Child and Youth Support Worker

**Hey you** Yes, you Do you desire a community that is free from violence and abuse in any of its forms? Do you have a genuine passion to support women and children move beyond violence? Do you possess a feminist philosophy and have an understanding of an anti-oppressive framework? Then we just might have the opportunity for you Keep reading.

**Let’s start with the general details**

**Position**: Child and Youth Support Worker

**Location**: Kitchener (Anselma House) and Cambridge (Haven House)

**Status**: Full-Time Permanent

**Hourly Wage**: $26.13 per hour as outlined in the UNIFOR Local 302 Collective Agreement

So, how do we define a **Child and Youth Support Worker**? The main buckets of work will include;
- Develop and deliver all programs in the best interest of the children
- Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, referrals and/or information regarding child related matters
- Provide children with appropriate safety planning strategies to address safety and security needs
- Conduct program intake and ongoing assessments of children and their mothers
- Develop attainable and measurable individual plans for children (while residing at the shelter and preparing for discharge), monitor successful achievement of plans and complete necessary documentation.
- Child and Youth Worker Diploma, Post-Secondary education in Child Development Studies, Early Childhood Education, and/or equivalent.
- Minimum of one-year related experience, two to three years preferred.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of violence against women and their children.
- Must possess strong clinical assessment experience.
- Thorough knowledge of the developmental needs of children and adolescents.
- Knowledge of child development, and the effects upon children who have been exposed to domestic violence.
- Thorough knowledge of attachment and early child development.
- Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of woman abuse and child abuse, child trauma, child development, parenting, dating violence and crisis intervention and the effects they have on women and children.
- Experience working with young children and their caregivers.
- Experience developing and leading children’s programs.
- Previous experience in substance abuse and mental health assessments.
- Strong knowledge of feminism and understanding of diversity, Anti-racism and Anti-oppression - cross-cultural perspective and awareness.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- The ability to travel between our locations in Kitchener and Cambridge is a requirement.

The following would be **assets**:

- Previous experience working in a residential setting.
- Experience working with interpreters.
- Valid First Aid/CPR-C Certificate.
- Ability to speak in two or more languages.

We do also have some **general employment eligibility requirements**:

- Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations

**Okay so this role feels like the perfect fit for you. Great Now what about the organization?**

**Who Are We?** Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR**) provides emergency shelter to women and children fleeing abusive relationships. We operate two shelters: Anselma House in Kitchener and Haven House in Cambridge. Our facilities operate on a 24/7 basis, **and we pride ourselves in being more than shelter*. We also offer a robust region-wide outreach support program which supports families who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence. We believe that everyone deserves to live a life free from abuse.

*WCSWR supports women, transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

**So, the job is a fit, the work is meaningful, what about the culture?** **What Makes WCSWR a great place to work?**
- A team of staff that are passionate about the cause and about helping others (strong values alignment.)
- A culture of encouragement and celebration.
- Leaders that are committed to continuous improvement and listen to and act on feedback.
- A supportive working environment committed to continuous learning and growth.
- Internal programs committed to staff wellness, engagement and development.
- Generous total rewards package (health benefits, RRSP, paid time off, etc.)

**Make a difference while building your career with WCSWR, voted Waterloo Region’s #1 Not-For Profit By “The Community Edition”**

**As excited about this opportunity as we are?**

Please submit your resume and cover letter highlighting why you are excited about this opportunity