Case Manager, Black Achiever's

Be the Spark! Join our passionate team and help us to achieve great things in our community!

Black Achievers is a new mentoring initiative of the YMCA of Greater Toronto (Y-GTA) that will support educational achievement and create change across the system of employment for Black young people by bringing them together with adult Black professionals/role models in individual and group mentoring sessions through schools, employment organizations, and social service organizations (including Y-GTA). The initiative will celebrate the full participation of Black young people in professional, academic and community life. Black-led at a staff and collaborative level. The project is seeking a Case Manager to lay the ground work for youth engagement and further development of a mentoring program with an inclusivity focus. As with all Y-GTA programs and spaces, Black Achievers will take place in a safe and affirming environment where all youth belong, regardless of age, gender identity and gender expression, race, ethnicity, religious heritage, class, sexual orientation or physical/mental ability. Anti-Black racism is a key focus in Y-GTA’s Diversity and Inclusion strategy. The overall purpose will be to provide black youth the opportunity to develop academically, socially and mentally with the support of adult black role models/mentors.

The Case Manager will aim to empower vulnerable students age 12-19 to reach their fullest potential, by building their capacity to engage and succeed in their educational studies and transition to higher levels of education and to also strengthen and enhance student’s social networks and foster a sense of belonging through peer mentorship, counselling and mental wellbeing supports and activities. The Case Manager will also support build student’s educational resiliency and aspirations, supporting their learning experiences and personal growth through workshops, individualized support and mentorship. They will provide mentorship, one-to-one support, and workshops, developing the life skills to help the youth become healthy, stable adults.   Through a trauma informed and strengths-based approach, students will develop life skills, gain resiliency, cultivate a positive mental wellbeing and develop the capacity to reach their fullest potential. 

In this role, you will:

• Deliver and facilitate educational webinars and workshops online and in person to youth


• Work one-on-one with youth to offer holistic support to develop life skills and aspiration through a case management process


• Ensure a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for participants


• Collect information to confirm eligibility and completes participant intake and/or assessment to inform ongoing participant supports to reach participant and funder outcomes 


• Design, implement, and evaluate youth-centered individual action plans, in-person/virtual services and workshops as per guidelines and funder mandates


• Perform case management as per guidelines and funder mandate


• Consult with social workers, school administration, other professionals and family/natural supports when appropriate


• Coordinate peer mentorships opportunities and relationships


• Maintain knowledge of relevant services and community resources


• Engage with schools, community agencies, and other organizations to maximize services and resources to participants


• Adhere to all Risk Management and Occupational Health and Safety requirements


• Input data accurately and timely into program designated database systems


• Work within defined program budgets


• Maintain accurate participant files in accordance with funder and YMCA guidelines


• Collect demographic, output and outcome data for evaluation purposes and to inform and contribute to the development of funder and YMCA reports


• Travel and overnight stay as required


• Perform other duties as assigned

What you need to succeed:

• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values


• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services


• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

You bring:

• Post-secondary degree/diploma in Child and Youth Care Counselling, Education, Social Work, Recreation Management, or related field or equivalent experience


• 2 years of experience working directly with vulnerable youth


• 2 years of experience in client intake and assessment, case management and workshop facilitation


• Experience working with diverse populations


• Experience within a team environment and working remotely


• Standard First Aid & CPR-C and able to obtain a Police Information Check and Vulnerable sector


• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, Suicide Intervention Certification preferred


• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle


• Working knowledge of issues/practices related to the social determents of health, youth development, individual assessment, case management, group work, group facilitation, program planning and outcome evaluation


• Working knowledge in culturally sensitive and trauma-informed practice, and strength-based approach


• Excellent organizational and time management skills


• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and team skills


• Working knowledge computer skills (Windows, Microsoft Teams, Office and Outlook)


• Excellent understanding of diversity, inclusion and equity including the ability to identify and address barriers, work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and integrate equity into program design