Child and Youth Worker

Position: Child and Youth Support Worker

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

Status: 1 Temporary Full-Time 7-month contact

Hours: Full-time 7-mos contract will work 35 hours a week. This will include 2 evening shifts - must be available to work varied shifts, evenings

Will be required to travel between Anselma House and Haven House

Hourly Wage: $27.59 per hour as outlined in the UNIFOR Local 302 Collective Agreement

Agency Overview

Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR) empowers and supports women* and children to move beyond violence by providing safe shelter, outreach services, prevention and education. 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.

We foster equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility to attract, retain, invest, and sustain a psychological safe working environment for all WCSWR stakeholder, with a focus on wellbeing, where people can thrive.*WCSWR supports women, transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

Position Overview

How do we define a Child and Youth Support Worker?

• 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.

Given this description we are anticipating the successful candidate would have the following skills and experience;

• Child and Youth Worker Diploma, Post-Secondary education in Child Development Studies, Early Childhood Education, and/or equivalent.
• Must possess a minimum of one-year related experience, two to three years preferred as a Child and Youth Worker.
• 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

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.

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

Please submit your resume and cover letter highlighting why you would be a good fit for this opportunity to Please also let us know which of the two open positions you are interested in or if you are interested in either one.

Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region welcomes and encourages applications from people who identify as male, Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, and all equity seeking community members. We are also committed to a barrier-free recruitment process; If you are selected for an interview please advise if you require accommodation for a disability and we will make every effort to accommodate.

Job Type: Fixed term contract

Contract length: 7 months

Pay: From $27.59 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Wellness program

Education:

• AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate (preferred)

Experience:

• related: 1 year (preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (preferred)

Work Location: In person