Respite Worker

ABOUT US

Strides Toronto is a multi-service agency providing a wide range of exceptional programs and services that improve the mental, social and physical health of infants, children and youth from the pre-natal stage to age 29, and their families. With a range of community, residential and treatment services, we build strength and resilience through equitable, accessible, client-driven services, system leadership and advocacy. We provide individual, group and family interventions that include mental health counselling, autism services, education, outreach and referral, early intervention, day treatment and community support. In its Lead Agency role, Strides Toronto collaborates with 23 publicly funded infant, child and youth mental health (ICYMH) core service providers to design and implement system-level improvements that promote access, responsive service delivery and experience, and positive mental health outcomes for young people and families across Toronto's diverse communities. To learn more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to visit our website at

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Respite Worker will work in partnership with the families and URS (Urgent Response Services) team to provide time-limited (up to 12 weeks) respite and supports intended to respond rapidly to a specific need for children and youth up to 18 years of age and registered in the OAP (Ontario Autism Program) to prevent further escalation of risk of harm to self, others and/or property. The incumbent will provide planned respite activities in the home, community, or in a designated program, or at an agency site and the shifts are usually weeknights and weekends which requires the job holder to travel to various locations.

Salary range: $43,984.00 to $51,220.00 per annum.

Other:This position is represented by OPSEU local 567.

The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services is currently providing Strides Toronto Respite Workers with a shift premium of $3.00 per hour, in addition to their regular pay.

Recruiting for one (01) full-time contract position till March 2026.

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

• We provide a hybrid work model.
• We provide opportunities for growth and professional development.
• We are committed to providing an equitable and inclusive environment where our diverse team members and clients can thrive.
• We have a collaborative and supportive Senior Management Team.
• We set high standards for performance, client outcomes, and implement best practices, which are demonstrated through our accreditation with the Canadian Centre for Accreditation.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Provide direct supervision while ensuring the safety of the child/youth in the planned respite program and make sure they are engaged in the skill development and treatment components of the program.
• Provide support to clients with their mental health and wellbeing in each of the programs and support them in their development of life and social skills.
• Maintain professional standards of practice in accordance with Strides Toronto policies and procedures, CCA (Canadian Centre for Accreditation) standards, and relevant legislation.
• Complete the respite plan with client/families, and design/develop programmes geared to the goals and needs of the individual in collaboration with the URS partners assigned to each client.
• Use of behaviour management techniques and principles to address behaviours when they arise in the community and within the program.
• Ensure that all relevant documentation is completed in the CR (Client Record) in a timely manner as required and shared and updated with the relevant teams and individuals.
• Enter significant events, incident reports, serious occurrences, updated contact information in the CR system if significant incidents occur.

THE "MUST HAVES"

The following education, professional memberships and knowledge are a requirement for this role:

• CYW, DSW or related diploma.
• 1 year of direct related experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of ABA; ASD, and dual diagnosis.
• Awareness of the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and within the community being served by the position.
• An understanding of Anti-Black Racism, anti-oppressive/anti-racism perspective in the context of the social determinants of health when working with clients and their families.
• Ability to recognize and identify situations where incidents of and imbalance of power and privilege may occur and can result in possible negative impacts for the client.

THE 'NICE TO HAVES'

While not required, preference will be given to candidates with the following:

• Access to a vehicle and valid driver's license.
• Knowledge of the cultural diversity of communities served by the agency.
• Fluency in another language(s), including sign language.

BEFORE STARTING WITH US

As our work puts us in direct contact with youth and vulnerable persons in our community, with health and safety as a priority, the successful candidate must complete or obtain the following before commencement of their employment:

• A Vulnerable Sector police check.
• A positive police check does not automatically disqualify an applicant for a position with Strides Toronto. The Police Check will be reviewed and evaluated for the purpose of making a decision on suitability for employment in relation to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position being filled.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume outlining your demonstrated education, certification (if applicable), working and related volunteer experience and how you meet specific requirements for this position, and any additional considerations you deem appropriate. The application deadline is November 3, 2025.

Strides Toronto is an equal opportunity employer. We benefit from diversity of lived experiences in the workplace and encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Strides Toronto is a participant in the Government of Canada's 50-30 Challenge, a program which challenges organizations to improve access for women and/or non-binary people and other equity-deserving groups, including those identifying as: racialized, Black, and/or people of colour, people with disabilities (including invisible and episodic disabilities), 2SLGBTQ+ and/or gender and sexually diverse individuals, and Aboriginal and/or Indigenous Peoples to increase the representation and inclusion of diverse groups within their workplace.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Strides Toronto's own policies, requests for accommodation will be considered throughout the hiring process.

We thank all applicants however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.