Social Worker, Black Justice Program

Department: Programs & Community Services

Affiliation: Unionized Position

Reports To: Program Manger, Black Justice Program

Location: Scarborough, ON
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours a week 
Extended Hours: Based on program and operational needs

About the Organization

Tropicana Community Services, a Toronto-based multiservice organization, provides all youth, newcomers, people of Black and Caribbean heritage and others in need with opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices. Our mission is achieved through culturally appropriate programs such as counselling, childcare, educational, and employment services and youth development.

Position Overview

The Social Worker, Black Justice Program provides clinical assessment, case management, and direct support to youth and young adults (ages 12–29) who have been involved with the criminal justice system, incarceration, or high-risk activity, including gang involvement, auto theft and jewelry theft rings, and other high-risk activity occurring in or out of town. Reporting to the Program Manager, Black Justice Program, the Social Worker works alongside Peer Support Workers to deliver trauma-informed, culturally responsive services that support youth in stabilizing their lives and successfully reintegrating into community, education, and employment. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experience of the justice system or of the communities the program serves.

This role requires flexibility to respond to urgent youth safety situations outside of regular business hours, and travel between Tropicana program sites and partner locations, including within GTA Region.

Areas of Responsibility:

Clinical Assessment & Case Management

• Conduct intake, assessments, and risk analysis for youth referred to the program.


• Develop, implement, and regularly review individualized case plans in collaboration with youth, families, and Peer Support Workers.


• Provide one-on-one counselling and crisis intervention to youth navigating justice involvement, trauma, and high-risk situations.


• Connect youth and families to mental health, substance use, housing, education, and employment supports as needed.


• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case notes and documentation in accordance with professional and agency standards.

Direct Support & Community Engagement

• Build trusting, respectful relationships with youth who may be hesitant to engage with formal systems of support.


• Support youth transitioning from custody or court involvement back into community, including safety planning and family reunification where appropriate.


• Work collaboratively with Peer Support Workers to ensure a coordinated, wrap-round approach to each youth's care.


• Liaise with probation, parole, correctional institutions, courts, schools, and other partners on behalf of youth, with appropriate consent.


• Participate in outreach and community engagement activities, including responding to youth involved in high-risk activity outside the immediate service area.

Program & Team Contribution

• Contribute case-level data and outcomes information to support the Project Evaluator in tracking program KPIs.


• Participate in regular supervision, team meetings, and case consultations with the Program Manager and program team.


• Identify emerging risks, trends, or gaps in service and bring recommendations to the Program Manager.


• Represent the program professionally when engaging with justice system partners, funders, and community stakeholders.


• Adhere to all relevant legislation, professional standards, and Tropicana Community Services policies, including those related to confidentiality and duty to report.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) is required.


• Current registration in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is mandatory.


• Preference will be given to candidates with lived experience of the justice system, incarceration, or high-risk activity, or with lived connection to the communities served by the program.


• Experience working with youth involved in, or at risk of, gang involvement, organized theft activity, or other high-risk behavior is strongly preferred.


• Sound knowledge of the youth and adult criminal justice systems, diversion programs, and community reintegration processes.


• Demonstrated commitment to anti-Black racism, anti-oppression, and culturally responsive, trauma-informed practice.


• Strong crisis intervention, risk assessment, and conflict de-escalation skills.


• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team, including peer support and evaluation staff.


• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle considered an asset, given travel across program sites and Durham Region.


• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Reference Check required.

What We Offer

• Group Benefits Plan with Extended Healthcare and Dental Benefits


• Career growth and development opportunities


• A chance to play an active role in giving back to your community


• Employee Assistance Program

Although we appreciate each application, only those candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

Tropicana Community Services commits to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) through its information and support, advocacy, programming, internal policies, and governance structures. Tropicana Community Services will aim to ensure that our staff reflect the experience, skills and diversity of the communities we serve and create an inclusive, barrier-free work environment, beginning with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please contact Human resources. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.