Child & Youth Advocate

Job summary

The Child & Youth Advocate provides support, advocacy, and crisis intervention to children and families attending the centre for abuse investigations. They also collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to facilitate referrals and provide court accompaniment services as required.

Job details

Full-Time Permanent Employment Location: 245 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto ON M4P 3B7 Reports To: Manager of the Child & Youth Advocacy Program Land Acknowledgement Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (Boost CYAC) is situated on the traditional territories of the Wendat, Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, who have been the traditional caretakers of this land for thousands of years. This land is covered by the Dish With One Spoon Treaty between the Anishinaabe, Mississaugas and Haudenosaunee that bound them to share the territory and protect the land. Subsequent Indigenous Nations and Peoples, Europeans and all newcomers have been invited into this treaty in the spirit of peace, friendship and respect. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work, and live in the community with each other. Organizational Overview Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (Boost CYAC) is a registered charity that provides a range of services to children, youth and families, who have experienced abuse or violence, within the City of Toronto. We provide individual, group, family and community services that include trauma counselling, advocacy and support services during child abuse investigations, court support and accompaniment services and abuse and violence prevention materials and training. Boost CYAC is accredited by the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, an independent non-profit organization that offers accreditation specifically tailored to community-based health and social services across Canada. Position Description We are looking for a Child & Youth Advocate to provide support and advocacy to clients when they attend Boost CYAC for a child abuse investigation, as well as ongoing needs assessment, support and referrals. Staff will be expected to work a combination of day (9am - 5pm) and evening (12pm - 8pm) shifts on a weekly rotating schedule. As part of the CYAP Team, the Advocate will receiving training on court preparation and accompaniment services and may be asked to provide back up court support for the Toronto and Peterborough Child Victim Witness Support Programs, as required. This is not a clinical or therapy-based role; however, staff will need a strong understanding of crisis intervention and case management. The Advocate will collaborate with police, child protection agencies, counsellors, court support services and medical professionals to provide a holistic service to the children, youth and their supportive families who attend the CYAC. The Advocate must be comfortable working closely with onsite facility dogs. Qualifications/Skills: We are committed to identifying the best candidate(s) for this role, who may come from a range of backgrounds, fields, and disciplines. Boost CYAC may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience in meeting minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skills and highlight how these transferable skills apply to the role. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including those without prior Canadian work experience. Boost CYAC does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process. A BSW or equivalent degree or diploma preferably in the field of social work, child & youth care social services, etc. A minimum of three (3) years’ relevant work experience, preferably working directly with victims of violence, abuse and trauma. Ability to meet the needs of a diverse client base, through knowledge of and application of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, anti-racist and cultural competency practices. Demonstrated commitment to equity, anti-oppressive practice and culturally responsive service delivery, grounded in an understanding of how systemic barriers and social inequalities affect children, youth, and families. Strong self-awareness, an ability to reflect on personal bias and privilege and experience providing culturally safe, trauma-informed support. Understanding of the Child & Youth Advocacy Model and some experience collaborating with teams of multidisciplinary professionals (MDT) and community partners. Awareness of the variety of different types of traumas (e.g., sexual, physical) and trauma-experiences (e.g., race and gender-based trauma) that may be experienced by children, youth and families. Ability to respond to crisis situations, screen for suicidality or other high-risk concerns and develop safety plans. ASIST training is considered an asset. Sound knowledge of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act. Some knowledge of the judicial system and services available to victim/witnesses and their families. The ability to employ self-care strategies and maintain a positive attitude in relation to potentially stressful situations. Excellent interpersonal, written and organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Proficient computer skills and experience with client databases and electronic health records Demonstrated flexibility, judgement, initiative, confidentiality and a strong work ethic. Satisfactory clearance under the Vulnerable Sector Screening process. Responsibilities: Provide support and education to children, youth and their families who attend Boost CYAC for an investigative interview. Greet families upon arrival at the centre, provide tour of the facilities and share information on processes and multi-disciplinary team (MDT) members’ roles. Be available to families for on-site and virtual check-ins to answer questions about the process as they interact with various systems (e.g., police, child welfare, Criminal Justice, Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP), mental health services, school, housing). Provide crisis intervention, in collaboration and consultation with the MDT, when significant safety concerns and/or mental health risks are identified. Provide backup court preparation sessions and accompaniment support to children and youth within the criminal justice system, as required. Assist families in identifying or a system of support with extended family, friends, and community services/organization. Facilitate referrals to appropriate services within Boost CYAC and/or social service organizations in the community, as appropriate. Collaborate with various members of the MDT and justice partners regularly to plan, consult and advocate for clients. Assist with intake referrals as required. Additional Information Work Schedule Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week Rotating Shifts: 9am – 5pm and 12pm – 8pm This is an on-site position requiring regular in-person attendance at designated work location. Flexible work arrangement options may be available following three (3) months of employment, subject to service standards and operational requirements. Benefits Comprehensive health and dental benefits, including health, dental, vision, paramedical, long-term disability and life insurance. RRSP program with guaranteed and matching employer contributions after two years of continuous service. Annual Health Spending Account for health and wellness expenses. Employee and Family Assistance Program, including counselling and wellness supports for employees and their immediate family members. Agency-sponsored social and team engagement events. Internal and external learning and professional development opportunities to support current roles and future growth Generous paid time off, including: 3 weeks vacation, 9 sick days, 6 personal obligation days, 3 religious/cultural observance days and 3 self-care days. Boost CYAC is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the populations we serve. We encourage applications from individuals from all cultures, racialized communities, abilities, diverse sexual and gender identities and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Boost CYAC is committed to providing accommodation in all aspects of the recruitment and hiring process under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The Manager of Human Resources will work with applicants to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation at any stage of the recruitment and hiring process. We thank all applicants however, only those selected for interviews

What you’ll do

The Child & Youth Advocate provides support, advocacy, and crisis intervention to children and families attending the centre for abuse investigations. They also collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to facilitate referrals and provide court accompaniment services as required.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a BSW or equivalent degree and possess at least three years of relevant experience working with victims of trauma and abuse. Strong knowledge of trauma-informed practices, crisis intervention, and the Child, Youth and Family Services Act is essential.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paramedical services
• Long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• RRSP program
• Health spending account
• Employee and family assistance program
• Paid vacation
• Sick days
• Personal obligation days
• Religious/cultural observance days
• Self-care days

Listed skills

• crisis intervention · Preferred
• case management · Preferred
• interpersonal skills · Preferred
• written communication · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Crisis intervention
• Case management
• Trauma-informed care
• Advocacy
• Child protection
• Multidisciplinary collaboration
• Safety planning
• Client intake
• Interpersonal skills
• Written communication
• Organizational skills
• Computer proficiency
• Client database management
• Cultural competency
• Equity and anti-oppressive practice
• Judicial system knowledge
• Support Services
• Self-Awareness
• Organizational Skills
• Time Off Management
• Positivity
• Investigative Interviewing
• Strong Work Ethic
• Service Standards
• Cultural Responsiveness
• Needs Assessment
• Artificial Intelligence
• Mental Health
• Case Management
• Social Work
• Child Protection
• Child Welfare
• Community Mental Health Services
• Computer Literacy
• Confidentiality
• Criminal Justice
• Crisis Intervention
• Disabilities
• Electronic Medical Record
• Holism
• Transferable Skills Analysis
• Investigation
• Trauma Care
• Diversification (Investing)

Job areas

• Social Services
• Healthcare
• Legal
• Youth Advocate
• Family / School / General Case Manager
• Social Work and Counselling Professionals
• Child, Family, and School Social Workers

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