Employment

Boost Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (Boost CYAC) is a registered charity that has worked in the City of Toronto for the past 37 years providing support to children and youth who have experienced abuse or violence, and their families.

We are looking for a Child & Youth Advocate to provide support and advocacy to clients when they attend Boost CYAC for a child abuse investigation and when they need to testify in a criminal court proceeding. This is not a clinical or therapy based role; however, you will need a strong understanding of crisis intervention and case management. You will collaborate with police, child protection agencies, counsellors, medical professionals, crown attorneys and victim services professionals to provide a holistic service to the children, youth and their supportive families who attend the CYAC and are involved in the criminal justice system.

YOU’LL NEED TO HAVE:

• A BSW, MSW or equivalent degree or diploma in social work, social services, criminology or equivalent.
• A minimum of three (3) years relevant work experience, working directly with victims of violence, abuse and trauma.
• Direct experience collaborating with teams of multidisciplinary professionals and community partners.
• Sound knowledge of child and adolescent development and trauma and demonstrated ability to provide sensitivity and support to child and youth victims and their families.
• Sound knowledge of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, the Criminal Justice System and provisions available to victims/vulnerable witnesses and their families.
• Sound knowledge of the critical issues facing child/youth witness in criminal court proceedings and the various testimonial aids available to child witnesses.
• Demonstrated ability to respond to crisis situations and provide crisis support when required.
• Strong awareness of multiple cultures and the cultural impact on the delivery of service. Bilingualism and/or multilingualism is considered an asset.
• The ability to employ self-care strategies and maintain a positive attitude in relation to potentially stressful situations.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated flexibility, judgement, initiative, confidentiality and a strong work ethic.
• Proficiency in computer skills including database management.

THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THIS ROLE WILL:

At the time of the investigation:

• Provide support and advocacy services to children, youth and their families who attend Boost CYAC for an investigative interview.
• Provide psycho-education to families on the impact of trauma and violence as well as helpful strategies on how to support their children and the benefits of counselling.
• Provide crisis intervention, in partnership and consultation with CYAC counsellors, when significant safety concerns and/or mental health risks are identified.
• Facilitate referrals to appropriate services within Boost CYAC and/or social service organizations in the community.
• Collaborate with various members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT)regularly to plan, consult and advocate for clients.
• Provide ongoing case management services in accordance with established timelines and serve as the family’s liaison and representative to the MDT.

Prior to and during the criminal court proceedings:

• Provide individual court preparation session(s), with a focus on discussing fears, concerns and questions about going to court, discussing strategies to mitigate identified fears and concerns, providing information and answering questions about the criminal justice system, explaining the court process and the roles within it, and providing information about the child or youth’s role as a witness in criminal court proceedings.
• Liaise with Crown Attorney’s, Victim Witness Assistance Program, police and child protection staff to advocate for child witnesses, particularly with respect to testimonial aids and court support services.
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• Conduct assessments on issues regarding children’s testimonial competency and the need for special accommodations (e.g., closed-circuit TV, Khan Applications, etc.), when requested by the court.
• Provide support to children and youth by accompanying them to court and/or acting as a Designated Support Person, if required.
• Provide support to caregivers with a child/youth who is testifying in court, and provide guidance in supporting their child/youth throughout the process.
• Provide post court support including debrief meetings, assistance completing Victim Impact Statements and Criminal Injuries Compensation
• Board applications, and referrals for ongoing counselling and support services, when appropriate.

HERE’S HOW TO APPLY:

If you want to help us provide invaluable support to children, youth and their families please send your cover letter and resume by email to Linda Arwich, Manager of Human Resources and Administration at arwich@boostforkids.org.

Application Deadline: March 22, 2019

Boost CYAC is committed to: creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer; and providing accommodations in all aspects of the recruitment and hiring process under the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

We thank all applicants for their submission; only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.