The Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting health, wellness, safety, and inclusion across far west Ottawa. Since 1986, WOCRC has supported individuals and families through a wide range of community, social, and health services designed to strengthen and empower the communities we serve.
Our programs support children, youth, families, newcomers, seniors, and individuals experiencing crisis or social isolation through counselling, housing and violence against women services, community development initiatives, health promotion, and family support programming.
At WOCRC, we are committed to fostering healthy, inclusive, vibrant, and resilient communities where individuals feel supported, connected, and empowered to thrive.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Child and Youth Care Practitioner is part of a multi-disciplinary team that addresses and supports issues related to youth ages 12 -26; their family and community. Through facilitation and coordination, this position is responsible for empowering youth and for encouraging and supporting Community Members to identify needs develop strategies as well implement programs and services that respond to the issues. In addition, this position is responsible for providing opportunities for increased community capacity as well as supporting public education and community engagement. This position supports the communities of Kanata, Goulburn and West Carleton.
This is a casual, flexible position with shifts available during evenings, weekends, and early mornings. Hours are offered on an on-call basis and may vary depending on operational needs. Candidates must be available to work a flexible schedule and be willing to accept shifts with short notice when required.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Outreach activities to at-risk youth (ages 12-26) and their families including identification of needs and interests through the planning and facilitation
- Develops and implements/facilitates community-based leadership and mentoring programs and workshops that develop the self-confidence, social and life skills of participants;
- Develops/implements special projects and workshops that meet the identified needs of the community;
- Facilitates project activities and community forums related to youth needs;
- Promotes community volunteerism and recognizes volunteers, supervision of the volunteers and ensures proper orientation, evaluation, and feedback;
- Supports advocacy and increases awareness around youth issues;
- Liaises with program staff and ensures the program needs are being met.
- Creates a supportive environment for youth to address barriers they may be experiencing;
- Provides information about access to community resources for participants;
- Assists with keeping records for petty cash, program participation forms, maintains the client database, crisis interventions/referrals and program evaluation;
- Provides coordination of homework club program, including assisting in interviews for tutors and providing coordination and support.
- Participates as an active team member in staff meetings and partner agency meetings as appropriate;
- Assists with writing interim and final reports
All WOCRC employees have some fundamental responsibilities that go beyond the confines of their occupations. These include:
- Ensuring that the commitment to WOCRC’s vision, mission and beliefs are understood and respected;
- Ensuring that the commitment to diversity is understood and respected. This includes diversity of culture, language, faith expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic resources and degrees of physical (dis)ability;
- Maintaining up-to-date professional skills and knowledge through formal and informal training;
- Acting as an “ambassador” for WOCRC within and outside the Centre by creating an awareness of WOCRC programs and promoting services offered;
- Compliance with all mandated legal/regulatory requirements related to working at WOCRC, (, Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety, standards of professional conduct);
- Maintaining awareness of and compliance with WOCRC policies and procedures;
- Maintaining awareness of and compliance with funder requirements, policies, procedures and regulations;
- Attending/chairing team and staff meetings as required.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience
- Diploma in the Child and Youth Care Practitioner program, or degree in Social Work, or equivalent combination of education and training;
- Minimum of 1 year experience working with youth, their family and community in a community-based model of practice, including: community capacity building and mobilization;
- Training and experience with group facilitation and leadership development;
- Knowledge of risk, risk assessment and protective factors faced by LGBTQ+ youth;
- Knowledge of building resilience and community belonging through youth drop-in model;
- Lived experience of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia is an asset;
- Demonstrated knowledge of professional standards and ethical guidelines for child and youth workers, counsellors and social service workers, including knowledge of ethical challenges and guidelines for providing service to gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation that may have dual roles within the LGBTQ+ communities.
Language Competencies
- Fluent in English, spoken and written, is essential;
- Fluent in other language(s) considered an asset.
Computer Competencies
- Intermediate knowledge of Office Suite
Other
- Knowledge of social services delivered in Ottawa;
- Excellent communication skills;
- Ability to work flexible hours is mandatory; position involves evening and weekend work;
- Valid First Aid and CPR considered an asset;
- Knowledge of the Child and Family Services Act;
- General knowledge of the Education Act;
- General knowledge of Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
The Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre (WOCRC) is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We value diversity and are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
WOCRC welcomes applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, including but not limited to women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, newcomers, and individuals from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
We are committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applicants requiring accommodation are encouraged to contact Human Resources via email at
[email protected].
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, due to the volume of applications received, only those selected for interview will be contacted.
This role represents an existing vacancy.
