Intake, Prevention and Education Worker

A Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) is a collaboration between law enforcement, child protection, medical and mental health professionals, and victim advocates in a child-friendly facility where children, youth, and their families can receive an individualized response and services after the occurrence of child abuse. Services provided include prevention, intervention, prosecution, treatment and support for victims and their families.

CACs/CYACs bring together a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to provide a coordinated and comprehensive response to address the needs of children, youth, and their families in cases where abuse is suspected. CACs/CYACs seek to minimize system-induced trauma and support longer-term well-being by providing a child-friendly facility for young victims and their families to seek services, ideally under one roof.

Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR) is a charitable organization that provides crisis intervention services for victims of crime and sudden tragedy as well as extensive violence prevention programs. VSDR is currently the lead agency overseeing the developing CYAC in Durham. As such, the successful candidate will be employed by Victim Services of Durham Region.

Position Title: Prevention and Outreach Worker

Organization: Durham Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC) of Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR)

Hours: Full-Time, 40 hours/week

Pay: $55,000/annual

Reports To: Director, Durham CYAC

Position Overview

The Prevention and Outreach Worker plays a vital role in supporting children and youth (ages 0–18) who have experienced severe abuse and/or violence. This position ensures timely and coordinated access to care and services, while also leading community outreach initiatives focused on prevention and education. Working closely with the multidisciplinary team (MDT), the successful candidate will contribute to a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct and support client intake processes
• Collaborate with CYAC staff and MDT partners to ensure child-centered support
• Apply knowledge of child development to inform care and engagement
• Foster a collaborative and respectful environment for clients and team members
• Monitor client safety and well-being during shifts, maintaining accurate documentation
• Maintain regular communication with the CYAC Child Advocate regarding client needs
• Liaise with community partners to promote coordinated care
• Ensure timely and effective information sharing across CYAC and MDT teams
• Organize and deliver community presentations to raise awareness about child abuse prevention, available services, and trauma-informed care practices
• Coverage for child advocate role and all other duties as required by leadership

Qualifications and Skills

• Strong understanding of child development, trauma-informed care, and child maltreatment
• Post secondary education in a relevant field (Child Youth Work Diploma, Social Work, Social Service Worker Diploma, Mental Health)
• 3 years' experience working with children, youth, and families affected by abuse or violence
• Familiarity with local community resources and professional services
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficient in intake assessment, crisis intervention, advocacy, and problem-solving
• Competent in using computer systems for documentation and data management
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to contribute to program planning and follow-up activities
• Comfortable and confident in public speaking with experience delivering presentations to diverse audiences including professionals, community members, children and youth
• Experience using social media platforms to support outreach, education, and engagement efforts
• Willingness to participate in an after-hours rotating schedule as needed

*** All offers of employment are subject to a Criminal Records Check satisfactory to the employer. Prior to making an offer of employment to a candidate, references will be verified and must be acceptable to VSDR. A comprehensive background check will include a police/criminal check, personal history evaluation, education check, license and insurance verification. Reference and background checks may not be limited to these and will be approved by the Organization. ***

In accordance with the agency's employment equity plan and values, we are particularly interested in encouraging qualified applicants from all communities that reflect the diversity of the clients we serve. We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free, with a commitment to cultural safety. We ask applicants to make any accommodation requests when contacted for an interview. The agency assesses all candidates in a fair and equitable manner.

Please submit all applications to , applications submitted on indeed or LinkedIn will not be reviewed. Please ensure your subject line is titled "ATTN: CYAC Prevention and Outreach Worker Application Submission."

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person