Youth Support Worker

Youth Support Worker 

Positions Available: 2 

Department: Youth Services 
Location: On Site 
Position Type: Relief, 1-year fixed term 

Hourly Rate: $27.88 

Existing Vacancy 

Closing Date:  April 3, 2026 

Friends of Ruby is dedicated to supporting the well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth aged 16-29 through mental health services, social programs, and housing. We operate a Youth Drop-In Centre, offering barrier-free counselling, case management, and community programming; and a Transitional Home, providing emergency and long-term housing with life-skills support. This position will support the Transitional Home. 

Our approach is comprehensive, involving mind, body, and community. We believe that every individual is unique, valuable, and deserving of care, and we are committed to treating everyone with dignity, respect, and inclusion. Rooted in intersectional, anti-oppressive, and decolonized approaches, our work is grounded in integrity as we build strong, collaborative relationships and strive to grow and improve together. 

About the Role 

As a Youth Support Worker, you will be responsible for: 

Welcome and orient youth to foster a safe, inclusive space; provide short-term, individualized support. 

Perform front desk and housing tasks; support with programming; maintain cleanliness and organization of all spaces. 

Coordinate access to basic needs and provide appropriate referrals to internal and external resources to meet youth needs.   

Accurately document shift notes, incidents, and safety plans; communicate effectively with full-time staff during handovers to ensure seamless service. 

Respond to immediate needs and engage in crisis intervention using trauma-informed de-escalation techniques to maintain a stable environment. 

Perform additional related duties as assigned to meet evolving operational needs. 

Your Competencies 

Trauma-Informed, Population-Specific Engagement: Builds trust and supports youth well-being by applying trauma-informed principles and strengths-based approaches to foster positive, respectful relationships while respecting cultural and individual differences during housing support interactions. 

Safety Awareness & Situational Judgment: Maintains a secure and welcoming environment by assessing risks, following safety procedures, and making sound decisions to prevent harm in real time. 

Consistent, High-Quality Service Delivery: Provides reliable and professional housing support by adhering to organizational standards and ensuring consistency in service delivery and documentation. 

Applying Relevant Service-Based Expertise in Direct Support: Improves youth access to essential support by proactively identifying needs and connecting participants to community resources and internal programs. 

Crisis Response: Ensures safety and emotional regulation by responding calmly to crises using trauma-informed de-escalation techniques and established protocols. 

Required Credentials 

Post-secondary education in social services (or equivalent experience).  

Experience working with youth and/or in mental health, addictions, or residential settings.  

Current CPR/First-Aid training is required (or to be obtained upon being hired).   

Training in CPI, ASIST, and/or UMAB is an asset. 

Why Work with Us? 

Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work has a lasting impact on the lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. 

Join a welcoming, inclusive environment where your ideas are valued and your contributions are recognized and celebrated. We offer a space where everyone can be their authentic selves at work. 

We invest in your professional development with meaningful opportunities for growth, learning, and advancement. 

Engage in work that is challenging, meaningful, and aligned with your values. 

What We Need  

Valid Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check clearance  

Legal eligibility to work in Canada.  

Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including weekdays, evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays as required.
 

Important Note  

If you have accessed Friends of Ruby services in the past year, we kindly ask that you refrain from applying for this position. This policy helps to ensure objectivity and avoids potential conflicts of interest. We prioritize equal opportunity for all applicants and aim to maintain the integrity of our organization. We appreciate your understanding and commitment to a fair hiring process.  

How to Apply  

To ensure a fair and efficient hiring process, we kindly ask that all applications be submitted directly through the job posting link. We are unable to accept phone inquiries regarding this position. Due to the high volume of applications, we receive, we are only able to contact candidates who have been selected for an interview.  

Please note that no artificial intelligence tools will be used in the screening, assessment, or selection of candidates. 

Friends of Ruby is committed to an inclusive and accessible hiring process. If you require accommodation at any stage, please inform our People and Culture team.  

Preference will be given to members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community as part of our commitment to equity and representation.  

Apply by April 3 and help us create brighter futures for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.  

We can’t wait to hear from you!