Job Summary
The Child and Youth Program Worker is responsible for creating and delivering trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate programming and support for children and youth impacted by violence, in partnership with their mothers or caregivers. This role fosters emotional safety, resilience, and healthy development through structured activities, one-on-one support, and advocacy. Working collaboratively with the Crossroads for Women team, the worker also ensures the well-being and safety of children and families within the shelter and outreach programs, while maintaining accurate documentation and upholding the values of the organization.
Responsibilities
- Plan, design, and implement group and individual activities tailored to the needs of each child and youth.
- Offer daily programming that promotes healing, emotional regulation, life skills, and self-expression.
- Create a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for children to learn, grow, and recover from trauma.
- Support children in developing healthy boundaries, communication skills, and emotional literacy.
- Assist in the creation and implementation of child-appropriate safety plans.
- Coach and support mothers during their stay at the transition house, holding group and individual meetings regularly.
- Build trusting relationships with children and their mothers through supportive listening and consistent engagement.
- Provide one-on-one emotional support, crisis intervention, and practical assistance as needed.
- Respond to emergencies and crises in accordance with agency protocols, ensuring the safety of all residents and staff.
- Offer childcare during appointments, self-care time for mothers, or when requested by outreach staff.
- Support children and their families in navigating systems and accessing community resources (e.g., housing, childcare, education, legal aid, social services).
- Collaborate with staff and external partners to deliver coordinated, wraparound care.
- Understand and act on legal responsibilities related to suspected child abuse, including mandated reporting to Child Protection Services.
- Maintain clear, accurate, and confidential case notes and logs in accordance with professional standards.
- Complete incident reports and program statistics as required for internal tracking and reporting purposes.
- Participate in staff meetings, team planning, and professional development opportunities.
- Contribute ideas and feedback to improve programming, services, and policies.
- Adhere to all Crossroads for Women protocols, practices, and values.
- Remain flexible and adaptable to changes in schedule or client needs.
- Actively support the mission and mandate of Crossroads for Women in all aspects of the role.
Qualifications
- Education and Experience: Post-secondary diploma/degree in social work, Child and Youth Work, Child and Youth Care or a degree/diploma in an unrelated discipline and 2 years professional
- Cultural Competency: Cultural humility and respect for diversity in all forms.
- Knowledge of transition houses, community resources and childcare best practices
- Bilingualism in English and French (spoken and written) is required.
- Communication: Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Advocacy & Navigation: Trauma-informed, feminist, and anti-oppressive practice framework.
- Able to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
- Flexibility: Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed.
- Other Requirements:
- Satisfactory vulnerable sector and criminal record check.
- Legal eligibility to work in Canada.
- ASSIST, CPR and First Aid certification (ongoing training provided).
Pay: $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Education:
- Secondary School (required)
Language:
- English (required)
- French (preferred)
Work Location: In person
