Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason
- Job ID #31683: Youth Navigator
- Union: CUPE Local 5167
- Job Description ID #: 7027
- Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on February 4th, 2026.
- Duration: up to 6 months
- Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy
- Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
The Healthy & Safe Communities Department is committed to its people and is dedicated to building a strong and healthy community. We are passionate about making a difference and are recognized for our excellence. We offer a respectful and supportive workplace that provides life-long learning opportunities, leadership, innovation and performance excellence.
Reporting to the Human Services Supervisor, Childrens and Community Services Divisionthe Youth Navigator will engage with youth accessing the Xperience Annex. The Youth Navigator will assess youth’s basic needs and make referrals as required. Primary responsibilities will be to refer youth to community services, education, training and employment opportunities. Through the Xperience Annex the Youth Navigator will work with Youth Engagers, build relationships with Community Partners, and work collaboratively with Youth Team staff. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, they will regularly participate in case conferencing to assist and connect individuals on the Youth Ontario Works Caseload and the Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP) caseloads. This provides an interdisciplinary approach to raising aspirations, self-sufficiency and assisting the youth along their individual path.
A high level of personal integrity and motivation, and excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
GENERAL DUTIES
Primary contact for youth engaging in the Xperience Annex. Engages with youth in a variety of contexts and locations.
Case Conference with Youth Team staff on various youth cases to assist in case planning.
Interviews youth to assess their needs, and goals; utilizing a comprehensive assessment tool to develop and assess basic needs, education, job skills and employment case plans.
Assists in marketing, recruiting, assessing youth for the Hamilton Youth in Construction Program.
Assists in facilitating employment soft skills workshop for youth in the Hamilton Youth in Construction Program and other youth employment programs,
Develops short- and long-range individualized plans based on the youth needs.
Identifies ways to build capacity with youth to facilitate better outcomes.
Communicates and collaborates with neighbourhood groups and community partners around youth driven programs and mentoring.
Refers, co-ordinates and facilitates opportunities for youth including access to workshops and learning sessions related to needs identified by youth.
Consult with Communications team and be familiar with information in Social Media, specifically the Hamontyouth Instagram account.
Provides feedback to community agencies that directly work with Youth referred from Xperience Annex.
Seeks mentorship opportunities for youth accessing the Xperience Annex.
Liaises and co-ordinates with departmental and community partners to provide connection of youth to appropriate educational opportunities being high school completion, post-secondary and job skills to create employment opportunities for youth.
Provides referral pathways for youth to assist in their entry or return to the workforce.
Writes reports, compiles records, statistics and composes correspondence.
Develops and gives presentations promoting the Xperience Annex to community, city departments and youth.
Manages confidential youth files; and, with the consent of the youth, may review client history by consulting with other community youth agencies.
Responsible for developing and maintaining a current list of education, skill building and employment opportunities.
Following referral to services the Youth Navigator will review the Individual Needs Plan and schedule follow up meetings to provide ongoing support to the youth.
Provide guidance and direction to youth and make referrals to other Government services and community agencies such as the Employment Ontario Agencies, Ontario Disability Support Program, Ontario Works, Service Canada, Children's Aid Societies, , and health care professionals.
Receives and answers inquiries from public, clients, elected officials and community agencies.
Monitors service level indicators and reports back to Human Services Supervisor, Children’s and Community Services
Builds, fosters and maintains interdepartmental and community partnerships that support youth.
Represents the Xperience Annex at Youth Steering Committee, city departmental meetings, and community stakeholder meetings with respect to youth development issues.
Researches and implements consultation approaches concerning youth needs, youth capacity building, and youth development opportunities relating to legislation, polices and trends.
Maintains knowledge and research emerging trends affecting youth development including social media.
Explores funding opportunities related to youth and education.
Continuously reviews service programs for youth available through the community stakeholders to find synergies with the needs of the youth.
Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to occupational Health and Safety.
Performs other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A University Degree in Health and/or Social Sciences or a College Diploma in Health or Social Sciences or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
- Previous demonstrated experience working in a human, social and/or customer service environment specifically with youth. Solution-oriented to meet challenges facing individuals and families who are served through the Xperience Annex, including but not limited to youth, immigrants, refugees, unhoused individuals, 2SLGBTQIA+ and those with health issues.
- Demonstrated ability to provide excellent client-centered service in accordance with the City of Hamilton Corporate Pillars.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and connection with existing social service supports, educational, skill building and employment services in the community is considered an asset.
- Demonstrated experience in competently assessing the needs of youth to support them in achieving their goals.
- Demonstrated ability to write reports, maintain up to date and relevant case notes and compile statistics to support success measures and program development.
- Demonstrated knowledge of available resources, services and programs in the community and ability to keep up to date in this knowledge.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to change and perform effectively in a dynamic and complex work environment. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and respond effectively to crisis situations.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to work, independently, within a peer team setting and as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Anability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with youth and families who are served through the program.
- Demonstrated ability to balance and effectively self-manage a varied caseload within prescribed timelines and adjust based on priorities.
- Knowledge of various Social Media platforms to monitor emerging trends for youth current interests and development.
- Experience in a computerized work environment. Working knowledge of Word, Excel, Canva and PowerPoint.
- Acute sense of confidentiality and judgment required.
- Ability to work different shifts, including evenings and weekends.
NOTE 1:
As a condition of employment, the successful applicant will be required to obtain a satisfactory Criminal Reference Check or Vulnerable Sector Screening, at their own expense prior to the beginning of work in this position.
NOTE 2:
This position may require shift work depending on the operating hours of the Xperience Annex.
THE INCUMBENT SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR THIS POSITION AND THE WORKPLACE.
Disclaimer:
Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.
Terms:
The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.
