Child and Youth Care Practitioner, DT

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, live-in 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 24 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

Working primarily within a classroom environment, the Child and Youth Care Practitioner, Day Treatment (CYCP DT), provides evidence based/informed individual therapeutic support and interventions to address behavioural and mental health issues as they arise. The CYCP DT teaches children and youth skills to manage emotional dysregulation to support the child/youth's academic and social functioning and allow them to reintegrate into a mainstream classroom, community program or employment program.

Additionally, the CYCP DT provides support to the teacher within the classroom setting to engage clients in the academic components. The CYCP DT is primarily responsible for the therapeutic components of the program.

Salary range: $58,001 to $67,543 per annum

This position is represented by OPSEU local 567.

This is a full-time contract position until end of June 2026.

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?

• 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

• Collaborate as part of a multi-disciplinary team to develop and deliver treatment plans/programming that are consistent, evidence based / informed and culturally sensitive and enable clients with behavioural, social, emotional or psychiatric needs to reach their desired outcome(s).
• Use therapeutic crisis interventions to create and manage the physical environment and respond to volatile (potentially violent) situations to deescalate and manage the crisis.
• Document an accurate record of meetings, services provided and other communications related to the client, to inform other service providers and to meet accreditation standards, agency policies and legislative requirements.
• Provide training and supervision to college students (usually 3rd year) in the Child and Youth care program, to allow them to attain field training in the classroom environment and gain hands on experience to allow them to enter the workforce.

THE "MUST HAVES"

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

• Community college diploma in Child and Youth Work or Child and Youth Care
• Minimum 1-year experience
• Dialectical Behviour Therapy skills or other evidence based/informed treatment programs
• Knowledge of behaviour management principles and crisis management skills.
• Awareness of the role of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) 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.
• Ability to recognize and identify situations where incidents of imbalance of power and privilege may occur and can result in possible negative impacts.

THE 'NICE TO HAVES'

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

• Functional computer and client information system knowledge.
• 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 January 13, 2026.

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.