Child and Youth Program Assistant
(2.5 Year Contract, Part-Time – 15 hours,
Wednesdays 10am-6pm and Thursdays, 11am–7pm)
REPORTS TO: Community Programs and Services Manager
AGENCY SUMMARY
Women’s Habitat of Etobicoke (WHE) is a feminist, multi-service, community-based organization in South Etobicoke, serving all women and their dependents experiencing violence and poverty since
1978. In 2006, WHE opened an outreach centre to respond to the increasing needs for services for victims and survivors of domestic violence.
WHE offers transformational services and programs in two distinct locations to address the impact of violence and poverty on women and their dependents which includes, safety audits, safety planning, trauma-informed crisis and ongoing counseling services, housing support services, advocacy and referrals to settlement and community resources, as well as skills and capacity
building for promoting healthy relationships and prevention of gender-based violence.
JOB SUMMARY
The Child and Youth Program Assistant uses a trauma-informed, feminist-based, anti-racist/anti-oppression and harm reduction lens in all aspects of program planning and co-facilitating groupprograms for children and youth who have witnessed, experienced or are at risk of experiencing
violence (GBV, IPV, Child Abuse) and trauma. The Child and Youth Program Assistant also participates on relevant committees and advocacy groups and attends and co-facilitates relevant workshops.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Trauma-Informed Co-Facilitation of Programs
• Assist with all aspects of program preparation, implementation, and co-facilitation in collaboration with the Young Women’s Trauma Counselor.
• Work with female children and youth, aged 10 – 18 years old.
• Be able to assist the Young Women’s Trauma Counselor within the school system.
• Assist with researching program ideas as directed by the Young Women’s Trauma Counselor
• Engage in harm reduction principles (collaboration, choice, resource/information sharing, safety, empowerment, non-judgmental, acceptance, minimize harm, community involvement, flexibility, etc.).
Group Programming
• Collaborate with staff, and co-facilitate where necessary in programming for the children and youth, including March Break, summer outings, after-school groups, and special events.
Administration and Planning
• Complete an annual self-evaluation form as part of the organizational performance management process.
• Participate in training and workshops where applicable.
• Maintain and protect the confidentiality of client information, and maintain confidential case records as appropriate ensuring all documentation is stored appropriately.
• Responsible for other duties as assigned.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Each employee will adhere to, and reflect in all areas of your work, the policies, procedures, mission and values of Women’s Habitat. Therefore, each employee will have the following competencies:
1. Ensure that the Health and Safety guidelines are followed in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Agency.
2. Ensure appropriate notification of child abuse as required by the Child and Family Services Act.
3. Adhere to and abide by Women’s Habitat’s harm reduction philosophy.
4. Ability to conduct trauma-informed work when dealing with clients.
5. Understand and adhere to the Ontario Human Rights Code at all times and in all aspects of your work.
6. Understand and implement anti-oppression and equity principles in all aspects of your work.
7. Ability to respond to a crisis in ways appropriate to your role at Women’s Habitat.
8. Demonstrate willingness and the necessary skills to attend to conflict and tension with
colleagues and group participants.
9. Engage in constructive communication with peers, staff, residents, volunteers and other
stakeholders, share information in an appropriate and timely manner and adhere to the Agency’s confidentiality agreement.
10. Ability to critically examine how you carry out your role and takes responsibility for the impact of your behavior on others.
11. Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning.
12. Has the ability to work collaboratively as part of an effective team.
13. Build strong working relationships and communication with colleagues.
14. Ensure timely, accurate and effective communication with regards to Women’s Habitat and program specific policies and procedures.
15. Able to manage competing and conflicting priorities effectively and efficiently.
16. Flexible and open to learning new concepts.
SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS
• A Diploma or Degree in Social Services, or Child and Youth Worker, or similar children’s mental health and development fields, from recognized post-secondary institutions.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in trauma-informed group work with children and youth.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience working with children and youth who have witnessed, experienced or are at risk of experiencing violence (GBV, IPV, Child Abuse) and trauma, with demonstrated knowledge of the issues and impacts of gender-based violence on children
and youth.
• Demonstrated ability to develop safety plans for children and youth who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing violence.
• An in-depth understanding of the social influences and challenges children and youth face including peer pressure, physical image, substance use, bullying (cyberbullying), social media/internet use, online communication, sex/human trafficking, social isolation, etc.
• Knowledge and understanding of child and youth development and child and youth mental health issues.
• A critical understanding of trauma-informed, harm reduction, feminist, equitable, anti-oppression, anti- racist principles and frameworks and the demonstrated ability to incorporate them in all aspects of their work.
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of client and Agency information.
• Ability to respect and promote an inclusive work environment to uphold the Culture of Wellness.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries at all times.
• Be a dedicated and flexible team player, able to interact with team members and colleagues at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work evenings and one weekend day per week.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills that considers the child or youth developmental capacity.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite, Internet search and navigating database systems.
• A Trauma Awareness/Trauma Informed Practice Certificate is an asset.
• A Food Handling certificate is an asset.
• Vulnerable Sector Check and valid First Aid/ CPR AED Certification required
Women’s Habitat is unionized through CUPE Local 3877 and this position is within the bargaining unit and is filling a newly created position within our organization.
Hourly Wage: Starting at $22.00/hr + 6% vacation pay increasing after completion of the probationary period.
Accommodation: Should you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment and/or selection process we will be happy to accommodate as best we can.
Please let us know by emailing:
hr@womens-habitat.ca
Artificial Intelligence: AI is not used in any part of the recruitment and selection process.
Application: Please submit your cover letter and resume to hr@womens-habitat.ca