Youth Engagement Advocate

Durham Children's Aid Society Recruiting•Oshawa, ON

1d•CA$32 - CA$37•Hybrid

About The Position

As a member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Team and direct report to the African-Canadian Affirming Engagement & Outcomes Supervisor, the Youth Engagement Advocate is responsible for leading, supporting, and amplifying the voices of youth involved with the child welfare system. The Youth Engagement Advocate ensures that youth perspectives, leadership, and lived experiences directly inform agency practice, decision-making, and outcomes. The Youth Engagement Advocate works alongside various partners in the development and facilitation of youth engagement initiatives to promote trauma-informed, healing-centred, youth-affirming, safety, and community-driven programming that supports youth well-being, identity development, belonging, and successful transitions. The role is developmental and includes participating in professional development components that strengthen leadership, community engagement, advocacy, and project management skills. The Youth Engagement Advocate works collaboratively with youth, staff, caregivers, and community partners to foster inclusive, equitable, and affirming environments.

Requirements

High School Diploma required.
Direct lived experience as a Black/Black biracial youth involved in the child welfare system within the last 8 years.
Knowledge of child welfare legislation, youth rights, and systemic barriers impacting young people.
Strong understanding of trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and equitable practice.
Comfort facilitating groups, public speaking, and co-leading training sessions.
Ability to engage effectively with diverse youth from various cultural, identity, and lived-experience backgrounds.
Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends.

Nice To Haves

Completion of additional training or education in social services, youth work, community development or related fields is an asset.
Experience working with Francophone communities is an asset.

Responsibilities

Leading, supporting, and amplifying the voices of youth involved with the child welfare system.
Ensuring that youth perspectives, leadership, and lived experiences directly inform agency practice, decision-making, and outcomes.
Working alongside various partners in the development and facilitation of youth engagement initiatives.
Promoting trauma-informed, healing-centred, youth-affirming, safety, and community-driven programming.
Supporting youth well-being, identity development, belonging, and successful transitions.
Participating in professional development components that strengthen leadership, community engagement, advocacy, and project management skills.
Working collaboratively with youth, staff, caregivers, and community partners to foster inclusive, equitable, and affirming environments.