Child & Youth Advocate

Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre • Toronto, ON

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• ASIST training

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.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree