Who We Are
Friends of Ruby is a registered charity dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and two-spirit youth (aged 16-29) through counselling, social services and housing. Founded as Egale Youth Services in 2014, we became an independent entity in 2019. To date we have supported more than 1,000 youth and prevented over 470 mental health crises. At the Friends of Ruby Home and drop-in space, we offer counselling and a variety of programs and support groups, including dedicated spaces for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) youth.
Join Our Team
Friends of Ruby has a passionate team whose personal and professional experiences strengthen our services. We recognize that a diverse team is critical to accomplishing our mission. We aim to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds and communities, recognizing their unique competencies, ideas and experiences.
We are dedicated to taking proactive steps to overcome historical patterns of discrimination which have created barriers around race, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, language, class, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.
We highly encourage applicants who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender queer, intersex and/or two-spirit who meet the job requirements to self-identify as a member of the LGBTQI2S community in their cover letter.
Available positions
Youth Case Worker
Reporting to the Youth Services Manager, the Case Worker will provide support, engagement and case management services to high-risk LGBTQI2S youth accessing services from Friends of Ruby at both the Transitional House and the Youth Services Centre. Responsibilities include: intake and assessment, case management, crisis intervention, determining the available assistance and resources participants require, care planning, referrals, case coordination and advocacy, documenting participant meetings, keeping track and following up on participants progress.
Clinical Counsellor
The Clinical Counselors will provide single session and short-term counselling to LGBTQI2S and BIPOC youth over the phone, through chat or video calls, or in-person at the Youth Centre, or the Transitional House. Clinical Counsellors will also plan and facilitate clinical groups dedicated to topics such as skills for safer living, coping and emotion management skills and mindfulness practices, where youth learn skill building, needs prioritization and active listening, and will provide crisis support to address immediate crisis, including suicide risk assessment, safety planning, emotional de-escalation, resources and referral, or connecting with emergency responders if necessary.
HR Generalist (Equity & Inclusion)
Reporting to the HR Manager and with background in equity, inclusion and diversity, the HR Generalist will support the Organization’s efforts towards anti-racism and anti-oppression and provide support to the HR Manager in all aspects of Human Resources and employees cycle in the Organization.
Housing Advisor
Reporting to the Director of Strategic Initiatives, the Housing Advisor will provide expert insight and advice on social housing strategies and LGBTQI2S youth needs, identify opportunities and gaps that can be addressed through new program and services, and maintain key relationships within the Social Housing Sector to advance Friends of Ruby strategic goals.
Housing Team Lead
The Housing Team Lead will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Friends of Ruby Home, ensure all participants are engaged and programs are being effectively managed. The Team Lead will also do the planning, coordination, facilitation, implementation and evaluation of in-house programming, as well as supervising, mentoring and scheduling residential workers and building therapeutic working relationships with youth in support of individualized youth-led plans.
Policy & Documentation Writer
The Policy & Documentation Writer will be responsible for writing multiple organizational and service-related documents, including but not limited to policies, procedures, manuals, forms, workflows, briefings, program charters, and other documents as needed. This position will research best practices in the sector and existing guidelines and laws to put together required documents, Ensuring content of documents adheres to a consistent style, tone, approach, and the Friends of Ruby’s culture, including anti-racist and anti-oppressive language.
Volunteering
Volunteers are an essential part of our organization and support staff and youth in different capacities.
Get Involved
About Us
Friends of Ruby supports LGBTQI2S youth (aged 16-29) through mental health services, social services and housing. Our approach is comprehensive, involving mind, body and community – supporting youth wherever they are on their personal journey.
Donate
When you give to Friends of Ruby, you directly support essential services for LGBTQI2S youth. We provide meals, groceries, community programming, practical supports and mental health services.
Volunteer
Volunteers are an essential part of our organization and support staff and youth in different capacities. As a volunteer you’d play a vital role in our mission, while gaining valuable experience and developing new skills.
