Child and Youth Advocate

Do you want to support children and youth who have been impacted by gender based violence (GBV)? Are you an advocate who can help amplify others voices? Do you want to support care givers with healthy and supportive parenting skills? Then this may be the opportunity for you

**About Us**

At HWS, we use a gender based analysis (GBA+), trauma and violence informed framework to deliver prevention, education, crisis support and healing programs to women and their families who have been impacted by GBV in rural Huron County. Our services include a 24-hour helpline and emergency shelter, risk assessment and safety planning, advocacy, system navigation, individual and group healing opportunities, and community development.

HWS is part of a Joint Venture with a sister shelter in Middlesex County. As part of our collaboration, we leverage resources and talent across the region for greater impact and development opportunities. In this role, your home organization will be within Huron County; however, at times your duties and responsibilities may be across the Joint Venture and supporting two organizations.

**Job Purpose**

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Programs, the Child and Youth Advocate provides therapeutic, individual and group counselling and support, creating a safe and welcoming environment for children, youth and their families to heal from the impacts of GBV and abuse.

The Child and Youth Advocate works closely with the Women and Family Services Team, as well as the Outreach Team to support children and families in both our residential programs as well as those living in community. As well, the Child and Youth Advocate liaises with community partners, providing education and resources.

**Scope and Responsibilities**
- Provides therapeutic counselling to children and youth, building relationships and developing individualized care plans to supporting their development, helping them learn strategies for healing from trauma and violence.
- Provides individual caregiver support, and in addition, develops and facilitates programming for parents of children who have experienced violence, with a focus on positive engagement and attachment strategies.
- Facilitates comprehensive and individualized risk assessment, and develops safety plans for all clients.
- Develops and facilitates group programming for children and youth who have experienced violence to process, heal and grow from their experiences.
- Keeps abreast of trends, opportunities, and education related to children and youth experiencing violence, ensuring programs are responsive, progressive, and reflects best practices.
- Acts as a resource to HWS team; participates in case consults and share techniques, strategies, and education related to impacts of trauma and violence on children and youth.
- Provides information and referrals for additional resources and programs that may support continued healing.
- Advocates with other community partners and systems (Children’s Aid Society, schools, Justice, etc.).
- Maintains client files and documentation according to HWS policies.

**What You Bring to the Role**
- Demonstrates a strong GBA+, and an understanding of trauma and violence informed care.
- Experience in counselling caregivers, children and youth impacted by GBV.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to facilitate courageous conversations.
- Demonstrates strong advocacy skills and effective person centered service delivery.
- Effectively facilitate relationships across sectors and foster collaboration.
- Ability to work independently as well as within a team with mínimal supervision.
- Strong administrative, organizational, and written communication skills.
- Valid driver’s license; access to a reliable vehicle and proof of adequate insurance.
- Clean driver’s abstract; clear current Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC)
- CPR, First Aid (ASIST, CPI an asset)

**Required Qualifications**
- Diploma or Undergraduate in Child and Youth studies.
- Minimum 3 years of experience providing direct counselling to children and youth.

**Working Conditions**
- The Child and Youth Advocate works primarily in an office environment within our Emergency Shelter location; however, the position will also require travel across the community and working in non-standard workplaces.
- The Child and Youth Advocate is a full time position at 35 hours a week, and will be required to work some evenings and weekends dependent on program activities.

**If this opportunity looks like a good fit for you, we would love to hear from you**

We thank all those interested in the position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 24 months

Pay: $28.00 per hour

Flexible language requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-06-28
Expected start date: 2025-07-14