Child and Youth Support Worker

Position: Child and Youth Support WorkerLocation: Kitchener (Anselma House) and Cambridge (Haven House)Status: 1 Full-Time 7-month contactHours 35 hrs per week which includes 2 evening shifts. This position will be required to travel between Anselma House and Haven HouseStart Date: ASAPPay Rate: $27.59 per hour

Who Are We?

Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR*) provides emergency shelter to women and children fleeing abusive relationships. 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.

• WCSWR supports women, transgender and gender-diverse individuals.

Position Overview

How do we define a Child and Youth Support Worker? The main buckets of the work will include;· 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.
• Minimum of one-year related experience, two to three years preferred.
• Experience in the Violence Against Women (VAW) sector an asset
• 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.

We do also have some general employment eligibility requirements;Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check

What makes WCSWR a great place to work?· A full 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· Generous total rewards package (health benefits, RRSP, paid time off etc.)

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

Please submit cover letter and resume on or before November 14th, 2025

Joyce Birnstihl Human Resources Manager, Operations700 Heritage Drive Kitchener, ON N2A3N9

Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region is an Equal Opportunity Employer; we welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, to Joyce Birnstihl, Human Resources Manager, Operations.

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