter, and provide coordinated access to the shelter system if appropriate
- Develop and apply a formal diversion assessment tool to support YouthLink’s emerging diversion program. In collaboration with the evaluation team, use research and evidence to develop or select an objective measure to determine whether there is a match between a client’s needs and the services of the organization or another service elsewhere in the community.
Client-Centered Support
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Apply client-centered approach when working with youth to achieve positive outcomes and empower them through strength-based practices.
- Provide counseling, conflict resolution and mediation to youth, their ‘families’ and/or landlords to prevent homelessness.
Community Partnerships and Best Practices
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community partners and support youth with referrals to appropriate professional services.
- Assist in creating and documenting best practices and protocols that promote positive shelter diversion outcomes.
- Participate in client care reviews and team meetings to ensure effective delivery of support services and continuity of care.
- Collaborate with other agencies that work in the areas of youth homelessness.
- Utilize assessment tools to provide accurate care planning, outcomes and client centered goal development.
Documentation and Database Management
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Manage client information and database systems. Ensures all documentation is in adherence to SMIS and EMHWare guidelines.
- Prepares values-aligned documentation meeting professional standards on all significant interactions 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.
- Ensure information regarding service delivery is logged and recorded into the client information database by the end of each shift. Understands the role of empowerment-based documentation and the power of how documentation creates stories about young people.
- Ensure safety and security of clients, guests, staff and property.
Networking and Reporting
- Compiles statistical information and prepares monthly reports as required for program evaluation and development.
- Maintain accurate records, including Housing Technology, and entering client data for monthly, quarterly and annual funding reports.
- Actively network within the community to promote the program and services by conducting presentations, attending information sessions and sitting on committees.
Professional Development and Representation
- 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.
Safety and Inclusion
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Promote an environment of inclusion that promotes equity and respects diversity
- Takes all reasonable and necessary precautions to protect his/her/their own health and safety and that of co-workers by complying and demonstrating knowledge of the policies, procedures and safe practices established by YouthLink.
Other duties as assigned
Education:
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Undergraduate Degree in Social Work, Social Services Worker Diploma, Degree/Diploma in Child and Youth Worker or a combination of directly related education and experience.
- First Aid / CPR certification training an asset.
- CPI/SMG certification training an asset.
Experience:
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2+ years’ experience within the social service sector supporting youth experiencing homelessness, mental illness and substance use in obtaining housing, employment, educational and community opportunities.
- Experience in mental health, harm reduction and crisis intervention.
- Experience supporting youth through evidence-based practices and frameworks (Motivational Interviewing, CBT, DBT, Harm Reduction).
- Experience innovating on or developing new programming to address client needs is a strong asset
- Demonstrated competency in using an equity lens to provide support to young people, and in particular, using an Anti-Black Racism lens.
- Knowledge of housing first for youth, trauma informed care, and counselling.
- Knowledge of resources within the Region of Scarborough, specifically for youth.
Knowledge/Skills/Ability:
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Strong interpersonal, communication and written skills is an asset.
- Strong data literacy skills and the ability to document successes/learnings is an asset
- Computer proficiency including office software (Microsoft), database/client records systems and social media is an asset.
- French or any language other than English is an asset.
- Knowledge of Scarborough and the different communities
- Knowledge of housing first for youth, trauma informed care, and counselling.
- Knowledge of resources within the Region of Scarborough, specifically for youth.
Additional Requirements:
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Police Broad Record Check required.
- Medical clearance including 2 Step TB Test is required.
- A valid Ontario Driver’s License
- Ability to Work in a Pet Friendly Shelter
Work Hours and Work Conditions:
- 20 working hours per week, including 2 evenings per week. May be required to work occasional weekends. Some local travelling required.
Location:
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747 Warden Ave, Scarborough
Salary: starting $59,189 (Pro-Rated based on hours worked)
Full job description available here: https://youthlink.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/JD-Diversion-Case-Manager-April-2025-1.pd
YouthLink is strongly committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the populations we serve. We believe lived experience is an aspect of what makes an individual qualified for a role. As such, we encourage applications from all qualified individuals including applicants from all cultures, racialized communities, abilities, diverse sexual and gender identities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free.. If you have a disability and require accessibility accommodations with the application process, please contact [email protected].
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
- Our Hiring Process & Use of Technology:
- At our organization, people are at the heart of everything we do—including how we hire. We utilize an HRIS platform with integrated AI capabilities to support elements of our recruitment process, including application screening and candidate evaluation. These tools are used to enhance efficiency and consistency but do not replace human decision-making. We are committed to fair, inclusive, and equitable hiring practices, and we regularly reflect on our processes to reduce bias and ensure all candidates are treated with care and respect. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process or have any questions about how your application is reviewed, please feel free to reach out—we’re happy to support you.
Please visit https://youthlink.ca/ for more information
