Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

As a Primary Worker and member of a multi-disciplinary team within a therapeutic secure detention/custody environment, perform a full range of duties related to the supervision of youth on an assigned shift utilizing a relationship custody approach; identify and participate in the provision of appropriate structured rehabilitative programs and services for youth; ensure the safety and security of youth, staff, youth centre and community.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. As a Primary Worker, participate with other multi-disciplinary team members in the identification and prioritization of the goals for individualized case management plans; monitor the youths progress throughout his/her term of custody; coordinate and participate in case management updates and prepare/ensure preparation of reports for the case management plans and court reviews.

2. Plan, develop and supervise daily activities within the living unit; ensure youth follow daily routines; participate in unit programs and recreational activities; promote and participate in structured programs.

3. Provide a supervised, therapeutic living environment through interaction and intervention to meet the developmental needs of the youth; facilitate both individual and group behavioural counseling to ensure the development of the age appropriate life and pro-social skills; conduct and/or participate in structured group meetings or individual sessions to deal with /correct individual and group behaviour problems.

4. As a member of a therapeutic residential team operating within structured behavioural modification format, observe relationships and recognize changes in individual and group dynamics; select and implement appropriate behaviour management techniques to promote stability and effect change where necessary.

5. Provide constructive feedback and assistance through written and verbal communication to professional staff/colleagues/team members regarding individual and unit programming intervention strategies; interactions, etc.; participate in program evaluation; advocate on behalf of the youth; assess and recommend changes/modifications to interventions/treatment strategies, etc. provided to youth based on observations, youth or staff concerns.

6. Assist in the provision of facility rehabilitative programs; facilitate and/or participate in group and individual behavioural counseling in areas addressing criminogenic risk/needs; conduct pre and post testing for evaluation purposes.

7. As a member of the case management team, assist with the development of Reintegration Plans that address the needs of youth, and advocate/liaise on his/her behalf with appropriate community agencies and families to assist in effective reintegration into the community upon release including reintegration leaves.

8. Maintain required written records of all youth behaviours including all significant interaction with the youth; maintain up to date and accurate files for assigned youth in keeping with case management expectations.

9. Utilizing a relationship custody approach, monitor and direct youth activities and compliance with rules and regulations to ensure the safety and security of the youth, staff, facility and community according to established ministry policies and procedures.

10. Maintain security requirements of the facility such as key control, regular formal/informal counts, regular searching of youth, their living areas and facility property for irregularities affecting safety/security and take corrective action. Within the context of a relationship custody and dynamic security model, and following the Youth Criminal Justice Act philosophy on least intrusive measures, deal with conflict, both verbal and physical, through therapeutic intervention techniques.

11. Respond to emergencies such as fire, medical, escape attempts, disturbances, suicide attempts, utility disruptions; prepare written reports for incidents such as inappropriate young person behaviour, accident/injuries, critical or major situations.

12. Perform other related duties as assigned such as program supervision, community escorts, admitting and discharge, representing the facility in court proceedings, community contacts and activities.

Staffing and Licencing :

Successful completion of post-secondary education from a college or university of recognized standing in a related field with emphasis in behaviour management, adolescent development, and knowledge of family group dynamics, plus one year of recent related work experience OR a recognized secondary school diploma with supplementary courses in human behaviour plus three years of recent related work experience; current emergency first aid and CPR Heartsaver Certificates.

Completion of the Ministry's Youth Services Officer training program.

Knowledge :

Knowledge of case management and group work principles and techniques, effective discharge planning as a key component of the care continuum; knowledge of therapeutic programming and treatment approaches/ methodology; knowledge of program content and desired goals and objectives; knowledge of strict and structured programming and content; knowledge of court procedures and requirements.

Knowledge of various sociological issues impacting on youth (e.g. poverty, family violence and abuse, sexual abuse, substance abuse, gang mentality, peer-on-peer violence; racial issues); knowledge of mental health and behavioural disorders, abnormal and deviant psychology, symptoms and causes of deviant behaviour, human sexuality, general physiology (developmental, abnormal); knowledge of cognitive behavioural intervention-philosophy and techniques.

Knowledge of ministry statement of youth justice mission and principles, ministry policies, standing orders, ministry vision and goals, and various legislation (e.g. Human Rights Code, Ministry of Correctional Services Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act, Child and Family Services Act, Fire codes, Occupational Health and Safety Act); knowledge of security requirements, concepts of dynamic security and relationship custody; knowledge of verbal de-escalation techniques and other non-physical restraint, and cell extraction issues and techniques; knowledge of escort policies, procedures and techniques; knowledge of emergency procedures (e.g. fire, suicide, evacuation, mediacl, utility disruption).

Skills :

Advanced communication skills - written (e.g. formal and informal reports; court submissions; logs), verbal (e.g. ability to succinctly describe situations, report, give directions in an appropriate manner) and non-verbal (e.g. body language, gestures); interpersonal skills, including the skills necessary to develop successful relationships (e.g. listening skills).

Interviewing, coaching and counseling skills; facilitation and team building skills; analytical, interpretive, reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Skills in maintaining order and security through relationship custody and dynamic security practices; skills in anticipating, de-escalating and defusing any potentially hostile situations, and in the application of appropriate physical intervention and restraint when required.

Basic computer skills (e.g. familiarity with Windows, word processing software and the Internet). Ability to operate various business software and operational systems.

Freedom of Action :

The incumbent participates in the overall responsibility to ensure that the youth's emotional, clinical, educational, physical, family, spiritual, legal and cultural needs are met. As part of the multi-disciplinary team, the incumbent will ensure that the objectives of the treatment programs are consistent; that no conflicts in programs exist; that scheduling is appropriate; etc.

The incumbent has discretion in developing activities/events for youth and in directing the movement and activities of the youth.

While the incumbent is responsible for maintaining security and operating within ministry policies and procedures, the nature of dynamic security and relationship custody places the onus directly on the incumbent to use appropriate methods and to be responsible for ensuring that effective relationships exist.

The incumbent must exercise judgement when deciding on appropriate intervention in response to (a) youth crisis or behavioural situation; (b) a hostile or aggressive situation involving one or more youth.