We are seeking Youth Justice Relief Workers/Youth Correctional Relief Workers to supervise and care for youth between the ages of 12 – 18, in a twenty-four (24) hour secure custodial youth justice facility/youth corrections facility for young offenders located in Hamilton. Working under the framework of youth justice provides gained experience and opportunities in a team orientated, fast paced and dynamic environment. Relief Workers will attend to the physical and emotional needs of youth in conflict with the law, through individual and group recreational and cognitive programming, mentorship, and advocacy on behalf of each youth.
Position Responsibilities
Supervision and Care of Youth (Resident) under security
- Observe and recording the resident(s) physical condition upon admission and reporting anycondition that may require medical attention to the Supervisor or senior staff on duty.
- Obtain medical documents from the admitting officer and ensuring that all medical information, such as medic alerts, allergies, epilepsy or other special needs are accurately logged.
- Ensure that previously scheduled medical/dental appointments are confirmed or cancelled, by liaising with the appropriate medical authority and entering in the appointment book as required.
- Attend to the immediate needs of the resident if in crisis or afraid by offering support and reassurance.
- Ensure that the residents’ personal property is itemized, documented and that disallowed itemsare stored for safe keeping.
- Inform the resident of their rights and responsibilities in accordance with legislation and the facility policies and procedures and ensuring that those rights are observed on a day to day basis.
- Ensure the residents are informed about programs and routines.
- Ensure that residents are appropriately dressed and that acceptable standards of personal hygiene are maintained.
- Provide assistance and guidance to residents in the performance of daily routines and the use of acceptable social skills.
- Observe and documenting behavior as required by legislation, being aware of the whereabouts of all residents under supervision at all times and recording all movement out of supervision in the appropriate log. Position Program Details
- Practice acceptable child care skills and techniques in the management of resident behavior upto and including the use of physical restraint.
- Ensure skills and knowledge levels are maintained at acceptable competence levels by attending all mandatory training such as UMAB, First Aid, CPR and WHMIS.
Carrying Out Therapeutic Programming
- Participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of programs based on a Cognitive Behavior Therapy model.
- Supervise recreational and /or leisure activities. Participation is appropriate only if effectivesupervision of residents is not compromised.
- Plan/organize off/on grounds outside activities for residents;
- Encourage participation in school functions and providing classroom supervision;
- Supervise/participate in housekeeping responsibilities with the young person when cleaning theliving areas;
- Monitor residents during meal time and evening snack ensuring proper control, quantities,sharing, manners and cleanup;
- Occasionally provide/assist residents with cooking/baking items or activities;
Maintaining Safety and Security of Building and Equipment
- Carry out searches as per policy and procedures
- Monitor residents at all times and provide appropriate redirection.
- Establish therapeutic relationships with residents;
- Initiate discussion and counseling sessions both in groups and on an individual basis;
- Ensure all Health & Safety Programs/Standards are followed
- Ensure all policy and procedures are followed including the YCJA and CYFSA standards
- Assist with the maintenance of equipment, ie., cleaning, repairing, replacing;
- Transport and accompany youth to and from court as well as any off-grounds activities, ie.,medical, professional, recreational;
- Distribute and counting medications both prescribed and non-prescribed which includetreatment for residents daily
Liaise with Other Internal/External Team Members, Community Agencies including Police Court and Probation Services, Support Services and Volunteers
- Communicate with parents in an effort to resolve problems;
- Participate in case conferences and other meetings as required
Completing Assigned Administrative Duties
- Provide verbal/written reports on residents for use by other Child & Youth Workers, Supervisors, Administrators, Probation Officers, Clinicians, Court Judges, Lawyers, etc.;
- Keep accurate logs and communication records
- Attend staff training development sessions as well as other meetings;
- Attend team meetings;
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Minimum Human Services Diploma and/or bachelor’s degree in related discipline and/or equivalency based on demonstrated training and experience as a Youth Care Worker in residential setting.
- Ability to model and reinforce clear alternatives to antisocial styles of thinking, feeling, and acting and take advantage of spontaneous teachable moments.
- Ability to establish and maintain a therapeutic alliance including behavior management and cognitive programming techniques.
- Demonstrated Computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook.
- Superior communication, listening and report writing ability
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal, conflict resolution skills, ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team.
- Familiarity with Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), Child, Youth and Family Service Act (CYFSA)and Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
- A valid Class G driver's license
- An acceptable and valid Vulnerable Sector Screening (Broad Sector Check), along with a Health Assessment, must be provided and maintained at the candidate’s expense prior to and throughout employment.
Working Conditions:
- Under normal conditions the majority of staff business will be conducted from the designated open facility/program setting.
- Work is performed under the general supervision of the Program Supervisor and Supervisor.
- Hours of work will regularly fall within normal business hours (24x7 operations); evening, weekend, rotational shifts and holiday hours may be required based on operational needs.
- This works completed in a secure environment that produces a combination of physical, emotional, and psychological demands.
- The Youth Care Worker routinely functions in emotionally charged situations.
- Requires physical interventions including the restraint of physically aggressive youth.
Banyan is an equal opportunity employer. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Banyan is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff.
We are committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to an employment opportunity, please advise our Human Resources department or hiring manager of the accommodation measures if required which would enable you to be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
Please Note:
-This posting is for an existing vacancy.
-We use artificial intelligence-based tools to assist with the screening and assessment of applications as part of our hiring process.
Job Type: Casual
Pay: $25.46-$28.66 per hour
Benefits:
Application question(s):
- 1. Have you completed post-secondary education related to human services? (Yes/No)
- 2. Do you have a valid Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) or Broad Record Check (BRC) completed within the last 3 months? (Yes/No)
- 3. Are you available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, night shifts and weekends? (Yes/No)
- 4. Do you have a valid Ontario G driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle? (Yes/No)
- 5. Do you have experience working with “at-risk” individuals? (Yes/No)
- 6. Do you have experience working in a correctional setting? (Yes/No)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2026-03-31
